Search
Close this search box.

Kids & Teens GI

kids and teens

Functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders in kids and teens include a variety of digestive disorders that occur in children from birth to 18-years-old. The disorders may interfere with daily functioning and include symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, problems in the passage of food or feces, or a combination of symptoms.

Some of these disorders are rare and others quite common. Functional GI disorders may constitute at least 40–50% of visits to a pediatric gastroenterologist, with the majority of disorders associated with abdominal pain.[1]

For example, in the U.S. about 200 new cases of intestinal pseudo-obstruction are diagnosed in children each year. Hirschsprung’s disease occurs in about 1 out of every 5,000 live births.

On the other hand, some GI disorders are relatively common. Constipation and/or encopresis account for approximately 10–25% of children who are referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist.

The occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children is similar to the rate in adults. Symptoms sufficient for a diagnosis of IBS were noted in 17% of high school students and 8% of middle school students.[2]

Three common functional GI disorders—infant regurgitation, functional fecal retention, and functional dyspepsia (recurrent abdominal pain)—each affect about 10% of the pediatric population.

Both genetics and early life experiences influence an individual’s susceptibility to adult functional gastrointestinal disorders. The developing brain and nervous system are influenced by early life experiences. Early effective interventions in children have the potential to prevent or reduce the incidence and/or severity of later functional GI disorders in adults.kids

However, much remains to be learned about these disorders. There is an urgent need to study these disorders in children.

 


Learn more about FGIDs in Kids and Teens

kids and teens

Watch our 2021 NES Pediatric Bonus Presentation 

References
Caplan A, Rasquin A. What’s New in Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. IFFGD publication #824.
Hyams JS, Burke G, Davis PM, Rzepski B, Andrulonis PA. Abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents: a community-based study. J Pediatr. 1996 Aug;129(2):220-226.

Learn more about Kids & Teens GI

Visit our sister site, About Kids & Teens GI, for more information about the disorder, signs & symptoms, treatment, and tips for living with it.
Share this page
Related Information
IFFGD Travel Awards

Background of IFFGD’s Travel Awards IFFGD first offered Travel Awards in 2023. To date, we have presented Awards to 23 young investigators from around the

Read More »
IFFGD’s 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness & Walk Event: A Unique Charitable Event with Achievable Goals for All

The 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness & Walk held Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Saturday, July 13, 2024 is a charitable event to raise money to support gastrointestinal illness research. 

Like a traditional walk, participants register to be active to get credit for steps taken during the event. However, this event goes beyond a step goal by also awarding points to participants for self-care, wellness, and outreach activities.

By adding these alternative activities, we hope that anyone that wants to participate, can participate. #Moves4GIhealth24

Read More »
Personal Stories
IFFGD Travel Awards

Background of IFFGD’s Travel Awards IFFGD first offered Travel Awards in 2023. To date, we have presented Awards to 23 young investigators from around the

Read More »
IFFGD’s 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness & Walk Event: A Unique Charitable Event with Achievable Goals for All

The 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness & Walk held Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Saturday, July 13, 2024 is a charitable event to raise money to support gastrointestinal illness research. 

Like a traditional walk, participants register to be active to get credit for steps taken during the event. However, this event goes beyond a step goal by also awarding points to participants for self-care, wellness, and outreach activities.

By adding these alternative activities, we hope that anyone that wants to participate, can participate. #Moves4GIhealth24

Read More »
Skip to content