- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
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Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
Definition (1)
- Spastic colon: What does it mean?
Symptoms (2)
- Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What's the difference?
- IBS in children: Is it possible?
Causes (1)
- Fructose intolerance: Can it cause IBS?
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Fiber supplements: Are they safe to take every day?
Alternative medicine (2)
- Candida cleanse: What does it treat?
- Prebiotics: What are they?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- IBS diet: Can yogurt ease symptoms?
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Question
IBS in children: Is it possible?
Does irritable bowel syndrome affect only adults? Or is IBS in children possible?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common digestive disorder. IBS can affect anyone, including children.
Signs and symptoms of IBS may include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating and gas. Diarrhea and constipation are common as well. Some children who have IBS experience primarily diarrhea, while others experience primarily constipation. Sometimes IBS in children is characterized by a pattern of alternating diarrhea and constipation.
The specific cause of IBS in children isn't clear. However, signs and symptoms often appear after a stressful event — such as an illness or problems at home or school.
IBS in children is generally diagnosed based on a child's medical history and a physical exam. For children, IBS treatment often focuses on lifestyle changes. A child who has IBS may need to:
- Eat more fiber
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat less fat
- Set aside time each day for regular bowel movements
Medication isn't usually prescribed to treat IBS in children. Still, medical attention is important. Sometimes conditions that are more serious — such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease — begin with signs and symptoms similar to IBS.
Next questionFructose intolerance: Can it cause IBS?
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 29, 2008.
- Irritable bowel syndrome in children. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibschildren. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- McOmber ME, et al. Recurrent abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in children. Current Opinion in Pediatrics. 2007;19(5):581-585.
