Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is not a disease, but a group of gastrointestinal symptoms occurring simultaneously for which no organic cause is found to explain the symptoms.
IBS is defined as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It can affect both boys and girls. In western countries, its prevalence is estimated at 15-20% of the adolescent and adult population. Symptoms most commonly appear between puberty and 30 years of age.
The causes of IBS are not clearly defined. Both physical and psychological factors play a role in the pathogenesis. Factors favouring its development include a genetic predisposition as well as stressful experiences.
Based on the type of bowel movements, three forms of irritable bowel syndrome can be distinguished:
- diarrhoeal,
- constipation
- mixed.
The complaints are recurrent. IBS can present with periods of exacerbation and remission. Children suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are very often accompanied by mood changes, anxiety, depressive states and sleep disturbances. Abdominal pain (usually crampy) can be located in various locations - most often in the right or left lower abdomen. They increase in intensity during the day, very often for about an hour after eating a meal.
The intensity of the pain decreases after a bowel movement. Other symptoms that may occur in IBS: 1. diarrhoea - loose, watery stools three or more times a day , pushing on stools. 2. 2. constipation-hard, solid stools; two or fewer bowel movements per week; or straining during a bowel movement, 3. a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, 4. mucus-laden stools, 5. abdominal bloating.
Criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (synonyms: irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome) (IBS irritable bowel syndrome) in children include the presence of all of the following symptoms, at least once a week, for at least two months prior to diagnosis.
A. Abdominal discomfort or pain meeting at least 2 of the following conditions a minimum of 25% of the time:
- improvement after defecation,
- onset associated with changes in frequency of bowel movements,
- onset associated with changes in stool consistency (appearance),
B. It is necessary to exclude an inflammatory process or neoplastic anatomical defect that could explain the child's complaints.
