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Pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (ir·​ri·​ta·​ble - bow·​el - syn·​drome) or IBS is a group of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that produce abdominal pain and cramping in children.

Overview

What is pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

The GI tract is responsible for a child’s digestion of food. Sometimes, the GI tract changes how it works, causing collection of symptoms known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Children diagnosed with IBS experience abdominal pain or discomfort at least once a week for a minimum of two months.

Other symptoms may include:

Diagnosis

How is pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with IBS, a child will typically meet two of the following three criteria:

  • Bowel movements are more or less frequent than normal

  • Stool is either looser or harder than normal

  • Symptoms improve with bowel movement

Treatment

How is pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treated?

Learn more about Pediatric Psychological Services for Patients with Abdominal Pain and IBS.

Doctors and Providers

Resources