Abstract:

Infants aged 0-6 months are at high risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) derived from immaturity of various systems, among which infant regurgitation and infant colic are predominant. Infants cannot accurately express their feelings, and some symptoms overlap with organic diseases, which are prone to induce anxiety and depression in overly concerned parents. Therefore, appropriate diagnosis and management helps to release symptoms, ease parents’ fear, and improve quality of life. Diagnostic criteria in China include “Rome IV-Functional GI Disorders: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction” and “Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia syndrome”, which hold different aspects according to concrete conditions and are utilized based on clinical judgement. Infants aged 0-6 months have milk as single nutrition source. Breastfeeding should remain the priority, while specific formula might be chosen in formula-fed infants based on comprehensive considerations including, the severity of problems, parents’ perspective, and family economic burden, etc. Management strategies include health education, nurturing guidance and nutritional intervention. Pharmaceutical treatment is not required in most situations.

Key words: functional gastrointestinal disorders, diagnosis and treatment, progress, infant