An Informative Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
Many people do not realize it, but irritable bowel syndrome can actually also develop in children. Although the condition is not considered as being major or serious in any way, the symptoms that are caused by the condition can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, not to mention embarrassing, especially for children who are even less able to deal with these sorts of things.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
There is a lot of important information to know when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome in children. For one, it is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and similar problems. It is classified as being a functional disorder because it is caused by a problem in the intestines, and it may be a cause of recurring abdominal pain in children.
When it comes to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in children, a basic diagnosis here will usually be based on the child experiencing abdominal pain and cramping, as well as on any of the following: the pain is relieved after having a bowel movement, the onset of pain is typically associated with a change in stool consistency, and the onset of pain is associated with a change in the frequency of stools.
Differences
Although there are many similarities between irritable bowel syndrome in adults and irritable bowel syndrome in children, there are many differences as well. For instance, in order to diagnose the condition the doctor will have to ask questions about the symptoms the child is experiencing and physically examine the child in order to rule out more serious problems and diseases.
With the condition of irritable bowel syndrome in children, the attending doctor will usually treat the condition with a change in diet, or at least this will be their first attempt. This includes getting the child to eat more fiber, drink more water, and eat less fatty and greasy foods. Medications are also often recommended, although special care has to be taken here because medications affect children a lot differently than they do adults.
Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can usually be relieved or even completely eliminated simply with a change in diet or with medication, if this does not seem to be enough then further steps are going to need to be taken. Hypnosis, yoga, and other relaxation techniques are often used to reduce stress and help relieve the symptoms associated with the condition, for instance.
