Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi - I had my first IBS attack at age 9, though I went undiagnosed (due to a spectacularly awful pediatrician) until I was 16. Children as young as 4 have been diagnosed with IBS, and it does seem to run in families though they haven't found a solid genetic link.

It's crucial that other problems be ruled out before you assume it's IBS though - at a minimum, your daughter should have the blood work done to initially screen her for celiac and inflammatory bowel diseases. If those turn up negative her doc may not want to do any more invasive tests. But, that basic bloodwork is essential.

She can certainly eat according to the IBS guidelines - that won't hurt her if she doesn't have IBS (though the test for celiac will tell you if she needs to avoid gluten - something very different than the IBS diet). She can also take a soluble fiber supplement every day - no risks to that, but check with her doc for the dosage for an 8 year old.

There are actually special sections for children with IBS in the First Year IBS book - this is a topic quite close to my heart. A lot of the chapters are online at http://www.firstyearibs.com/contents.html

Also, there are a lot of great recipes on the recipe board here that are very kid-friendly. You could post requests, too.

Please let us know how things go...

Best,
Heather

--------------------
Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator