Symptom 8: Difficulty Eating
The joy of watching your child savor a meal can quickly turn to concern if they consistently show reluctance or fear towards eating. Difficulty eating, in the context of IBS, isn’t about pickiness. The child might fear the potential pain or discomfort that follows meals, leading them to avoid eating.
This symptom can manifest in various ways. They might eat smaller portions, avoid certain foods they associate with discomfort, or in severe cases, show a marked decrease in appetite. Over time, this can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Understanding the root cause of this fear is the first step. If certain foods are the triggers, finding alternatives or preparing them differently might help. Reassuring the child that every meal won’t lead to discomfort, and addressing their fears is essential. (8)
