How to prepare for a video visit about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Mild

Audience: pediatric

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Mild IBS often means symptoms are manageable and do not severely disrupt daily life. Preparing for a video visit about mild IBS can help you and your child get the most from the appointment. During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, diet, and lifestyle to understand the condition better. They may suggest ways to manage symptoms through diet changes, stress management, and sometimes medications. This guide helps families prepare for the visit by gathering important information, understanding what telemedicine can and cannot do, and knowing when to seek in-person care. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain that does not improve with usual measures — seek urgent medical care.
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools — contact healthcare provider immediately.
• Unexplained weight loss or persistent vomiting — arrange for prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to mild IBS.
• Providing education on diet, lifestyle, and symptom management.
• Reviewing symptom diaries and advising on when to seek further care.
• Prescribing or recommending over-the-counter treatments when appropriate.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination that requires hands-on assessment.
• Diagnosing conditions that require laboratory, imaging, or endoscopic tests.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms that need immediate in-person care.
• Performing procedures or urgent interventions.

What is Mild Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a condition that affects how the stomach and intestines work. Mild IBS means symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, or changes in bowel movements happen but are usually not severe. These symptoms can come and go and may be triggered by certain foods, stress, or infections. Understanding mild IBS helps you explain your child's symptoms clearly during the visit.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before the appointment, write down your child's symptoms, including when they started, how often they happen, and what seems to make them better or worse. Note any recent changes in diet, stress, or medications. Have a list of questions or concerns ready. Make sure your device has a good internet connection and a quiet, private space for the visit. Having a family member or caregiver present can help.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may guide you through a physical observation, such as pointing to where the pain is. They will discuss possible causes and suggest ways to manage symptoms, often starting with diet and lifestyle changes. They might recommend follow-up tests or in-person visits if needed.

Managing Mild IBS at Home

Many children with mild IBS benefit from simple changes like eating smaller, regular meals, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, staying hydrated, and managing stress through relaxation techniques. Keeping a symptom diary can help track what affects your child. Your healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter remedies or prescribe medications if necessary.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child experiences severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration, seek in-person medical care promptly. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that needs urgent evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms: type, frequency, duration, and triggers.
• List any recent changes in diet, stress, or medications.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure your device (computer, tablet, or phone) is charged and connected to a stable internet.
• Choose a quiet, private space for the video visit.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on diet and lifestyle changes.
• Keep a symptom diary to monitor progress and triggers.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

FAQs

Can my child’s mild IBS be cured?

IBS is a chronic condition, which means it often lasts a long time. While there is no cure, many children manage their symptoms well with diet changes, stress management, and sometimes medications. Symptoms may improve or change over time.

What foods should my child avoid?

Trigger foods vary but common ones include fatty foods, caffeine, dairy, and certain high-fiber foods. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify specific triggers for your child.

Is stress related to IBS symptoms?

Yes, stress and anxiety can often make IBS symptoms worse. Techniques like deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and counseling may help reduce symptoms.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (like very dry mouth or little urine), or sudden weight loss, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has concerning symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.