Functional abdominal pain disorders and asthma: two disorders, but similar pathophysiology?

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Date

2021

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and asthma are common ailments affecting both children and adults worldwide. Multiple studies have demonstrated an association between these two disorders. However, the exact reason for this observed association is not apparent. AREAS COVERED: The current review has explored available literature and outlined multiple underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, common to both asthma and FAPDs, as possible reasons for this association. EXPERT OPINION: Smooth muscle dysfunction, hypersensitivity and hyper-responsiveness, mucosal inflammation, and barrier dysfunction involving gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts are the main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms described for the generation of symptoms in FAPDs and asthma. In addition, alterations in neuroendocrine regulatory functions, immunological dysfunction, and microbial dysbiosis have been described in both disorders. We believe that the pathophysiological processes that were explored in this article would be able to expand the mechanisms of the association. The in-depth knowledge is needed to be converted to therapeutic and preventive strategies to improve the quality of care of children suffering from FAPDs and asthma. KEYWORDS: Abdominal pain; asthma; immune dysfunction; microbial dysbiosis; pathophysiology.

Description

Indexed in MEDLINE

Keywords

abdominal pain

Citation

Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2021;15(1):9-24.

Endorsement

Review

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