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Challenges in management of irritable bowel syndrome in children
Siba Prosad Paul1, Penny Barnard, Charlotte Bigwood
1Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol BS2 8BJ;*Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chichester PO19 6SE and #Evelina Childrens Hospital, London SE1 7EH. Correspondence to: Dr Siba Prosad Paul, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children,Paul O Gorman Building,Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8BJ. siba@doctors.org.uk.
Insights
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Pediatricians face challenges in diagnosis and management, with dietary changes, medications, and stress management being key treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent cause of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children, significantly impacting quality of life.
- Organic etiologies for RAP, including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases, must be ruled out prior to diagnosing IBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the diagnostic and management challenges of pediatric IBS.
- To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies for IBS in children.
- To contextualize IBS management within the Indian subcontinent population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of IBS diagnosis and management in pediatric populations.
- Discussion of differential diagnoses for recurrent abdominal pain in children.
- Overview of established and novel treatment modalities for pediatric IBS.
Main Results:
- Exclusion of organic diseases is critical before diagnosing IBS.
- Multimodal treatment approaches including dietary adjustments, pharmacotherapy, and stress management are standard.
- Emerging therapies show promise for improved symptom control with fewer adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric IBS presents unique management challenges.
- A comprehensive approach is necessary for effective IBS treatment in children.
- Further research into novel therapies is warranted, particularly for diverse populations like those in the Indian subcontinent.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children and can be a debilitating experience for both child and family. Organic causes of RAP symptoms such as celiac and inflammatory bowel diseases should be excluded before a diagnosis of IBS is made. Treatment consists of dietary manipulation, drugs, and stress management. Newer therapies may offer better control of symptoms with minimal side-effects. This article discusses the challenges faced by pediatricians in managing IBS and reviews management in the context of children from the Indian subcontinent.
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