Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder manifested by chronic abdominal pain combined with disturbed bowel movements. Abdominal pain may be accompanied by both constipation and diarrhoea.
Irritable bowel and diarrhoea and diet - Symptoms and course
The typical clinical picture of IBS is the occurrence of recurrent, paroxysmal abdominal pain combined with a urge to have a bowel movement. After passing stool (usually loose or containing a large amount of mucus) there is relief (cessation of abdominal pain). Symptoms are exacerbated by stress.
When to go to the doctor and cure
The diagnosis of IBS is a so-called 'diagnosis by exclusion', i.e. before a patient is told that he or she has irritable bowel, other, more serious gastrointestinal diseases must be at least provisionally excluded. In many cases, hospitalisation and a number of specialised investigations are necessary.
Irritable bowel and diarrhoea and diet - Treatment
If the patient does indeed have a functional disorder in the form of irritable bowel (and not another serious disease), dietary treatment is possible, which has a very good effect in many children. In a child with IBS and a tendency to diarrhoea, it is not advisable to eat the following foods: cabbage, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peas, legumes, plums, pears, strawberries, apricots, milk and dairy products, large quantities of fruit juices, spicy condiments (mustard, horseradish, paprika, pepper), whipped cream, cakes and sweets, dark bread (wholemeal, graham), soups whipped with cream and with a high proportion of vegetables, coarse groats, large quantities of egg yolks, large quantities of yellow cheese, strong coffee.
Recommended foods are: apples, bananas, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, white bread (wheat), pasta, biscuits, rice, skimmed cottage cheese, jellies, quiches, puddings, lean broths, lean meats and meats, soft-boiled eggs, butter, soft margarine, weak coffee and tea, cereal coffee, diluted juices.
