Abstract
Chronic abdominal pain accounts for approximately 50% of referrals to pediatric gastroenterologists, with most children suffering from functional abdominal pain (FAP) disorders (FAPDs). FAPDs include functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, and FAP–not otherwise specified. Etiologies include genetic predisposition and events that lead to disruption of the brain–gut–microbiota axis, such as environmental and psychosocial stressors, disruption of the gut microbiota, and early life events that lead to hyperalgesia, such as cow’s milk protein. FAPDs lead to impaired quality of life and increased health care costs. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited given most are studied in adults and not children, thus making FAPDs difficult to manage in pediatrics.