Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: What is new?

Abstract

Abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders encompass a group of chronic conditions featuring abdominal pain where no serious gastrointestinal or intra-abdominal pathology is present. The Rome IV classification system defines and categorises this group based on symptomatology as: functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain - not otherwise specified and abdominal migraine. These conditions can impact the functioning of the child and family significantly and are challenging to manage. Although the causes of these conditions are not clear, recent years have seen an improved understanding of underlying pathophysiology and identification of effective management options for these conditions.