Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome Care
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common digestive disorders in children, affecting how the intestines function without causing lasting damage. If your child experiences recurring abdominal pain along with changes in their bowel habits, our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists can help. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it affects how the bowel works rather than causing structural damage or inflammation. Children with IBS experience recurring abdominal pain or discomfort along with changes in their bowel habits. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease, IBS does not damage the digestive tract or lead to more serious conditions, but it can still significantly affect a child’s comfort and daily life. With the right management plan, most children are able to control their symptoms effectively.
What Are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The symptoms of IBS vary from child to child, but the most common include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by a bowel movement
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
- Bloating and gas
- A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
- Mucus in the stool
Symptoms are often triggered or worsened by certain foods, stress, and changes in routine.
What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute, including increased sensitivity of the intestines, changes in how the gut and brain communicate, and the way the muscles of the bowel contract. Stress, anxiety, and certain foods do not cause IBS, but they can trigger or intensify symptoms in children who have the condition.
How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Because there is no single test for IBS, our pediatric gastroenterologists begin by reviewing your child’s medical history and symptoms and performing a physical exam. To rule out other conditions, the doctor may order additional testing, such as:
- Blood and urine tests
- Stool tests
- A lactose breath test to check for lactose intolerance
- Imaging studies
- An endoscopy or colonoscopy when needed
Ruling out conditions such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease is an important part of confirming an IBS diagnosis.
How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated?
Because IBS affects each child differently, treatment is tailored to your child’s specific symptoms and triggers. Management strategies often include:
Dietary Changes
Adjusting fiber intake, identifying and avoiding trigger foods, and staying well hydrated can significantly reduce symptoms.
Stress Management
Because stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms, techniques to help your child manage stress are often an important part of treatment.
Medication
When needed, the doctor may recommend medications to help manage specific symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
With a thoughtful, individualized approach, most children with IBS can find meaningful relief. Explore all of our pediatric GI services to learn more, then call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects how the bowel works. It causes recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, but unlike inflammatory bowel disease, it does not damage the digestive tract.
How is IBS different from inflammatory bowel disease?
IBS is a functional disorder, meaning it affects how the bowel functions without causing inflammation or lasting damage. Inflammatory bowel disease, on the other hand, involves actual inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. The two conditions require different treatment approaches.
What are the symptoms of IBS in children?
Common symptoms include abdominal pain or cramping that often improves after a bowel movement, diarrhea, constipation or a mix of both, bloating, gas, and mucus in the stool. Symptoms are frequently triggered by certain foods or stress.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
Because there is no single test for IBS, diagnosis begins with a review of your child’s medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. Additional tests such as blood, urine, and stool tests, a lactose breath test, imaging, or endoscopy may be used to rule out other conditions.
Can certain foods trigger my child’s IBS?
Yes. While foods do not cause IBS, certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms. Identifying and avoiding your child’s specific trigger foods is often an important part of managing the condition.
Is there a cure for IBS?
There is no cure for IBS, but it can be managed very effectively. With dietary changes, stress management, and, when needed, medication, most children are able to control their symptoms and enjoy normal daily activities.
Which locations treat irritable bowel syndrome?
IBS is treated at all five of our locations: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, or Highland, Indiana. Call (708) 581-4911 to schedule.