Written by Hannah Harp
Spoon Feed
The European and North American Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN) released recommendations for the treatment of functional abdominal pain (FAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Here’s what they had to say.
- Overall, evidence was poor and there were many gaps in research.
- Strongly recommended: hypnotherapy and CBT.
- Suggested: Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS).
- Suggested, but with lower certainty evidence: probiotics, synbiotics, peppermint oil capsules, amitriptyline, domperidone, and cyproheptadine.
- NOT suggested: buspirone, mebeverine, drotaverine, citalopram, and yoga.
- Strongly recommended against: cannabidiol or surgical intervention.
- For IBS specifically, soluble fiber and L. rhamnosus GG supplements are suggested.
- For IBS-D specifically, loperamide and bile acid sequestrants are suggested.
- Insufficient evidence for or against antispasmodic medications.
How does this change my practice?
There is still so much we don’t know about FAP and these interventions. Meanwhile, where to find a pediatric hypnotherapist…
Source
ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified in children aged 4-18 years. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 May 30. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70070. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40444524
