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You are here: Home / Digestive Disorders in Children / Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) In Children

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) In Children

IBSIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which is a problem with the way the large intestine or colon works. IBS is not a disease, but rather consists of symptoms that occur simultaneously. The most common symptom of IBS is functional abdominal pain (pain that cannot be explained by any detectable abnormality) coupled with diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Studies show that 5-20% of children report symptoms of IBS, with boys and girls being equally affected. A child who is growing normally, and has no known injury or disease, may be diagnosed with IBS if he is experiencing abdominal discomfort at least once a week for 2 months, especially in conjunction with changes in bowel movement frequency or consistency.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the GI Tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines (bowel), and anus. The colon is the part of the large intestine that absorbs liquid and nutrients that are not digested in the small intestine. Anything not absorbed by the colon is changed into solid matter called stool. The muscles in the colon work together to pass the stool into the rectum, which stores it until a bowel movement occurs.

Any interruption in this process can cause pain or discomfort. If the colon moves too fast or too slow, or stops and starts abruptly, it may produce gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children

While every child is different, other common symptoms of IBS include:pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) disease

  • A change in frequency of bowel movements
  • A change in the consistency of bowel movements
  • An improvement in pain level when a bowel movement occurs
  • While every child is different, other common symptoms of IBS include:
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Mucus in the bowel movement
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Feeling as if the bowels are not emptied after a bowel movement
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not certain, however, researchers believe that a combination of both physical and mental factors can contribute to IBS. Some possible triggers include:

  • Diet: Spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, dairy, and consuming large meals can bring on IBS symptoms.
  • Stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Hypersensitivity of the bowel
  • Problems with the signal between the brain and the intestinal nerves
  • Bacterial gastroenteritis: Irritation or infection caused by bacteria in the stomach or intestines.
  • Lactose or gluten intolerance
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): An increase in the normal amount or type of bacteria in the small intestine.
  • Problem with the way food moves through the GI tract: Slow or fast movement or spasms can cause pain and diarrhea.
  • Family history: Studies show that patients with IBS have a higher rate of GI problems in their family history.

Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children

A diagnosis of IBS can usually be made by performing a thorough physical examination and evaluating your child's medical history, including:

  • Symptoms
  • Family history
  • Recent illnesses
  • Stressful events
  • Medications

Your doctor may recommend additional diagnostic tests to check for inflammation, infection, or other intestinal problems. Procedures may include:

  • Blood tests: To check for anemia, infection, or illness.
  • Urine culture and analysis: To check for urinary tract infection.
  • Stool sample analysis: To check for blood, bacteria, or parasites in the stool.
  • Abdominal x-ray: To evaluate the internal organs.
  • Lactose breath hydrogen test: To test for lactose intolerance as a possible cause.
  • Ultrasound: Creates a picture of the internal organs using high frequency sound waves.
  • Lower GI Endoscopy – Colonoscopy: An outpatient procedure performed under light anesthesia whereby a long, flexible tube, equipped with a small light and camera, is inserted into the anus to examine the inside of the large intestine.
  • Upper GI Endoscopy – EGD: Procedure in which an ultra-thin flexible tube, equipped with a small light and camera (endoscope), is inserted down the throat to examine the digestive tract. An endoscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome involves alleviating symptoms to restore normal daily function. Your child's treatment may vary depending on:

  • Age, health, and medical history
  • Severity of symptoms
  • Tolerance of procedures or medications
  • Parental preference

Diet and nutrition play an important role in managing IBS. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and keeping a diary of bothersome foods can help lessen symptoms and identify triggers.  Foods that are commonly reported to contribute to IBS include:

  • Dairy products
  • Spicy or fatty foods
  • Caffeine
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Gas-producing foods, such as beans or cabbage

The low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, DI-saccharides, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols) diet is a new approach to treating irritable bowel syndrome. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates that produce gas due to poor absorption in the small intestine. When limited (not eliminated) in the diet, a majority of patients reported improvements in their IBS symptoms.

High FODMAP foods include:

  • Milk, yogurt, and certain types of cheese
  • Sugar-free gum and candy
  • High fructose corn syrup and honey
  • Rye and wheat breads, pastas and crackers
  • Certain vegetables: Asparagus, artichokes, cauliflower, mushrooms, snow and snap peas, legumes, onion, and garlic.
  • Certain fruits: Apples, cherries, apricots, watermelon, avocado, mango, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines and blackberries.
  • A low FODMAP diet is not intended to be used long-term. A 6-8 week supervised diet, in which foods are gradually re-introduced has been shown to benefit patients with IBS. Consult your doctor before starting any new food regiment.

Other treatments for alleviating symptoms of IBS include:

  • Stress management, such as talk therapy or hypnotherapy
  • Medication: Your doctor may recommend laxatives, fiber supplements, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, or antidepressants depending on your child's symptoms. Consult your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicines for IBS.
  • Probiotics: Live bacteria similar to the natural bacteria in the GI tract, which come in tablet, pill, or powder form. Your doctor can advise you on the proper amount to improve IBS symptoms.
  • Counseling and behavior modification: Amy Allen Meyer, M.Ed., LPC, RPT-S, NCC – Licensed Professional Counselor and Play Therapist. Amy is an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and National Certified Counselor who counsels children and adolescents, ages 2-18, and their families from her private practice in Frisco, Texas.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children Resources

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 
Phone: 215–233–0808 
Email: naspghan@naspghan.org 

American Academy of Pediatrics National Headquarters 
Phone: 847–434–4000 

American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society
Phone: 734–699–1130 
Email: admin@motilitysociety.org 

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Phone: 1–888–964–2001 or 414–964–1799 
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org 

Rome Foundation
Phone: 919–345–3927 
Email: mpickard@theromefoundation.org 

If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Plano Office or Southlake Office.

Digestive Health & Nutrition in Children

Southlake and plano office

Our offices are convienently located in Plano and Southlake, TX. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care. Dr. Dave and her staff work extremely hard to streamline the referral process, expedite appointment scheduling, and promptly respond to patient calls. Her practice offers a pure pediatric environment. A pediatric trained … Dr. Manisha "Mona" Dave

MOM-APPROVED DOCTOR – DFW CHILD MAGAZINE

Manisha “Mona” Harpavat Dave, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist Digestive Health & Nutrition in Children Diplomate Certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics Awards and Honors          Scientific Research Plano Office 6300 W Parker Rd, Bldg 2, Suite 424 Plano, TX 75093 Phone: … Dr. Mona Dave

Belly Pain in Kids

Abdominal pain in kids

Abdominal (belly) pain in children is a common condition and, while not generally a serious problem, one that can cause considerable discomfort. Approximately 30% of children visit a doctor due to abdominal pain by age 15, and 10-15% of school aged children report recurring abdominal pain. Because abdominal pain can have a wide variety of causes, diagnosis can often be … Belly Pain

Celiac Disease in Children

Celiac disease (CD, Celiac Sprue, Gluten Intolerance) in children tends to have digestive disorders that may result in growth problems. Celiac disease prevents the body from absorbing essential nutrients (nutrient malabsorption) resulting in diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal distention, failure to thrive and muscle wasting. Celiac disease in teenagers may not occur … Celiac Disease

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Digestive Health & Nutrition

Manisha “Mona” Dave, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Texas Digestive Disease Consultants
 

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Plano, TX 75093

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