Functional abdominal pain disorders and asthma: two disorders, but similar pathophysiology?
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.
['Kumari|Manori Vijaya|MV|', 'Amarasiri|Lakmali|L|', 'Rajindrajith|Shaman|S|', 'Devanarayana|Niranga Manjuri|NM|']
D015746:Abdominal Pain D000328:Adult D001249:Asthma D002648:Child D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract D006801:Humans
Abdominal pain asthma pathophysiology microbial dysbiosis immune dysfunction