Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is common in school-age children and teens. IBS is part of a group of conditions called disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). This means that abnormal communication is taking place between the intestine and the brain. In IBS, the gut looks normal on tests, but it does not move or sense pain in a normal way. The nerves and muscles in the intestines are extra sensitive, so normal gas or stool can feel painful. Stress and strong emotions can make IBS worse, but they do not cause it by themselves. IBS does not evolve into a more serious disease.What Are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Each child’s IBS is different, but common symptoms include:
- Belly pain that keeps coming back
- Pain that often gets better after a bowel movement
- Diarrhea, constipation or both
- Bloating
- Gas
- Feeling like they still need to go, even after a bowel movement
Because of these symptoms, some children miss school or activities or feel anxious, worried or sad.
What’s the Difference Between IBS and IBD?
Many parents worry that IBS is the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It is not. In IBD there is ongoing inflammation which can damage the intestines. IBS does not cause damage, bleeding or poor growth. Standard blood work and stool tests are usually normal in IBS.
Your child’s provider will check for “warning signs” that suggest something other than IBS, such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the stool
- Fever
- Waking up from sleep with pain or diarrhea
If these are present, the team will most likely look for other causes.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diagnosed?
There is no single test for IBS. Doctors diagnose IBS by:
- Listening carefully to your child’s symptoms and medical history
- Doing a physical exam
- Ordering simple blood or stool tests when needed to rule out other problems
If your child’s symptoms fit well-known criteria used around the world, many children can be diagnosed without testing. In some cases, your child may need imaging studies, breath tests or an endoscopy if there are alarm features or if the story does not clearly point to IBS.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treated?
The main goal of treatment is to reduce pain and help your child get back to normal life at home and at school. Treatment plans are tailored to each child and may include:
- Diet changes, such as eating regular meals, adding more fiber and avoiding clear trigger foods like caffeine or very greasy items can reduce IBS symptoms and make bowel habits more regular.
- Medicines that target diarrhea, constipation or cramping can relieve discomfort when other strategies are not enough.
- Mind–body therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training or gut-directed hypnotherapy can calm the brain–gut connection and decrease pain.
- Treatment of anxiety, when present, may be quite beficial to the gastroitnestinal symptom.
- Support at school that builds coping skills, addresses stress, anxiety or mood and coordinates with teachers can limit how much IBS interferes with a child’s daily life.
Most children improve over time when the family and care team work together and stick with the plan.
Why Choose Nationwide Children’s Hospital for IBS Care?
At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, care for children and teens with IBS is provided through the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Center, a high-volume program focused on the brain–gut connection and functional abdominal pain. Our pediatric gastroenterologists have deep experience with IBS and related motility disorders, and they work closely with nurses, dietitians, psychologists and social workers who specialize in children’s digestive health.
- Using the latest research and expert guidelines, we aim to:
- Make a clear diagnosis based on your child’s symptoms and thoughtful use of testing
- Avoid unnecessary or repeated procedures whenever possible
- Build a treatment plan that fits your child’s medical needs, family routine and school demands
Our goal is to reduce your child’s pain, improve day-to-day functioning and give your family practical tools to manage IBS over time, with a team that understands both the medical and emotional impact of this condition.
Medical Reviewer: Peter Lu, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Date Last Reviewed: 2/13/2026
The information provided here is only for general reference and should not take the place of medical care or patient education. If you have any questions, please contact your care team.
