Irritable bowel syndrome

The main objective of treatment is to restore your child's normal daily function.

• It is important to identify and reverse environmental stresses that affect your child. Try to help your child focus on something fun or pleasant during a painful episode.
   
• If your child is lactose-intolerant, restricting lactose or supplementing the enzyme that digests the sugar (lactase/Lactaid) is recommended since this sugar can be a trigger for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
   
• Depending on the severity of your child's symptoms, medication may be needed. In rare cases, pain control needs to be administered by specialists in the field of pain management. Biofeedback has become part of some treatment strategies, as well as acupuncture.
   
• The use of high fiber in children is a controversial issue, since it could promote flatulence and abdominal distension. It is recommended in the adult population, and it may be beneficial in children in which the symptom of constipation predominates. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-wheat breads, pastas and cereals are high in fiber, and your child's physician may advise incorporating them into your child's diet.