Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal disorder. It causes abdominal pain, along with constipation, diarrhea or both.

Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes IBS. They know that the abdominal pain from IBS stems from an issue in how the GI tract and brain interact.

Several things can make IBS symptoms worse:

• How the gut moves: The intestinal muscles help move food through the body. If those muscles work too slowly or too quickly, it can lead to constipation, diarrhea, or both.
• A sensitive gut: Some kids with IBS have nerves in their belly that are extra sensitive. This means normal things like food or gas in the intestines can feel uncomfortable or even painful.
• Stress and emotions: Feelings like worry, anger, or stress can affect the gut. Even getting over a sickness or a change in routine can be a kind of stress that makes symptoms worse.
• After a stomach infection: IBS symptoms can sometimes start after a child has had a bad stomach bug or food poisoning. This is post-infectious IBS, and it can last even after the germ is gone.

All of these are real reasons why a child might feel pain or need to use the bathroom more or less often.

Other symptoms may include:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Urgent bowel movements
• Feeling like bowel movements are incomplete
• Mucus in the stool

If your doctor suspects IBS, we’ll do a complete medical history and physical exam. That’s usually all we need to diagnose IBS.

There are no specific tests for IBS. Our team may suggest some tests to rule out other digestive diseases. This is more likely if your child has symptoms like blood in the stool or poor growth.

Our team gives you and your family the best and safest care possible. We provide a comfortable and welcoming environment during every step of your journey. We’re here for your child, from initial diagnosis to long-term management.

In addition to world-class care, we have many resources for kids and families. We want your journey to be as smooth as possible.

We care for IBS from all angles — engaging a team of varied experts who care for every element of your child’s disease. We work closely with your family to reduce the impact of IBS on your child’s life.

IBS services we offer include:

• Diagnosis and evaluation
• Tailored care plan
• Pain management
• Psychological services

Before Your First Visit

For your first visit to see our GI specialists, make sure to bring:

• Your child’s medical history
• Past test results
• List of medicines

If you have any questions before our first meeting, please contact our team.

After Care

Though is no cure for IBS, most kids get back to feeling healthy. If your child’s symptoms continue after treatment, then the doctor may suggest another course of treatment.

It’s important to identify what stresses may be affecting your child. Do what you can to reverse them. Try to help your child focus on something fun or pleasant instead of thinking about the pain.

Your child’s care team will work with their school to make sure your child has the resources they need. The more your child continues with daily life, the more likely their symptoms will get better. Missing school should be highly discouraged.