Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pediatric IBS Care
A thoughtful, layered plan for kids and teens whose belly pain and bowel habits are running their day.
Irritable bowel syndrome in children is real, common, and very treatable when it gets a real evaluation. Too often families are told 'everything looks normal' and sent home without a plan.
Dr. Mendez takes IBS seriously: ruling out anything that needs to be ruled out, then building a clear plan across diet, gut-brain therapies, medications when appropriate, and steady follow-up.
Signs and symptoms
- Recurrent abdominal pain at least once a week
- Pain that improves or worsens with bowel movements
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns
- Bloating, gas, or visible abdominal distension
- School absences or missed activities due to belly pain
- Nausea, especially in the morning
- Anxiety around eating or using the bathroom away from home
How we treat it
- Careful history and exam to identify red flags and confirm the IBS pattern.
- Targeted testing only when it will change the plan, not a shotgun workup.
- Diet strategy individualized to your child, including low-FODMAP trials when appropriate.
- Gut-brain tools such as biofeedback, CBT referrals, and hypnotherapy resources.
- Medication options when symptoms are significant, chosen for the dominant pattern.
- Regular check-ins so the plan evolves as your child does.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Belly pain that interrupts school, sleep, or sports.
- Diarrhea or constipation that has lasted more than a few weeks.
- Weight loss, blood in stool, or nighttime symptoms (these are red flags).
- Anxiety building around eating or restrooms.
- Prior workups that came back 'normal' but symptoms continue.
Frequently asked
Is IBS the same as 'it's all in their head'?
Absolutely not. IBS is a real disorder of gut-brain communication with real symptoms. The good news is that targeting that connection is exactly how we get kids better.
Do we need an endoscopy?
Not always. We recommend procedures only when red flags or specific findings suggest they will change the plan.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.