Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term condition that affects the large intestine and causes changes in bowel movements. It is not a disease that causes damage to the intestine, but it does cause uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact a child’s daily life.
This post will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments of irritable bowel syndrome in children.
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in children?
The first sign is often a change in bowel movements: They may need to go to the bathroom more often or struggle to go at all. There may be days when things are normal, only for them to have diarrhea or constipation the next day.
Other symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps and nausea
- Urgency to go to the toilet
- Mucus in the stool
- Excess gas (burping or passing gas a lot) or feeling like the gas is trapped inside
- Feeling like they can’t finish going to the bathroom
What causes irritable bowel syndrome in children?
No one knows what causes IBS, but in some cases, there is a family history of IBS.
Several environmental factors commonly trigger symptoms of IBS. If a child is under chronic stress or has long-term anxiety or depression, this increases the risk of developing digestive problems such as IBS. For example, a child with IBS might get stressed when they have a big exam coming up, and this could lead to an IBS flare-up.
Other factors that may cause IBS include:
- Existing digestive problems
- An infection caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi
- Too much bacteria in the digestive tract
- Early childhood trauma
- Food sensitivities or allergies, such as spicy food
- A high-fat or sugar diet
How is IBS diagnosed?
Your doctor will first get a complete health history and ask about your child’s current symptoms. They will then do a physical exam and do tests (such as blood, stool samples, and urine tests) to check for inflammation and infection and rule out more serious digestive conditions.
If your doctor doesn’t find any signs of damage to the colon or other conditions, they may diagnose your child with IBS.
How does this impact my child’s daily life?
When a child is initially diagnosed with IBS, they may have concerns, and there will be a period of adjustments as they learn what their triggers are. It can be a source of embarrassment and may mean they avoid school or social situations.
They may have to stop eating certain foods so that they don’t get the symptoms, which can lead to weight loss.
In most cases, IBS will become a minor annoyance that can be easily managed with dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
How is irritable bowel syndrome treated in children?
The treatment for IBS will depend on your child’s age, overall health, and severity of symptoms. Learning that your child’s symptoms can be attributed to IBS, not to something more serious, often brings peace of mind to the child and parents.
After that, the treatment will focus on aiding the normal functioning of the bowel and reducing the risk of flare-ups. Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes such as more exercise
- Dietary changes to reduce or limit trigger foods such as high-fat and sugary foods, caffeine, and milk products
- Probiotics and food supplements to support bacterial growth in the bowels
- Medication
- Stress management and talk therapies such as CBT to help manage stress, anxiety, or depression
While there is no cure for IBS, it can be managed so that it has a minimal impact on your child’s daily life and overall development. However, if you notice that their symptoms are worse than usual or you have general concerns about your child’s digestive health and well-being, call us today to book an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians.