Prevalence of functional GI disorders among pediatric patients with persistent asthma

Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (FGIDs), such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain and dyspepsia, are common causes of chronic GI symptoms in children. Prior studies found high comorbidity of FGID and asthma. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and comorbidities of FGID among pediatric patients with asthma at a university-affiliated urban community hospital.

This prospective, cross-sectional study assessed FGID prevalence, asthma control and symptoms of anxiety among pediatric patients with persistent asthma. The pediatric ROME III questionnaire was used to assess FGID. The Asthma Control Test assessed asthma control. The Beck Anxiety Inventory assessed symptoms of anxiety.

Of the 110 enrolled patients, 18 (16.4%) met the diagnostic criteria for FGID, of which 10 were consistent with the diagnosis of functional abdominal pain disorder. Patients with FGID had a significantly lower mean asthma control score than patients without FGID (11.5 ± 4.9 vs 14.8 ± 5.3, P = 0.03; Cohen's d = 0.6) and higher mean anxiety scores than those without FGID (P < 0.01). Asthma control predicted the presence of FGID (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80-0.99, P = 0.03). However, after adjusted for anxiety, asthma control no longer predicted FGID presence (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-1.05, P = 0.23).

This study suggests a high prevalence of FGID among patients with persistent asthma. Moreover, patients with FGID had poor asthma control and increased anxiety. Clinicians should consider FGID in patients with poor asthma control and assess them for anxiety.