title: Challenges in management of irritable bowel syndrome in children.
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.
authors.affiliation: Bristol 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.
authors.forename: Siba Prosad
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barnard
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bigwood
authors.forename: David C A
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Candy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*