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




Getting Back into Shape with Effective Weight Loss Training
By: Steven Magill | 10/11/2009Weight loss training isn't easy. It isn't about the weight training, the running, the eating or dieting but it's about the daily commitment to make you a better person.
Why You Should Take Fish Oil
By: Emile A. Jarreau | 10/11/2009You have probably heard people talk ad nauseam about why you should take fish oil. Even though fish oil really is a highly beneficial supplement, many people are wary of anything that is given so much hype…
Explore less The Traveled Paths in Camping Comfort
By: as | 10/11/2009Innovations provide the power to enjoy RV amenities miles beyond the last electrical hookup. ARA If you have already experienced the serenity and fun of camping with your to wable recreational vehicle RV
Exercise is important for the health
By: as | 10/11/2009Exercise is any type of physical exertion we perform in an effort to improve our health, shape our bodies and boost performance. Obviously that covers a broad range of activities and, luckily, there are plenty to go around whether you want to lose weight, get healthy or train for a sport.
How Much Fish Oil Should I Take: Tips To Help You Decide
By: V K Rajagopalan | 10/11/2009How much fish oil should I take? It depends really. Oil from fish has a number of health benefits and the doses you should take daily depend on your goal. There are recommended doses for fish based oil as an anti-inflammatory, lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer.
Synopsis on Facial Skin Care Products
By: Danny | 10/11/2009Many facial skin care products are available today and it is one of the more booming businesses of our time- as numerous people are beauty conscious and like to take good care of their skin.
Explaining Ephedra
By: Michael T. Stone | 10/11/2009Ephedra has been used for centuries, and is most commonly a remedy for asthma, allergies, arthritis, and breathing problems in general. It's actually a plant that is found in dry, rocky places across the globe. There are three different kinds of the plant, of which the stems are taken and...
Lose Weight At Home
By: Danny | 10/11/2009Are you fed up of trying different ways to lose weight? Have you wasted a lot of money on market products that claim to lose weight?
Assamese Hindu Matrimony - Customs and Traditions
By: Roger Thompson | 10/12/2008 | MarriageAssam is a important province of the Indian Republic which lies to the north-east of the country abd is known all over for its wild life, exotic natural landscapes and wonderful freshness. The Assamese matrimonial customs and traditions is based on Vedic traditions and rituals. Wedding ceremony of assamese...
Alternative Ways To Treat Panic Attack
By: Roger Thompson | 10/02/2008 | HealthPanic disorder with panic attacks and acute anxiety have become either more common or more diagnosed in recent years. Panic attacks are generally accompanied with the following symptoms: - Palpitations, pounding heart or increased heart rate. - Sweating. - Trembling or shaking. - Sensations of shortness of breath. - Feelings of choking. - Chest pain or...
Basic Understanding Of Panic Attack
By: Roger Thompson | 07/02/2008 | HealthFear...heart palpitations...terror, a sense of impending doom...dizziness...fear of fear. The words used to describe panic disorder are often frightening. But there is great hope: Treatment can benefit virtually everyone who has this condition. It is extremely important for the person who has panic disorder to learn about the problem and...
Dealing With Blood Pressure During Panic Attack
By: Roger Thompson | 05/02/2008 | MedicinePanic disorder is characterized by spontaneous, unexpected, recurrent occurrences of panic attacks. Panic attacks are relatively short lived (usually less than 30 minutes) periods of intense anxiety or fear, which are accompanied by such symptoms as palpitations, chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be misdiagnosed as...
Safeguarding The Data With Anti Spyware Downloads
By: Roger Thompson | 30/01/2008 | ComputersIn response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that...
Natural Cure For IBS
By: Roger Thompson | 25/12/2007 | HealthIrritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that is characterized by cramping and abdominal pain, and which does usually cause a great deal of discomfort and distress, it is typically not able to permanently harm the intestines and is not considered as being a major physical threat. Irritable bowel syndrome is...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Children
By: Roger Thompson | 23/12/2007 | HealthMany people do not realize it, but irritable bowel syndrome can actually also develop in children. Although the condition is not considered as being major or serious in any way, the symptoms that are caused by the condition can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, not to mention embarrassing, especially for...
IBS In Pregnancy
By: Roger Thompson | 23/12/2007 | Women's IssuesIrritable bowel syndrome is a health disorder, one that is characterized most commonly by cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Most cases of irritable bowel syndrome are quite mild and can be controlled with proper diet, stress management, and often there is a need for prescribed medications as well. While most women...