When children experience ongoing abdominal pain, the cause may be more complex than a simple stomachache. If symptoms persist, the issue may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS is a digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, or a combination of symptoms. It affects children of all ages, and the condition is more common in females. Some children primarily experience diarrhea, others constipation, and some alternate between the two.
IBS is linked to hypersensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract. In this condition, normal digestive sensations are perceived by the brain as abnormal, leading to real pain. The brain does not properly process signals that typically calm intestinal activity, resulting in an exaggerated gut response.
Stress and anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms. While stress does not cause IBS, it is a common trigger, and many children with IBS experience increased stress levels.
Parents should consult a pediatric gastroenterologist if a child has persistent abdominal pain along with vomiting, weight loss, delayed growth, or high fever. Even without these warning signs, ongoing pain should be evaluated. In children who are otherwise growing well, chronic abdominal pain is rarely caused by a serious condition, but it still requires appropriate treatment.
Keeping a detailed symptom log can be helpful. Tracking when pain occurs and its relationship to meals, bowel movements, sleep, and daily activities helps gastroenterologists identify patterns and guide care.
Treatment for children with IBS has evolved into a “whole-child” approach that recognizes the strong connection between the gut and the brain. With guidance from a pediatric-trained gastroenterologist, care may include medications such as antispasmodics or low-dose neuromodulators, along with thoughtful dietary guidance. Strict elimination diets are generally discouraged, as they can lead to nutritional gaps or an unhealthy fear of food. Treatment is not exclusively medical—research shows that gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can also play an important role in helping children manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, pediatric specialists work together to deliver comprehensive, specialized care. Families can access advanced pediatric subspecialty care—including specialists from the Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program—close to home through satellite clinics in the South Bay, Long Beach, and Orange County.
