IBS in children

[hazeyjane]

Dd2 has always had problems with her stomach, difficulty drinking enough, sudden extreme stomach pain, bloating awful wind, constipation and not being able to eat because of feeling so anxious about her stomach hurting.

I have just taken her to the dr because she has barely eaten anything for the last 4 or 5 days, and has nearly constant stomach ache.

The dr said she is dehydrated, but also wondered about IBS, she said that from what dd2 said, and family history (dh's family, my family and her sister) it sounds like it could be IBS, triggered by anxiety, but also she wondered if it might be a food intolerance making it worse.

Does anyone know anything about IBS in children?

You shouldn't have IBS diagnosed before various other possibilities are tested for (there is no test for IBS). One of those is coeliac and she should definitely be tested for that www.isitcoeliacdisease.org.uk

I'm not an expert in other areas but conditions that have similar symptoms include crohns, colitis or food in tolerances (there's also non-coeliac gluten intolerance if coeliac is negative)

Well that is how I understood it, tinkerbell. I am waiting at the moment for a gastro appointment because I have had IBS symptoms - but have had various other things ruled out, including Coeliacs.

I thought the dr was a bit quick to talk about IBS - on the other hand I was quite relieved that she took dd2 seriously and prescribed her anti spasmodics, because dd2 is getting into quite a state about it all.

Dd2 has an appointment with the allergy clinic in September, do you think they will test for coeliacs there? Or should I ask our own GP (today was a triage appointment)

I'm not sure, I know the allergy specialist team is different to the team that deals with coeliac (gastro paediatricians) at our hospital. I would phone the hospital and am to speak to your consultants secretary, they are usually helpful.