[Health Policy] European and North American guidelines for treating irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain in childhood: a guide for health-care professionals

Abdominal pain-related disorders of gut–brain interaction (AP-DGBI; including irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified, abdominal migraine, and functional dyspepsia) are very common among children and adolescents worldwide. Two of these disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified, have high rates of school absenteeism, psychological comorbidities, and chronicity into adulthood. A wide range of psychosocial, dietary, and pharmacological treatments have been explored for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified in children.