Pediatric irritable bowel syndrome and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: What’s the difference?

A child with stomach discomfort

Pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two abdomen ailments that sound the same but are distinctly different. The similarity in name and symptoms could be why these ailments are often incorrectly used interchangeably; however, it’s important to undergo an exam to come to the proper diagnosis to ensure the most suitable treatment. Here we take a look at IBS and IBD, what makes them different, how they are diagnosed, and their treatment options.

What’s the difference between pediatric IBS and pediatric IBD?

The main difference between pediatric IBS and IBD is that inflammatory bowel disease can cause destructive inflammation and permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract, while irritable bowel syndrome does not cause inflammation and rarely requires hospitalization. Also, it’s possible for a child to have both IBS and IBD.

What causes inflammatory bowel disease in children? How is IBD diagnosed?

It is not yet known what causes inflammatory bowel disease. It is known to involve an interaction between genes, the immune system and environmental factors, including previous gastrointestinal infection and proximity to smoking. Unlike IBS, healthcare providers will be able to see evidence of inflammation caused by IBD during an endoscopic and histologic evaluation, which is a nonsurgical way to examine and evaluate the digestive tract.

Other exams used to screen for pediatric IBD include blood tests, imaging studies utilizing X-rays or magnetic resonance and specific stool studies. Evaluation can also help determine if your child has ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease, two categories of IBD.

If IBD goes undiagnosed, it can lead to colon cancer and affect other organs of the body including the eyes and liver. Pediatric IBD can also cause arthritis, skin conditions, kidney issues and bone loss.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome? What are the symptoms of IBS in children?

Pediatric IBS may occur when the bowel is sensitive to specific foods or other triggers like stress. Symptoms of IBS include stomach pain and cramping, gas and bloating, trouble sleeping and fatigue, and constipation and/or diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome alone does not cause inflammation or any visible changes in the digestive tract when examined.

How are IBD and IBS treated in children?

While it’s possible to manage both IBD and IBS, there is no cure for either. Treatment options for children with irritable bowel syndrome include dietary changes and avoiding known triggers when possible. Stress management to mitigate flare ups, and medicine are also treatment options for pediatric IBS that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Medication and dietary changes are also treatment options for children with inflammatory bowel disease however, if the disease is severe or progresses quickly, surgery may be necessary.

Download our IBS vs. IBD infographic

 

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Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition