Health
and why it’s such a pain for kids
By Fleur Michell
I
rritable Bowel Syndrome currently affects one in seven Australians, making it one of the most common digestive disorders around.
However, IBS in kids can be hard to diagnose, given that some of the key symptoms such as stomach ache, constipation and diarrhea, are often run-of-the-mill childhood ailments, and aren’t necessarily a sign of anything more. IBS sufferer Vanessa Hutchinson first noticed the symptoms of IBS when she was in highschool. “It was mostly just bloating though, so it didn't bother me too much,” says the mum of two. “I'd just wear loose clothes. If I noticed eating something triggered symptoms, I tried to avoid it. But I didn’t know I had a condition.” Back then, Vanessa didn’t think to mention anything to her mum. “As they were just minor complaints I didn’t say anything and don’t think Mum would have paid it much attention anyway. She would probably just have just told me to stop eating or drinking certain things. “It then got progressively worse throughout my 20's with frequent bloating, pain and problems with bowel movements. It also didn’t help that I wasn't taking care of myself. I was going out, drinking and eating bad food, doing typical things for that age, so I just assumed my issues stemmed from that. 76 Peninsula Peninsula Kids Kids ––Summer Summer2022/23 2022/23