Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Children

Many people do not realize it, but irritable bowelabdominal 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 beingcaused by a problem in the intestines, and it may be
major or serious in any way, the symptoms that area cause of recurring abdominal pain in children. When
caused by the condition can be incredibly frustratingit comes to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
and annoying, not to mention embarrassing, especiallyin children, a basic diagnosis here will usually be based
for children who are even less able to deal withon the child experiencing abdominal pain and cramping,
these sorts of things. In children and adolescents, IBSas well as on any of the following: the pain is relieved
affects girls and boys equally and may beafter having a bowel movement, the onset of pain is
diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, ortypically associated with a change in stool
have a variable stool pattern. Children with IBS mayconsistency, 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 toAlthough there are many similarities between irritable
avoid pain. Some children first develop symptomsbowel syndrome in adults and irritable bowel
after a stressful event, such as teething, a bout withsyndrome in children, there are many differences as
the flu, or problems at school or at home. Stresswell. 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 aboutsymptoms the child is experiencing and physically
symptoms and examine the child to rule out moreexamine the child in order to rule out more serious
serious problems or diseases. IBS is not a disease-it isproblems and diseases. With the condition of irritable
a syndrome, or group of symptoms that occurbowel syndrome in children, the attending doctor will
together. It does not damage the intestine, so if theusually treat the condition with a change in diet, or at
physical exam and other tests show no sign ofleast this will be their first attempt. This includes
disease or damage, the doctor may diagnose IBS. Ingetting the child to eat more fiber, drink more water,
children, IBS is treated mainly through changes inand eat less fatty and greasy foods. Medications are
diet-eating more fiber and less fat to help preventalso often recommended, although special care has
spasms-and through bowel training to teach the childto be taken here because medications affect children
to empty the bowels at regular, specific times duringa lot differently than they do adults.
the day. Medications like laxatives are rarelyAlthough the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
prescribed because children are more susceptible tocan 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 alsogoing 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 knowand 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