Skip to Main Content
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Visitor Guidelines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.

Information on COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.


Free Virtual Coronavirus Screenings

IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.

Actualizaciones del Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Información sobre el COVID-19

Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.


Restricciones para visitantes

Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.


Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas

Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.


Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos

IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.

Riley Children's Health
  • 317.944.5000
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
    • Health Information
    • Find A Doctor
    • Depts. & Programs
    • Research & Innovation
    • Contact & Locations
    • Refer a Patient
    • Log in to My IU Health
Riley Children's Health
  • 317.944.5000
  • My IU Health
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
Book Appointment Online with select physicians.
Request Appointment Online to schedule with one of our coordinators.
1.888.IUHEALTH for
Same-Day Primary Care Appointments.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
  • Health Information
  • Find A Doctor
  • Depts. & Programs
  • Research & Innovation
  • Contact & Locations
  • Log in to My IU Health
  • General Information
    317.944.5000
  • Health Information
  • Find A Doctor
  • Departments & Programs
  • Research & Innovation
  • Contact & Locations
Riley Children's Health

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Find A Doctor
  • Request An Appointment
  • On This Page:
  • Treatments
  • Key Points to Remember
  • Support Services & Resources
  • Locations
  • Departments Treating This Condition
Go back to the top of the page

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) describes a common group of symptoms that often includes abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel movements.

IBS occurs if there is pain or if there are changes in the bowel movement. These symptoms are not the same in everybody.

Pediatric GI doctor
View Child-Friendly Explanation

Pediatric gastroenterologists are not sure what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when a child eats. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Another possibility is that nerves may react when the bowel stretches causing cramping or pain.

IBS can be painful, but it does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system. IBS does not lead to other health problems.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation
  • Chronic constipation
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Discomfort in the abdomen (relieved by or associated with a bowel movement)
  • Feeling that a bowel movement is not finished

Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If your child experiences symptoms of IBS, a pediatric gastroenterologist can usually diagnose the condition based on symptoms alone. Sometimes, they will order tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms (like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease). Diagnostic exams and tests include:

  • Physical exam
  • Review of your child's complete medical history
  • Blood tests
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Abdominal ultrasound

Treatments

Treatments

Irritable bowel syndrome has no cure, but you can help your child take actions to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve:

  • Nutrition diary. Your child's pediatric gastroenterologist may recommend keeping a diary that tracks:
    • What your child eats during the day
    • What symptoms they have
    • When symptoms occur
    • What foods always make them feel sick
  • Dietary changes. After keeping the diary,you may find your child should avoid:
    • Carbonated drinks like soda
    • Caffeinated drinks like coffee and some sodas
    • Chocolate
    • Fatty foods like french fries
  • Medicine. Your child's pediatric gastroenterologist may give him or her medicine to help with symptoms. Medicines for IBS include:
    • Laxatives. Laxatives treat constipation. Many kinds of laxatives are available. Your child's doctor can help you find the laxative that is right for your child.
    • Antispasmodics. Antispasmodics control spasms in the colon and help ease abdominal pain.
    • Antidepressants. Antidepressants given in lower doses than used for treating depression can help reduce the abdominal discomfort or pain associated with IBS and, depending on the type chosen, may help diarrhea or constipation.
  • Stress relief. Emotional stress does not cause IBS, but it can make symptoms worse. Learning to reduce stress can help with IBS. With less stress, your child may have less cramping and pain.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Irritable bowel syndrome can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
  • A pediatric gastroenterologist will diagnose IBS based on symptoms. Sometimes a child may need to have medical tests to rule out other health problems.
  • Stress does not cause IBS, but it can make your child's symptoms worse.
  • Fatty foods, chocolate and caffeinated and carbonated drinks can trigger symptoms.
  • Treatment for IBS may include medicine, stress relief and changes in eating habits.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the websites below to find support groups and services and learn more about irritable bowel syndrome.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

This National Institutes of Health website offers in-depth information about IBS symptoms, treatments and clinical trials.

AboutKidsGI

This website from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders provides extensive information about IBS in children and teens.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 6 facilities offering Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) care by entering your city or zip below.

See all facilities

Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
Riley Children's Health Indiana University School of Medicine
Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

©2021 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org

Get Informed

  • About Riley Children's Health
  • Family Support Services
  • Health Professionals
  • Medical Education
  • Newsroom
  • Riley Connections Blog
  • Careers
  • Legal Notices

I Want To…

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Refer a Patient
  • Plan My Visit
  • Pay a Bill
  • Make a Donation
  • Volunteer

General Information

317.944.5000

Connect with Riley at IU Health

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • RSS
Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

©2021 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org


Non-discrimination Notice

  • English
  • Español
  • Français
  • Burmese
  • Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch
  • 中文
  • Nederlands
  • Deutsche
  • Hakha
  • 日本語
  • Karen
  • 한국어
  • Русский
  • Tagalog
  • Tiếng Việt
  • العربية
  • हिंदी
  • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Back to top of the page