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IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is a diagnosis by exclusion. IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, which can be severe, bloating, excess wind, and alteration of bowel habits. These symptoms can be slow to settle. In some individuals bowel movements relieve the symptoms. Stools are frequently abnormal, presenting as diarrhoea and/or constipation. IBS is more common in females and in the second to third decades of life. Additional information on IBS is available here.  Intolerance to foods, particularly carbohydrates, are commonly suspected. A diagnosis of such conditions is important in order to restrict or expand a child's diet appropriately and safely. Lactose Intolerance frequently follows gastroenteritis and is usually transient.
There is a geographic/ethnic bias for the development of lactose intolerance - please see map below from Wikipedia website.
 Lactose
 Dr Du Toit is able to perform and interpret tests for the diagnosis or exclusion of Celiac disease (gluten sensitivity); if such a test proves positive, the patient is referred to specialist gastroenterology colleagues for confirmation by colonoscopy.
 Food allergy and intolerance may play a role in only a few children with constipation. Food allergy could, however be associated with gastroesophageal reflux and colic. |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation and Lactose Intolerance |