Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS) in children occurs mainly in school age children and teenagers. It is a long term disorder that affects the intestines. The intestine does not work normally and is particularly sensitive. The intestine in IBS reacts more strongly to normal stretching or movement that should not affect it. Symptoms of IBS include:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Bloated-ness
3. Feeling of nausea
4. Change in bowel habit such as diarrhoea or constipation
5. Feeling of incomplete emptying after passing motion
6. Dizziness
7. Cramping sensation

Certain food, stress or bacteria overgrowth may make IBS worse. Treatment involves lifestyle modification and medications targeted towards the child’s symptoms.