Is it just a 'Tummy ache'
or can you have IBS in Children?

IBS in Children - Article by Sian

Children complaining of "tummy ache" is very common, perhaps when starting a new school, or during tests/exams. Usually this is diagnosed as "nerves " and often is.

So is it possible to have IBS in Children?

It is suggested that the symptoms can begin in teenagers, which is not surprising. Possibly they can begin at a younger age if a child is constantly upset or worried, or living in an atmosphere of continuous tension.

If a parent is faced with a child frequently complaining of stomach ache, nausea or constipation and/or diarrhea, it is advisable to visit the GP.

It may be something which occurs on and off for years, which might be an indication of IBS.

I myself remember two weeks of consistent stomach ache when I was ten, which was not diagnosed as anything, but caused great discomfort. It disappeared on its own without treatment.

With today's society also obsessed with thinness, beauty and appearance, it would not be surprising if such pressures triggered IBS at a relatively young age.

Response to my video
A couple of years ago I made a YouTube video about IBS and stress, and an earlier one purely on panic attacks.
Panic attacks in children is quite common and I received messages from children as young as twelve and thirteen, who were suffering both panic attacks and stomach problems.

I saw a pattern then that quite a high percentage of the messages mentioned not only Panic attacks in children, but stomach problems. This is not unusual as we all know that fear can upset our stomachs, but many of the symptoms sounded very much like my own symptoms of IBS.

Some had been to see their GP; others were too afraid or embarrassed - which is also true of many adults.

I will not, and am not qualified to diagnose IBS in Children, all I can say is that the symptoms they undergo sound like my own, and although I appreciate it can be uncomfortable to do so, they should seek advice from their doctor.

It would not surprise me if many teenagers were suffering from stress induced IBS. Those years can be traumatic, the pressure intense, as I have seen with one of my own nieces during her school and college exams.

Embarrassment
It also appears to be a common thread, as mentioned above, that many younger people absolutely do not wish to talk to their doctor about stomach or bowel problems.

If they confide in their parents, they may be reassured that it is nerves, but a visit to their GP accompanied by their parents would be beneficial, since doctors can offer a full diagnoses and - if needed - medication , such as antispasmodics.

Doctors cannot be embarrassed or shocked, especially by something as mundane as bowel movements or stool consistency.It is their job to ask as many questions as possible to correctly diagnose a condition and offer treatment.

Having had to explain all the symptoms of IBS to doctors more than once, I know exactly how it feels, but doctors appreciate it when a patient gives as much information as possible.

It is easy for the patient to forget the doctors years of training, the illnesses they have seen, and that talking of the bowels, stomach or stools, is to them, as usual as us discussing our clothes.

To help diagnose IBS in Children , the child or teenager may be asked to lie down so that the doctor can gently press the stomach area. If the patient is female they may ask questions about menstruation, as severe IBS and bad menstrual cramps can feel very similar.

Peace of mind
Often a visit to the GP will prove a relief, since even if there is no actual cure for IBS, as indeed there is no real cure for stress or panic attacks.

Knowing that the condition is not life threatening - no matter how painful, alleviates much of the fear which exacerbates the symptoms of IBS in Children.

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