Even though irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly associated with adults, IBS is a condition that often shows up in the teen years. Most people report the onset of symptoms of IBS before they reach the age of 35 and many report symptoms in their childhood, and in Western countries, girls and women are more likely to experience IBS than boys and men.

Any time your child has issues with digestion, pediatric medical attention is important. You may be able to spot some of the signs of IBS in your child if you listen carefully to their complaints and watch their bathroom habits. Here is a look at some of the signs of IBS every parent of an adolescent should know. 

Recurrent Complaints of Digestive Issues 

The initial symptom most parents will recognize is recurrent complaints of digestive issues. Your teen may complain that their stomach hurts every time they eat, that they have diarrhea, feel constipated, or even bloated and gassy. All of these symptoms can be related to IBS, but the key is the issue will be recurrent. 

Children and teens commonly experience the occasional bout of stomach pain or issues with digestion; this is not out of the norm. However, a teen who has IBS will have periodic issues with digestion that seem to stem from nowhere. For example, your child may have IBS if they experience digestive issues at least 12 weeks in a year, and those weeks do not have to be concurrent. 

Individuals who have IBS will experience flare-ups, or times when things seem fine and times when symptoms hang around for several days at a time. It is easy to overlook digestive problems that go away, but if the symptoms are returning rather frequently, it could be IBS.

Changes in Bowel Movement Patterns or Frequencies 

IBS is related to issues with the function of the colon or large intestines. The colon is responsible for moving waste through the intestines and out through the rectum. People who have IBS may have either an overactive or underactive colon. The organ may move food through the intestines faster and cause cramping and diarrhea, or it may move too slowly and lead to major issues with constipation. 

If you are spending a fair amount of time with your teen, you will likely notice if the frequency of their bowel movements changes drastically, especially if they are heading to the bathroom more frequently. Diarrhea-predominant IBS is the most common type of IBS; about a third of diagnosed patients experience diarrhea, and those who do may have at least 12 bowel movements a week. 

Complaints of Pain That Is Only Relieved After a Bowel Movement 

With IBS, stomach pain or cramping is a common complaint. The cramping is usually a result of the colon working hard to push food through the digestive tract. However, if your child has constipation-predominant IBS, stomach pain can actually come from the intestines being too full or engorged. 

If your child is complaining about stomach pain, ask them if the pain subsides after they have had a bowel movement. If the pain does subside, IBS could be to blame if other symptoms are present. For instance, if your teen is having stomach pain combined with diarrhea, IBS could be the issue. 



Talk to a Doctor About Adolescent IBS 

IBS is a treatable condition, and lifestyle changes or medications may help your child better control the symptoms. Work with a qualified pediatrician to ensure your child gets the proper diagnosis and treatment. If you believe your child has IBS, contact us at Advocare Lerch & Amato Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.