Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) previously known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are common in infancy and encompass the conditions reflux, colic, and constipation(1-3). Among these, reflux is the most prevalent, affecting approximately 30% of infants, followed by colic (20%) and constipation (15%) (3) . These conditions frequently co-occur (2) . Multiple concurrent DGBIs is associated with increased medical visits and linked to several adverse outcomes, including reduced duration of breastfeeding, lower body weight, increased prescription of medications, slower recovery, and diminished quality of life (2) . This study aimed to explore parental perspectives of the diagnosis and management of reflux, colic and constipation in infants aged up to one year. A sample of 352 parents were recruited via the online parenting platform, Everymum.ie, and completed a 36-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were carried out using IMB SPSS Version 29. Most participants were female (91%), aged between 25-34 years (56%), and highly educated (78% attended third level education). The proportion of infants reported to have experienced one of the three disorders was 41% and a further 41% reported two, and 18% had experienced all three disorders. Reflux was most common, affecting 73% (n=258), followed by constipation (56%, n=194) and colic (48%, n=171). For reflux (n=258), 40% (n=102) reported receiving no treatment, yet general practitioners (GPs) were the most common to diagnose (36%, n=92). Among those diagnosed by a public health nurse (PHN) (19%, n=50) or who self-diagnosed (27%, n=70), a large proportion reported receiving no treatment (38%, n=19 and 60%, n=42, respectively). In contrast, if treatment was advised, medication was the most common recommendation from GPs and paediatricians (47% (n=43), 49% (n=18), respectively). In cases of constipation (n=194), 56% were self-diagnosed and 37% of those who reported constipation stated no treatment, with 36% selecting “other treatment”, including dietary changes (prunes, increased fibre), additional water, exercises, massages and warm baths. Of those who experienced colic (n=171), 39% were diagnosed by a GP, 31% were self-diagnosed and 21% by a PHN. In general, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents did not treat colic. However, if treatment was advised, GPs and PHNs were likely to suggest either a change in formula (31%, n=21 and 36%, n=13, respectively) or medication (30% n=20, 22% n=8 respectively). Whereas those who self-diagnosed used medication more often (32%, n=17) and only 19% (n=10) changed formula. This study found a high prevalence of the common DGBIs (reflux, colic, and constipation) in infants, with nearly two-thirds of the infants experiencing multiple conditions. Diagnosis and management varied widely, particularly between HCPs and self-diagnosing parents. Despite guidelines recommending nutritional approaches before medication as first-line management, this was not consistently followed by HCPs. Improved awareness and implementation of evidence-based nutritional management is needed to help improve care and reduce family stress.
Morrissey et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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