Pediatr. praxi. 2025;26(4):265-270

Some functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in infants and their management

doc. MUDr. Milan Kuchta, CSc.

Klinika detí a dorastu LF UPJŠ a DFN Košice

Introduction: The postnatal adaptation of a child to extrauterine life is a very complex process and occurs with different sequences and different "speeds". From this point of view, the manifestations of adaptation of the digestive tract may not always be correctly understood and interpreted and may have varied symptoms. Several symptoms may not be "pathological" manifestations but adaptation manifestations. These manifestations are usually transient and do not seriously threaten the child. Examples include infant grumbling or infant colic. Context: It is necessary to realize that many functional disorders of the digestive tract result from the gradual adaptation of the child's digestive tract to changes in diet, neuropsychic and physical growth development, and bio-psycho-social aspects of the interaction of the intestine and the brain. The most comprehensive classification of functional gastrointestinal disorders is given in the Rome criteria. So far, the latest edition is from 2016 (Rome IV). Still, Rome V is already in preparation (planned edition 2026), in which the term "functional disorders" is replaced by the term "GIT-CNS interaction disorders". The new Rome V classification, also based on EBM knowledge and in accordance with the acceptance of the concept of the "brain/gut axis", will help speed up and make the diagnosis and therapy of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) more effective even in infancy. It should also greatly help paediatricians working in general practitioners' clinics for children and adolescents.

Conclusion: Acceptance of the bio-psycho-social model of functional gastrointestinal disorders is essential not only for children with difficulties and their families but also has economic significance. Understanding the origin and existence of difficulties brings significant savings for unperformed (and in most cases also not indicated) examinations.

Keywords: infant, toddler, regurgitation, functional gastrointestinal disorders, Rome criteria, brain/gut axis.

Published: September 26, 2025  Show citation