Written by Editorial Team
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in bowel habits. This group of symptoms is associated with this gastro-intestinal (GI) disorder.
Normally, the muscle movement of the GI tract, along with enzymes and hormones released into the GI tract, allows the complete digestion of food. When the intestine gets irritated, the muscle movement is interrupted, and the contents of the colon cannot move smoothly. It kind of “stops and starts” or “doesn’t move or move fast.” This causes abdominal pain and discomfort for a child.
Gastro-intestinal tract does not get damaged. But the child with IBS has very sensitive bowel, and factors causing less discomfort in a normal child can cause severe pain for a child with IBS.
IBS does not qualify as a disease but is a functional disorder as the bowel does not work as it should. Hence, IBS can’t be cured, but there are several advantageous methods of controlling and even abolishing IBS symptoms.
IBS is more common among adults than in children, though irritable bowel syndrome can occur at any age. Recurrent abdominal pain is reported in 10% to 20% of children. But the proportion of IBS among these children is not differentiated. Another study conducted states that 5% to 12% of children develop IBS.
No, IBS is neither dangerous nor life-threatening. But the symptoms can be very painful and annoying, and the impact of IBS varies with each child. The sudden and strong muscle contraction that comes and goes frequently causes abdominal pain, which is intolerable for some children.
The symptoms usually show up after a meal.
IBS cannot be self-diagnosed. The process of diagnosing IBS in children is done through exclusion. There is no medical test to confirm IBM directly. So, the pediatric gastroenterologist will conduct various tests for other diseases that resemble the IBS symptoms. Important diseases that should be excluded before confirming IBS are:
When the result is negative, and the child experiences the abdominal pain and associated symptoms at least twice a week for a month or two without other disease or injury to explain the pain, IBS is diagnosed.
Once the child is diagnosed with IBS, the goal of the treatment is to provide effective reduction and elimination of the symptoms. The pediatrician usually suggests family therapy if the symptoms are not much severe.
There is no cure for the IBS as it is a gastro-intestinal disorder rather than a disease. So, eliminating the discomfort that arises due to the symptoms is the practical solution. The combination of the following practices will help the child to relieve the discomfort.
Dietary fiber will help to decrease constipation but not the pain due to IBS. The child should take the age+5gms of fiber daily. That is, a 10-year-old should take 15gms of fiber daily. Eating more than enough fiber can increase intestinal gas production and thereby increase the pain due to abdominal cramps
Medication is suggested by the pediatrician when the child shows severe symptoms and when not respond to family therapy. Never take these medicines unless suggested by a pediatrician. Usual medications suggested are:
This therapy with live microorganisms (usually bacteria) is similar to the microorganism found in the GI tract. This is found to improve the symptoms of IBS. Probiotics can be found in some food item like yogurt
Engaging the child in exercises and other extracurricular programs he wishes will help to keep the stress at bay. This will help in the improvement of his condition
The child’s school should be informed about his condition. This will ensure the child’s immediate access to toilet facilities. This also will help to attract less attention, which will lessen his embarrassment.
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