European and North American guidelines for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Abdominal Pain in Childhood: A guide for healthcare professionals

Abstract

Abdominal pain-related disorders of gut brain interaction (AP-DGBI) are very common amongst children and adolescents worldwide. These disorders—including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS)—have high rates of school absenteeism, psychological comorbidities, and chronicity into adulthood. A wide range of psychosocial, dietary, and pharmacologic treatments have been explored for treatment of AP-DGBI. However, the evidence base remains broad but shallow, limiting certainty about the effectiveness of specific therapies. This article translates the new evidence-based treatment guidelines, produced by the European and North American societies for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN, respectively) into practical guidance for general paediatricians and primary care providers. This paper aims to empower clinicians at all levels of care to make informed, evidence-based decisions through a shared decision-making approach tailored to the management of children with AP-DGBI.