Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children (cont.)
Who gets IBS?
IBS is common in people of all ages, including children. About 14 percent of
high school students and 6 percent of middle school students report IBS-like
symptoms.1
IBS affects boys and girls equally, although in adults it is more common in
women than in men.
What are the symptoms of IBS in children?
The frequency and severity of IBS symptoms vary widely and may include
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- intestinal bloating
- irregular bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or both
- a change in the appearance of stool, including stools that are loose, hard,
thin, or pelletlike
- mucus in the stool
- the need to strain to have a bowel movement
- a sense of urgency when having a bowel movement
- the sensation of not completely emptying the bowels
How is IBS in children diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed based on symptoms. A diagnostic manual called Rome III
guides doctors in diagnosing and treating functional gastrointestinal disorders,
including IBS. According to Rome III, for a child to be diagnosed with IBS,
abdominal pain or discomfort must be present at least 1 day per week for a
period of 2 months or longer. Two or more of the following must also occur at
least 25 percent of the time:
- The pain or discomfort is relieved by having a bowel movement.
- The pain or discomfort is associated with an increase or decrease in the
number of bowel movements.
- The pain or discomfort is associated with a change in the appearance of
stool.
No test can show if a person has IBS; however, a doctor may run tests to rule
out diseases with symptoms similar to IBS. Signs and symptoms that suggest a
problem other than IBS include
Next: How is IBS in children treated? »
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