Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) describes a common group of symptoms that often includes abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel movements.

Causes

Pediatric GI specialists are not sure what causes IBS. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Another possibility is nerves may react when the bowel stretches, causing cramping or pain. IBS can be painful, but it does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system. IBS does not lead to other health problems.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by or associated with a bowel movement
• Distention or bloating in the abdomen
• Chronic diarrhea, constipation or alternating diarrhea and constipation
• The feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement

Exams and Tests

Your child's pediatric GI specialist may suspect your child has IBS because of his/her symptoms. The doctor will take a complete medical history that includes a detailed description of your child's symptoms and will do a physical exam. Many pediatric gastroenterologists refer to an established set of symptoms that must be present before making a diagnosis of IBS.

Your child's doctor will likely also perform tests to rule out other health problems with similar symptoms to IBS. These tests might include blood tests and abdominal ultrasound.

Treatment

IBS has no cure, but you can do things to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve:

Diet changes

Your child's pediatric GI specialist may recommend keeping a diary that tracks:

• what your child eats during the day
• what symptoms they have
• when symptoms occur
• what foods always make them feel sick

You may find your child should avoid:

• fatty foods, like french fries
• chocolate
• caffeinated drinks, like coffee and some sodas
• carbonated drinks, like soda

Medicine

The pediatric gastroenterologist may give your child medicine to help with symptoms.

• Laxatives treat constipation. Many kinds of laxatives are available. Your doctor can help you find the laxative that is right for you.
• Antispasmodics control spasms in the colon and help ease abdominal pain.
• Antidepressants, in lower doses than used for treating depression, can help reduce the abdominal discomfort or pain associated with IBS and, depending on the type chosen, may help the diarrhea or constipation.

Stress relief

Emotional stress does not cause IBS, but it can make symptoms worse. Learning to reduce stress can help with IBS. With less stress, your child may have less cramping and pain.

Points to Remember

• IBS can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
• A pediatric GI specialist will diagnose IBS based on symptoms. Your child may need to have medical tests to rule out other health problems.
• Stress doesn't cause IBS, but it can make your symptoms worse.
• Fatty foods, chocolate, and caffeinated and carbonated drinks can trigger symptoms.
• Treatment for IBS may include medicine, stress relief, and changes in eating habits.

For More Information

National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health - digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217–8076
Phone: 1.888.964.2001 or 414.964.1799
Fax: 414.964.7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
aboutkidsgi.org