What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It's chronic, meaning it reoccurs throughout life and requires long-term management strategies.
IBS can certainly affect patients' quality of life, especially for young ones who have problems understanding what's going on with their bodies.
Dr. Yazdi works with families to understand this condition and figure out why it happens. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but most people have triggers that set it off, such as:
- Food
- Stress
- Hormone changes
Finding the triggers, especially in the diet, helps keep it in check.
What causes IBS?
IBS is a poorly understood condition. Current research indicates there might be several factors involved, such as:
- Abnormalities in the nerves of the digestive tract
- Muscle contractions in the walls of the intestines
- Infection
- Changes in the makeup of bacteria in the gut
Most likely, it is a combination of factors.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
The most common symptom is pain during a bowel movement. There are typically changes in bowel habits, as well. For example, it starts with the child going more frequently or less often than usual.
Other symptoms of IBS include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling like bowel movements are incomplete
- Passing mucus during a bowel movement
- Bloating
Symptoms often occur after eating, too.
Dr. Yazdi looks for recurring symptoms before diagnosing IBS. For example, one instance of constipation does not necessarily mean a child has irritable bowel syndrome. He also looks for symptoms that occur once a week for several months.
What is the treatment for IBS?
Dr. Yazdi’s treatment plan focuses on managing the symptoms to improve the child’s quality of life. That can include:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers
- Increasing fluids
- Encouraging regular exercise
- Ensuring the child gets enough sleep
Diet is a big part of any care plan, too. In some cases, cutting gluten can help.
