Irritable Bowel Syndrome  (IBS)

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal problem that can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), IBS does not cause any damage to the tissues in the digestive tract or any serious health problems. In many cases, IBS can be managed with lifestyle and dietary changes.

What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?

Common symptoms of IBS in children include:

• Stomach pain or cramping
• Diarrhea, constipation or both
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Gas

Many children can have these symptoms and not have IBS. Your doctor may suspect IBS if your child has these symptoms for two months or longer.

What causes IBS?

Experts are not sure what causes IBS, but it can run in families, is affected by the environment (like food and activities), and comes from altered sensation or function in the GI tract. A single cause is not the goal of evaluation; instead, IBS is diagnosed based on a specific, chronic pattern of symptoms. 

How is IBS treated?

Your child's treatment for IBS will depend on their specific symptoms. Your care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating IBS in children and will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child's specific symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Dietary changes: Your child’s doctor or dietitian can help your child find a diet that reduces their symptoms. This may mean limiting certain foods that trigger IBS or eating foods with more soluble fiber to ease diarrhea.
• Psychotherapy: A psychologist may help your child learn skills to reduce stress and manage symptoms when they occur.
• Lifestyle changes: Your child's doctor may recommend specific daily physical activity or strategies to improve sleep that can lessen abdominal pain. 
• Medicine: Your child’s doctor may prescribe medicines to help with symptoms, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation.