What is new with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to summarize the most up-to-date criteria for diagnosis of pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and treatment options. It also explores recent research that has been performed evaluating risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment designed to improve quality of life for those who suffer from IBS. IBS is a common disorder in pediatrics and one of the most common causes of abdominal pain for children; thus, it can be quite debilitating for individuals to achieve a satisfactory quality of life on a routine basis. Reliable, available treatment is needed but can be challenging to find, given the variety of symptoms and triggers involved and lack of a clear understanding of how IBS develops.

Recent findings: There are multiple pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options being explored and studied globally but further, larger, and well controlled studies are needed to confirm these outcomes.

Summary: Because pediatric IBS is one of the most common functional disorders associated with abdominal pain and can be brought on by multiple factors, management often involves addressing these individual triggers with a multifaceted treatment plan, which could include dietary changes, probiotics, medication, or psychotherapy and should be tailored to each affected individual.