Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects people of all ages, including children. It’s classified as a functional disorder, which means there is no identifiable disease of the intestines, bowel or colon. However, the symptoms are real and can cause some children to avoid social events or stay home from school. Most people with IBS, however, are able to control their symptoms through diet, stress management, and sometimes with medications prescribed by their physicians.
IBS in children ranges from mild to severe. While symptoms can be uncomfortable or even disabling, IBS does not lead to other, more serious diseases, such as cancer, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
