Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infancy and Early Childhood
Summary
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) encompass a spectrum of chronic or recurrent digestive symptoms in infants and young children in the absence of structural or biochemical abnormalities. These conditions include infantile regurgitation, colic, functional constipation and rumination syndrome. Although often transient, FGIDs exert a considerable burden on families and can impair quality of life. Pathophysiological mechanisms are multifactorial and involve alterations in gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut–brain interaction and the developing intestinal microbiota. Diagnostic frameworks rely on symptom-based criteria to distinguish functional disturbance from organic disease, most recently codified under the Rome IV classification. Epidemiological data suggest that up to one third of infants experience one or more FGIDs within the first year of life, with regurgitation being the most prevalent presentation in early infancy and constipation in toddlers. Management strategies combine parental education, dietary modification, behavioural measures and, in selected cases, pharmacological or probiotic interventions. Emerging research explores the role of multi-omic profiling, digital-health support tools and innovative formula compositions, highlighting the global imperative to refine diagnosis and optimise therapy in this vulnerable population.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infancy and Early Childhood publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy and early childhood across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs): A group of conditions characterised by chronic or recurrent digestive symptoms without detectable structural or biochemical abnormalities.
Visceral hypersensitivity: Heightened sensitivity of the internal organs to physiological stimuli, often contributing to pain and discomfort.
Gut–brain interaction: Bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, involving neural, hormonal and immunological pathways.
Rome IV criteria: Standardised symptom-based diagnostic guidelines for FGIDs, consolidating international consensus on clinical definitions.
References
- Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and young children in China. BMC Pediatrics (2021).
- Effects of a Mobile-Based Intervention for Parents of Children With Crying, Sleeping, and Feeding Problems: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth (2023).
- Infantile Colic and Long-Term Outcomes in Childhood: A Narrative Synthesis of the Evidence. Nutrients (2023).
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