Autonomic Nervous System and Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction: Pathology, Assessment, and Treatment Considerations for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Health Specialists

The autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal (GI) system share a bidirectional relationship. Clinically, disruptions to either of these systems mutually influence the onset and persistence of symptoms modulated by the other system. The impact of autonomic dysfunction on GI health is especially relevant in the care of pediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) as these patients commonly report a diverse range of symptoms both within and outside the GI tract. Therefore, it is essential to include the role of autonomic function in the assessment and treatment of pediatric patients with DGBI.