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Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
At Maine Medical Center

22 Bramhall Street
Portland, Maine 04102-3175
www.bbch.org


What's Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Say: EAR-it-uh-bul BOW-ul SIN-drohm

When you don't get enough sleep, you might feel irritable. But did you know that some kids have intestines that get irritable? This can happen when the muscles in the large intestine have trouble doing their job.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause cramps, gas, and bloating in the belly. It also can make kids have to poop a lot (diarrhea) or have trouble pooping (constipation).