Caring for children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Learn how our Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition Program cares for children with irritable bowel syndrome.

• What is irritable bowel syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) falls in the category of functional abdominal pain disorders and is very common in children and adolescents. The mains symptom associated with IBS is abdominal pain, but it can also include cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS can affect the stomach and intestines, and some people can control their symptoms by changing their diet, lifestyle or decreasing stress. More severe symptoms can be treated with medication, counseling or auricular neurostimulation.

Related tests and treatments:

• Biofeedback
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Auricular Neurostimulation with Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS).

Our approach to irritable bowel syndrome

The GI specialists at Children’s Wisconsin treat hundreds of patients with IBS and other functional abdominal pain disorders every year. We take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating IBS and will work closely with your family to reduce the impact of IBS on your child’s life. Our team is also actively engaged in research giving us valuable insights into how to best diagnose and treat this condition.

Irritable bowel syndrome services we offer

• Diagnosis and evaluation
• Customized treatment plan
• Pain management
• Psychological services

Diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome

There are no specific diagnostic tests for IBS. If your child’s doctor suspects IBS after a thorough medical history and physical exam, he or she will likely begin treatment to see if it improves your child’s symptoms. Treatment could include:

Diet modifications: High-sugar diets can trigger IBS-like symptoms, so the doctor might suggest reducing sugary drinks and other sweets.

Stress reduction: Stress can aggravate the symptoms of IBS.

Medication: The doctor will likely suggest lifestyle changes first but may recommend medication that targets the gut-brain connection if your child’s pain is severe.

Biofeedback: This can retrain the brain in how to perceive pain.

Cognitive behavior therapy: This can teach children and their parents how to cope with pain and other stresses related to chronic disorders.

Auricular Neurostimulation or Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS) is a novel technique that uses electrical stimulation of small nerve fibers in the ear to access pain pathways in the brain. It is the only FDA approved/cleared treatment for children with functional abdominal pain and Children’s is one of the few centers in the country offering this treatment. It is the only FDA approved treatment for IBS in adolescents.