If you have a child in your life that suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), then you know that it can sometimes be a challenging diagnosis. I see a lot of patients with IBS at my office, and their concerns range from persistent stomach pain to diarrhea, constipation or upset stomach.

Since April is IBS month, this felt like an appropriate time to discuss some of the common issues related to the condition. First off, if your child has IBS, he or she is definitely not alone. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders estimates that between 25 and 45 million Americans have it, as well as 10 to 15 percent of people around the world. It also skews more toward women than men by a 2 to 3 margin.

What’s more, studies have estimated that between 6 and 14 percent of children have IBS. And for adolescents, that percentage may be even higher, between 22 and 35.5 percent.

IBS Symptoms in Children

As you can see, IBS is a very real possibility for many children, and an even greater concern for adolescents. As a parent, you can help your child by being aware of the warning signs and scheduling an appointment if you think your child may be at risk.

I see a lot of variations of symptoms with IBS, but they usually include one or more of the following: 

• Recurring stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Diarrhea or an urgent need to go
• Cramping
• Abdominal bloating
• Gas
• Mucus in bowel movements
• A sensation of incomplete bowel movements
• Dizziness

Though these symptoms can certainly be present with other medical conditions, as well, the presence of two or more is usually a pretty good sign of IBS. At the very least, it’s certainly worth a visit to your child’s pediatrician.

IBS vs. IBD

One area of confusion surrounding IBS is that there is another gastrointestinal disorder known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Though the name is similar, the two conditions are different. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, IBD is more harmful and can cause permanent damage to the intestines. The disease also increases the risk of colon cancer and includes serious symptoms such as fever, weight loss, anemia and bleeding. Just as with IBS, if your child experiences any of these symptoms, I recommend seeking immediate medical treatment.

Treatments for IBS

If your child is diagnosed with IBS, the good news is that the condition is treatable. Specific treatments will range from dietary strategies to medication, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Many children find success by introducing more fiber into their diets or learning to take their bowel movements at specific times each day to promote regularity.

Other lifestyle strategies that can help with IBS include drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Some children benefit from eliminating certain foods from their diet. However, I recommend working with a health care provider on an elimination diet to ensure that the diet is effective at identifying the possible cause of symptoms. Medications can also help in managing the symptoms of IBS.

IB-STIM Device

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is one of a select group of medical centers that offers the IB-STIM device, a wearable nerve-stimulating device that helps with abdominal pain related to IBS. This small device is worn behind the ear, and it’s a safe, non-drug alternative to combating the chronic pain that is sometimes associated with the condition. If your child is between the ages of 11 and 18 and copes with chronic abdominal pain related to IBS, then he or she may be a good candidate for the IB-STIM device.