Just a Tummy Ache or Is Your Child’s Health at Stake?

When your kid doesn’t feel well, of course you’re going worry about them. It comes with the territory of being a parent. But how worried should you be? Sometimes that’s not as clear – like when they have an upset stomach. Is it just a tummy ache or is it a sign that something more is going on?

“A change in the frequency of a child’s bowel movements and repeated abdominal pain are two indicators of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),” says pediatric gastroenterologist Adam Paul, DO, with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. “A child with IBS often doesn’t feel well. And the physical symptoms of IBS can cause a decrease in quality of life, emotional suffering, or embarrassment and disrupt a child’s life and activities.”

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, and causes uncomfortable abdominal symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain that may feel better after a bowel movement.
• Belly pain that keeps coming back.
• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.
• Upset stomach (nausea).
• Swelling (bloating)and gas.
• Feeling that not all of the stool has come out during a bowel movement.
• Needing to have a bowel movement right away.
• Mucus in the stool.

While most children with IBS continue to grow and develop normally, some children may eat less to avoid the pain that can go along with digestion, leading to weight loss.

“Beyond not feeling well, the physical symptoms of IBS can also lead to stress and emotional problems,” Dr. Paul says. “For example, children with diarrhea may struggle to get to the bathroom in time. This fear of embarrassment may cause them to avoid going to school or playing with friends, and cause anxiety and depression.”

There is no cure for IBS; however, it is manageable. The main goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and help your child get back to normal daily activities. Treatment may include:

• Making dietary changes.
• Stress management techniques.
• Medication if symptoms are severe.

It is important to know the triggers that cause your child's symptoms and avoid them. Keeping a food and symptoms diary may help you better understand your child’s triggers. Common triggers include: large meals (so eating smaller meals more often during the day may be helpful), fatty foods, milk products, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Work with your child’s pediatrician to create a plan for managing IBS as well as developing a plan to deal with issues such as diet, school and emotional or mental health.

If your child suffers from a gastrointestinal concern – whether minor, complex or chronic – our pediatric gastroenterologists have the expertise to provide relief. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, call 888-402-LVHN (5846).