A distinctive mark of irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) is recurrent and persistent abdominal pain, which can be relieved by defecation. This pain is associated with a change in the appearance of stools or the frequency of bowel movement. Other symptoms of IBS in children include constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. Abdominal bloating, nausea, and anorexia may also be present.
In children, girls from six to 36 months of age are often the most affected by IBS. In many cases, the symptoms of IBS in children can be vague and almost indistinguishable from other digestive diseases. Besides abdominal pain relieved by defecation, another symptom is the changing of the appearance of feces which cannot be attributed to the child's diet. Stools may be hard, then loose and watery in subsequent bowel movements.
The child may also defecate only occasionally, then suddenly have more frequent bowel movements. This frequency then revert back again to defecating rarely. Each defecation may leave the child feeling that the evacuation is incomplete.
Diarrhea or constipation is another common symptom of IBS in children. This happens because the movement in the intestines is not regulated properly by the central nervous system. Increased motility will result to diarrhea, while decreased motility will cause constipation. Some children may experience alternating episodes of each condition.
IBS in children often causes flatulence because gas is trapped inside the stomach. This can lead to abdominal bloating and discomfort. The pain and bloating may come at anytime and is not associated with eating meals. It can last for only a few minutes or hours. Children typically point to their navels as the location of the pain, and usually characterize the pain as mild or "annoying" rather than severe.
The irregularity and intensity of defecation may cause the child to experience nausea and vomiting. He or she may refuse to eat to avoid stomach pain. The avoidance of food can be severe enough to cause significant weight loss.
This disorder can also have psychological symptoms as well. Sleep disturbances, heightened fears, and eating disorders like anorexia have been observed in some children. Anxiety, depression, or developmental delays are seen in rare cases.
In many cases, IBS in children will have mild symptoms, and most children outgrow it by the age of three. Like in adult cases, these symptoms are often alleviated by avoiding fatty foods, caffeinated drinks, and excessive water intake. Some children are susceptible to low self-esteem due to the symptoms of IBS and may need increased attention from family members.