Children and IBS
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you’ll know just how frustrating, uncomfortable and embarrassing it can be. Now, imagine dealing with IBS, as it’s more commonly known, in childhood.
According to Bupa, around one in six secondary school-age children report IBS-type symptoms1. Younger children can develop IBS too, but it’s especially difficult to diagnose in pre-secondary age kids since they find it difficult to accurately describe symptoms in a way that we adults would understand.
However, armed with the facts, plenty of support from fellow adults and a whole lot of patience, it’s entirely possible to recognise, diagnose and even improve the symptoms of IBS in young children.
Children and IBS: The Facts
Helping a child with IBS begins with knowing what to look for, from telltale symptoms to the triggers specific to your little one...
IBS in children: hidden symptoms
IBS is a collection of specific symptoms with no visible cause. Generally, sufferers will experience diarrhoea and/or constipation. Many with IBS find they have abdominal bloating, gas, cramping and nausea too.
Though children with IBS are likely to have the same primary symptoms, they may exhibit them in a different way. Look out for:
Unbearable tummy aches: gas and cramping can cause distress in younger children. Often, a bowel movement or passing gas provides immediate relief. Holding in stools: children, who feel shame or fear around bowel habits may try to resist pooping, resulting in impaction and even leakage. Back pain: a sore lower back can indicate cramping or gas pain. Soiled underwear: a child who can’t get to the loo quite on time or who is experiencing diarrhoea or leakage may have dirty underwear at the end of the day. Anxiety: IBS symptoms may cause anxiety and stress around using the toilet, especially at school. Stress in children can show itself in numerous ways, from becoming withdrawn to tearfulness and even aggression.
Diagnosing IBS in children
Gaining a diagnosis of IBS can be a long slog, even for adults capable of describing their symptoms in doc-friendly terms. It’s even harder for kids.
IBS is diagnosed via a specific set of symptoms and triggers. You may find it useful to keep a detailed diary of your child’s bowel movements and other symptoms, as well as noting anything that triggers changes in their bowel movements.
Your GP may run further tests after listening to your child’s bowel symptoms, including taking a stool sample. They may also carry out an endoscopy and/or ultrasound. Though scary sounding, these tests can rule out more serious conditions, such as ulcerative colitis.
IBS triggers in children
IBS is often triggered by the food and drinks we consume. Dairy, such as milk and cheese, is a very common trigger, as are foods containing sweeteners. Fried foods, beans, onions and garlic may also kickstart an IBS attack, while some find the insoluble fibre in some veggies and wholegrain foods difficult to digest.
But it’s not just foods that cause IBS. Stress is a particularly common trigger, so don’t be surprised if flare-ups happen during exams, a change of schools or arguments with friends.
Helping Your Child Live With IBS
Let’s be frank, IBS isn’t just annoying, it’s super awkward too. It’s all too easy to let it rule your life, but there are ways to help your child cope with this inconvenient condition.
Being prepared for IBS
When it comes to your child’s IBS, it can help to think like a Scout and be prepared:
Pre-plan a loo route: get to know where toilets are located, wherever you might go. Remember that those with IBS are entitled to a Radar key for accessible toilet use2. Prep an IBS kit: packing a small bag with loo paper, wet wipes, hand gel, and spare undies can take the stress out of a day out, sleepover or school trip. Know their IBS triggers: avoiding trigger foods can be all it takes to minimise IBS symptoms. Minimising stress, especially around the condition itself, can help too.
Talking IBS with your child
Bowel movements are never a fun topic for conversation, but when it comes to childhood IBS, talking things through can make a world of difference. Helping your child to understand what they’re going through can take some of the stress out of IBS for both of you. It’s also good for them to know which foods and drinks might make them feel poorly so they can make an informed decision before reaching for cola, cake or custard.
Children can feel a lot of shame around the often smelly, loud and messy symptoms of IBS. Learning that those poops and farts are part of a common condition and that they can be dealt with discretely and calmly will doubtless reduce those feelings of embarrassment.
Your child’s school and IBS
School loo visits can be a battlefield, especially when nature calls during lesson times. If your child has a diagnosis of IBS, however, their school should be made aware. Why? So that teacher knows that when your baby’s gotta go, he’s gotta go.
Cluing staff in also gives them fair warning of accidents and encourages them to be on the lookout for teasing or whispers, nipping nasty behaviour in the bud. Additionally, school staff will be able to hold onto emergency changes of clothes, keep an eye on food restrictions and administer GP-recommended medications.
IBS and Your Child’s Diet
Diet and IBS are strongly linked. Numerous studies show that, though incurable, IBS can be well-controlled through the elimination of certain foods³.
IBS trigger foods to avoid
A restrictive diet can be especially hard on children who want to enjoy the same fun foods as their friends. Likewise, experimenting with eliminating certain food groups can do more harm than good and should only take place under the supervision of your GP. That said, there are certain items that you can safely limit with a view to reducing IBS symptoms:
Artificial sweeteners: sorbitol, stevia, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks and sugar-free sweets and desserts. These may have a laxative effect4 and are linked to gut dysbiosis5. Soft drinks: though fizzy drinks don’t directly contribute to IBS, they may exacerbate gas and bloating. Often, these contain caffeine and/or artificial sweeteners, both strongly linked to IBS symptoms6. Processed foods: kids might love junk food, but their bodies really don’t. Not only can ultra-processed foods contribute to childhood obesity7, research tells us that those who consume high levels of UPFs are at higher risk of developing IBS8.
Keeping a food diary with your child
One of the best ways to help recognise IBS triggers and engage your child with their gut health may be keeping a food diary together. Noting down what your son or daughter eats each day and how it made them feel will aid in drawing links between specific foods and their symptoms. It could also help cement in their mind which foods are best avoided.
Make food diaries fun by working on them together, chatting about the contents and making space for doodles, stickers and your child’s own comments. Pre-designed charts can be printed from the web or booklets purchased via various online sources.
Children’s IBS and probiotics
Studies show that probiotic supplementation can be effective in easing IBS symptoms9. Indeed, there seems to be a strong link between the health and diversity of gut microbiota and IBS10, which tells us that anything we can do to improve gut flora could help settle things when there’s a rumble in the gut jungle.
Precision Biotics’ Alflorex for Children is a high-quality dissolvable powder containing scientifically studied Bifidobacterium longum 35624™, proven to reach the gut alive. Suitable for children aged three and up, this delicious vanilla-flavoured powder can be dissolved in water, mixed into yoghurt or whizzed up with smoothies to help support your child’s gut health in the most delicious way.
[1] Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Symptoms and causes | Bupa UK
[2] The official and only genuine Radar Key – Disability Rights UK
[3] The Role of Diet in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review - PMC
[5] Artificial Sweeteners: History and New Concepts on Inflammation - PMC
The IBS Network is the national charity supporting people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). They provide expert information, practical advice, and emotional support to help individuals manage their condition with confidence. Through their website, helpline, community forums, self-care plans, and professional network, they empower people to take control of their IBS and improve their quality of life. They also work to raise awareness and understanding of IBS, advocate for better care, and promote research into this often misunderstood condition.
