Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Also known as: IBS, spastic colon

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the large intestine (colon) often causing abdominal pain and bowel symptoms. IBS is common functional gastrointestinal disorder, affecting 10 to 15% of children at some point.

Experts have classified IBS into categories based on the symptoms:

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, children are more at risk if one or both parents have the disorder. To IBS, your child's doctors will review their symptoms, medical history and family history in addition to performing a physical exam. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to rule out other health issues.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

The symptoms of IBS in children  can include some combination of the following:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Upset stomach
• Recurring stomach pain
• Swelling, cramping and gas
• Urgent bowel movements
• The feeling of an incomplete bowel movement
• Mucus in the stool
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness

In more serious cases, IBS can even lead to severe symptoms such as recurrent vomiting, chronic diarrhea, persistent abdominal pain, and weight loss.

What are irritable bowel syndrome care options?

Most cases of IBS can be managed with some basic lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments. Changes such as eating more high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of water, getting an adequate amount of sleep each night, exercising regularly and avoiding potential food “triggers,” have proven successful in managing IBS. Foods with gluten, beverages with carbonation, dairy products, and some fruits and/or vegetables are potential trigger foods for some people.

Some over-the-counter medications and supplements may also aid in the management of IBS, including peppermint oil, laxatives, fiber supplements and anti-diarrheal medications. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to help with the symptoms of IBS.

A new FDA approved treatment for children ages 8 to 21 with IBS is known as IB-STIM. This is a small, electrical nerve-stimulating device that children wear behind their ear to reduce the abdominal pain related to IBS. It’s a safe, non-drug alternative to other IBS treatments that has very few side effects. It is primarily recommended for children who experience chronic abdominal pain as an IBS symptom. IB-STIM is a treatment available at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and it has been effective for many of our patients at helping them reduce their abdominal pain related to IBS. 

Reviewed by: Heidi Gamboa, DO

This page was last updated on: 3/26/2026 1:16:15 PM