Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation—or some combination of these problems. IBS can affect people of all ages, including children. Some diagnostic criteria include: (1) symptoms be present for at least 12 weeks in the preceding 12 months, and (2) no diseases are present that might cause the symptoms. People with IBS tend to have overly sensitive intestines that have muscle spasms in response to food, gas, and sometimes stress. These spasms in turn may produce pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Children with IBS may also have headache, nausea, or mucus in the stool. Weight loss may occur if a child eats less to try to avoid pain. Some children first develop symptoms after a stressful event, such as teething, a bout with the flu, or problems at school or at home. Stress does not cause IBS, but it can trigger symptoms. Sources. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Asclepeion Center for Body Mind Therapy. Working integratively and individually, Asclepeion Center staff have had marked success in alleviating the negative effects of a variety of disease states and health issues. To discuss what particular treatment protocols may be appropriate for any specific health issue, please contact the Asclepeion Center, (301.495.0933) to talk over your individual medical situation. For more information on what we do, see About Us and Services sections of this website. Many people who come to us feel they have already gleaned the positive effects of treatments offered by traditional medicine. Others want to explore possible synergies drawing upon holistic alternatives. Center staff are always glad to work cooperatively with any practitioners—both traditional and non-traditional—that a client desires. BACK TO TOP