| Many people do not realize it, but irritable bowel | | | | abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and similar problems. It is |
| syndrome can actually also develop in children. | | | | classified as being a functional disorder because it is |
| Although the condition is not considered as being | | | | caused by a problem in the intestines, and it may be |
| major or serious in any way, the symptoms that are | | | | a cause of recurring abdominal pain in children. When |
| caused by the condition can be incredibly frustrating | | | | it comes to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome |
| and annoying, not to mention embarrassing, especially | | | | in children, a basic diagnosis here will usually be based |
| for children who are even less able to deal with | | | | on the child experiencing abdominal pain and cramping, |
| these sorts of things. In children and adolescents, IBS | | | | as well as on any of the following: the pain is relieved |
| affects girls and boys equally and may be | | | | after having a bowel movement, the onset of pain is |
| diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, or | | | | typically associated with a change in stool |
| have a variable stool pattern. Children with IBS may | | | | consistency, and the onset of pain is associated with |
| also have headache, nausea, or mucus in the stool. | | | | a change in the frequency of stools. |
| Weight loss may occur if a child eats less to try to | | | | Although there are many similarities between irritable |
| avoid pain. Some children first develop symptoms | | | | bowel syndrome in adults and irritable bowel |
| after a stressful event, such as teething, a bout with | | | | syndrome in children, there are many differences as |
| the flu, or problems at school or at home. Stress | | | | well. For instance, in order to diagnose the condition |
| does not cause IBS, but it can trigger symptoms. | | | | the doctor will have to ask questions about the |
| To diagnose IBS, the doctor will ask questions about | | | | symptoms the child is experiencing and physically |
| symptoms and examine the child to rule out more | | | | examine the child in order to rule out more serious |
| serious problems or diseases. IBS is not a disease-it is | | | | problems and diseases. With the condition of irritable |
| a syndrome, or group of symptoms that occur | | | | bowel syndrome in children, the attending doctor will |
| together. It does not damage the intestine, so if the | | | | usually treat the condition with a change in diet, or at |
| physical exam and other tests show no sign of | | | | least this will be their first attempt. This includes |
| disease or damage, the doctor may diagnose IBS. In | | | | getting the child to eat more fiber, drink more water, |
| children, IBS is treated mainly through changes in | | | | and eat less fatty and greasy foods. Medications are |
| diet-eating more fiber and less fat to help prevent | | | | also often recommended, although special care has |
| spasms-and through bowel training to teach the child | | | | to be taken here because medications affect children |
| to empty the bowels at regular, specific times during | | | | a lot differently than they do adults. |
| the day. Medications like laxatives are rarely | | | | Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome |
| prescribed because children are more susceptible to | | | | can usually be relieved or even completely eliminated |
| addiction than adults. When laxatives are necessary, | | | | simply with a change in diet or with medication, if this |
| parents must follow the doctor's instructions carefully. | | | | does not seem to be enough then further steps are |
| Learning stress management techniques may also | | | | going to need to be taken. Hypnosis, yoga, and other |
| help some children. | | | | relaxation techniques are often used to reduce stress |
| There is a lot of important information to know | | | | and help relieve the symptoms associated with the |
| when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome in children. | | | | condition, for instance. |
| For one, it is a digestive disorder that causes | | | | |