Abdominal pain in children can be very disabling and affect their daily lives. The solution of using probiotics to relieve these pains has been studied.
- Six out of ten children could regularly suffer from abdominal pain that is not related to a pathology.
- These pains are often linked to stress and anxiety in children.
- The anti-inflammatory effect of probiotics could act against these pains, but studies do not provide solid proof.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common problems in children. They can be acute or chronic, be associated with a pathology or be idiopathic. Some studies show that up to 61% of young children suffer from abdominal pain, while the prevalence in adolescents is around 25%.
Functional abdominal pain refers to all abdominal pain that is not related to a pathology. They are often attributed to stress or anxiety in the child and are particularly common in children with a history of digestive disorders. An analysis published in the journal Cochrane shows that probiotics could be an appropriate treatment. But their effectiveness has not been clearly demonstrated.
Probiotics: how do they work?
Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, can have a beneficial effect on human health. They act by colonizing the intestines, restoring the balance of the intestinal microflora and strengthening the barrier of the intestinal epithelium. Probiotics can also produce volatile organic acids, anti-inflammatories and antibacterials that help reduce inflammation and infection in the gut. This is why they are often offered as a treatment to relieve functional abdominal pain in children.
Probiotics more effective than placebo
Many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of functional abdominal pain in children. Review Cochrane published a meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials involving 1,528 children to determine the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing abdominal pain in children. The majority of trials compared probiotics to placebo. The results showed that probiotics may be more effective than placebo in improving pain in children with functional abdominal pain.
It is important to note however that the evidence is of low certainty. This review points out that more studies are needed to confirm whether probiotics are really effective in helping children with functional abdominal pain.
How to Treat Abdominal Pain in Children
Probiotics can therefore help relieve these pains, although the evidence is still lacking. However, if probiotic treatment is being considered, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the potential benefits and risks, especially if the child has an underlying disease or is taking medication.
Currently, the management of functional abdominal pain in children essentially relies on the family or the doctor to listen and reassure the young patient. This relieves symptoms and improves the child’s quality of life without necessarily eliminating the pain completely. Diets avoiding lactose or gluten may also be recommended depending on the child’s symptoms. These may also benefit from behavioral therapy or relaxation therapy to reduce stress.