Recent scientific studies, confirmed by the opinions of paediatricians, indicate that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS for short) is a very common condition in children. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of this disease is not straightforward. There is no doubt that its direct cause in children is the immaturity of the digestive tract. What should we know about irritable bowel syndrome in children? How to react in such a situation?
Symptoms and course irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowelsyndrome in children is described as often recurrent and chronic abdominal pain accompanied by strong changes in bowel movements. Alternating diarrhoea or constipation occurs and, importantly, is accompanied by flatulence. This is due to an abnormal, defective structure of the digestive system. In children, this may also be evidenced by its immaturity. Importantly, there are no morphological changes throughout the digestive tract. This disease significantly impedes the normal functioning and activity of the child. It is a very common cause of absence from nursery school and then school.
Irritable bowel syndrome is most common in children between the ages of two and three. It is also seen in 6-7 year olds. It has been shown that the development of this disease is greatly influenced by the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, which during this period shows great instability to any change in diet and any negative, strong emotional experience (stress, anxiety, fears). To date, no direct cause for the development of irritable bowel syndrome has been discovered. Special attention is paid to:
- Abnormal /impaired intestinal peristalsis, including more frequent and prolonged segmental contractions of the intestines. This leads to gastrointestinal smooth muscle dysfunction.
- Visceral sensory disturbances
- Gastrointestinal immaturity of a congenital nature
- Various infectious factors
- Genetic factors (it has been proven that the risk of developing the disease is higher among families where the disease has been diagnosed)
Research is still ongoing to confirm the influence of our psyche on the development of the aforementioned condition.
The symptomsmost commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome are constipation, which very often alternates with diarrhoea. Parents mistakenly assume that the child is ill (onset of throat problems) or has contracted a bacterial infection at nursery school. Very often they think that the toddler has eaten something stale that has harmed him. They accompany all this:
- a feeling of fullness,
- an "overflowing" in the abdomen,
- contracting and expanding pain in the abdomen,
- pain and pressure in the epigastrium or lower abdomen,
- passing stools with small amounts of mucus or blood.
It is a recurrent disease that in many cases leads to disability.
When to go to the doctor and treating irritable bowel syndrome
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is particularly difficult in young children. The disease is diagnosed when symptoms persist for a minimum of three months. These include recurrent diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain and problems with food intake and digestion. Of course, these symptoms can alternate between diarrhoea and constipation. It is very important that parents observe their child in everyday life (new living situations, reactions to stress, new people or surroundings). A quick diagnosis gives the chances of great results in treatment.
Even the first worrying symptoms indicating irritable bowel syndrome in children should not be underestimated.
Treatment irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is classified as a psychosomatic disorder. This disease cannot be cured once and for all. The young patient must be seen not only by a paediatrician, but also by a paediatric gastroenterologist, a dietician and, in most cases, a paediatric psychologist. The child should have support from the parents and other people close to him or her. Diarrhoea medicines, painkillers and decongestants are most often included. These should never be given to the child without consulting a specialist. Many doctors recommend the use of probiotics, particularly those containing lactobacilli. Observations by doctors confirm that administering them regularly, for several weeks, significantly reduces the symptoms of the illness and, importantly, there is a noticeable weakening and even cessation of abdominal pain in children.
A very important issue in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is the child's diet . Fibre-rich foods should not be given or should be significantly reduced. If you are unable to choose for yourself which foods your child should eat, ask a dietician for help. And don't be ashamed to visit a psychologist or child psychiatrist - perhaps the problem lies in your child's psyche.
