The association between low birth weight, childhood recollections of parental response to illness, and irritable bowel syndrome: a twin study

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder typically characterized by abdominal pain, altered bowel habit, and bloating. The current diagnostic criteria are described in the Rome IV guidelines. 1 Estimates of the prevalence of IBS in the UK vary based on diagnostic criteria; however, a recent large community study found 5.5% met the Rome IV criteria in the UK. 2 IBS is associated with significant healthcare costs estimated to be £90-£316 for each person with IBS in the UK. 3 The wider economy is impacted

Brain to Belly: Abdominal Variants of Migraine and Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders Associated With Migraine

“…87 In some families, the secondary benefit of having abdominal pain, such as providing an excuse to avoid household tasks, increases the risk of IBS in low-birth-weight children. 98 These studies show the difficulties in understanding the underlying causes of such a multi-factorial syndrome.…”

“…Unfortunately, most of the trials regarding pharmaceutical therapies study children suffering from functional abdominal pain and not IBS or FD alone. 98 or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), acid suppressing agents, antispasmodics, and antihistamines. However, probiotics seem to be effective in treating IBS in children with an estimated number need to treat of 4 according to a meta-analysis of 19 randomized control trials (RCTs).…”