The role of intestinal gases in pediatric functional constipation: a narrative review of pathophysiology and emerging therapeutics
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Pediatric functional constipation is linked to gut gas imbalances. Targeting these microbial gases offers a promising new approach for effective treatment in children.
Area Of Science
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background
- Pediatric functional constipation (PFC) affects 18.2% of children globally, with conventional therapies failing in ~40% of cases.
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis and resulting imbalances in intestinal gases (H₂, CH₄, CO₂, H₂S) are increasingly recognized as key drivers of PFC pathophysiology.
- Elevated methane (CH₄) correlates with delayed colonic transit and symptom severity in PFC.
Purpose Of The Study
- To synthesize current knowledge on how microbial gas metabolism influences gut motility in PFC.
- To review novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting gas-microbiota interactions for precision medicine in PFC.
- To identify critical research gaps and emphasize the need for further pediatric-specific studies.
Main Methods
- Literature review synthesizing current research on gut gases, microbiota, and motility in PFC.
- Analysis of emerging diagnostic tools like breath testing, E-nose profiling, and wireless motility capsules.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies including antibiotics, probiotics, dietary interventions (FODMAP), and neuromodulation.
Main Results
- Microbial gases like CH₄, H₂, CO₂, and H₂S significantly impact gut motility, peristalsis, and mucosal signaling in PFC.
- Non-invasive diagnostics enable precise phenotyping of gas dynamics and transit.
- Emerging therapies targeting gas-microbiota interactions show promise but require pediatric-specific validation.
Conclusions
- Microbial gas metabolism is a critical factor in PFC pathophysiology, offering novel therapeutic targets.
- Precision medicine approaches integrating gastroenterology, microbiology, and engineering are needed for effective PFC management.
- Further research is essential to establish pediatric-specific diagnostic thresholds and validate long-term therapeutic outcomes.
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