Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the digestive system. A child with IBS may have a colon that is more sensitive. This means that their colon has a strong reaction to things that should not normally affect them. Read more about the effects of IBS on your child's digestive health in this article.
Childhood IBS: Symptoms, Triggers, and Causes
Recognizing Irritable Bowel Syndrome in children can be tricky due to its varied symptoms. Look out for common signs like stomach aches, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or nausea. Studies show that children with IBS may have abdominal pain for at least 12 weeks annually.
The cause of IBS is uncertain, but stress can trigger symptoms. However, stress isn't the sole cause. Children may experience symptoms due to issues with food passage through the digestive system, such as hypersensitive bowel movements or excessive bacterial growth in the gastrointestinal tract.
Tips for Managing Your Child’s IBS
The cause of IBS is uncertain, but stress can be a trigger. However, stress isn't the sole cause. Children could experience IBS symptoms due to issues with food passage through the digestive system with hypersensitive bowel movements or excessive bacterial growth in the gastrointestinal tract.
Know Your Child's Triggers
Identifying IBS triggers involves recognizing patterns related to large meals, fatty foods, dairy, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Keeping a food and symptoms diary can provide valuable insights by tracking their diet, allowing you to pinpoint specific triggers and make informed choices to manage symptoms and promote your child's well-being.
Positive Ways To Help Your Child
Provide support by introducing a variety of helpful strategies to aid them in managing their IBS. Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery or hypnotherapy to help alleviate stress and reduce symptoms. These practices offer numerous advantages, including enhancing overall well-being.
Try Fodmap
Consider introducing the FODMAP diet to your child, designed to help manage conditions like IBS by identifying trigger foods. This approach involves avoiding dairy and wheat-based items like cereal, bread, and crackers, as well as certain fruits and vegetables such as artichokes, onions, garlic, apples, cherries, and peaches.
Exercise benefits the body
Exercise not only transforms your body but also your mind, attitude, and mood. Exercise is essential for managing IBS symptoms as it improves physical health, reduces stress and anxiety, combats inflammation, and relieves constipation.
Preventing IBS through Understanding
Parents must have a deep understanding of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to effectively diagnose their child's condition. Remaining attentive to the child's diet and digestive health is key to preventing IBS recurrence. While IBS is not curable, its effects can be managed with appropriate care and by following these healthcare tips.
