Teens and IBS

Symptoms and Background

• Most IBS symptoms are related to gastrointestinal function and may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping and pain, the sudden, frequent urge to use the bathroom, and gas, according to Boston Children's Hospital. Teenagers may also struggle with emotional side effects from IBS, such as anxiety and depression, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Between five and 20 percent of teenagers and children suffer from IBS, according to KidsHealth. Left untreated, serious problems are unlikely to occur and most sufferers can enjoy normal, active lives.

Causes

• The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome still remains a mystery, though medical science believes that heredity could play a strong role in its development, according to Seattle Children's Hospital. In teens who have IBS, stress and fatigue can cause symptoms to surface. Teenagers may also be vulnerable to IBS symptoms when they eat certain foods, though foods that trigger symptoms can vary from person to person. Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms may be the ideal approach.

Treatment

• Some teenagers may experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome every once in a while, but experiencing them regularly could be a sign that you actually have the illness, according to KidsHealth. A doctor will interview your teenager about her symptoms and will determine if your teen has IBS based on that discussion. Medications to ease symptoms such as diarrhea may be prescribed, as well as pain relievers. A doctor may suggest keeping a journal to regulate your emotions and stress levels, as well as drinking more water and eating more fiber to encourage regularity in your intestinal tract.

Additional Help

• If your teen follows his doctor's orders about lifestyle and regularly takes his medication, but symptoms do not improve, schedule another appointment with your son's doctor. He may have another similar condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.