Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition caused by changes in the way the intestinal tract works. A. John Yazdi, MD, with Pediatric Gastroenterology of Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, Colorado, works with children to find ways to manage this common but uncomfortable condition, including looking for specific triggers that might cause it. Parents with kids that have frequent abdominal cramps or excess gas should call the office to see if irritable bowel syndrome is the problem.
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:
Finding the triggers, especially in the diet, helps keep it in check.
IBS is a poorly understood condition. Current research indicates there might be several factors involved, such as:
Most likely, it is a combination of factors.
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:
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.
Dr. Yazdi’s treatment plan focuses on managing the symptoms to improve the child’s quality of life. That can include:
Diet is a big part of any care plan, too. In some cases, cutting gluten can help.