Children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience some symptoms more than others. Types of IBS are identified by the child’s predominant symptoms and include:

• Diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS). Characterized by abrupt episodes of diarrhea upon waking, or during or immediately after eating. The sudden urgency to have a bowel movement may lead to unintentional soiling. Additional symptoms may include abdominal pain and bloating.
  
  
• Constipation-predominant IBS (C-IBS). Occurs when periodic constipation and pain in the lower abdomen are the primary symptoms. Abdominal pain may be sporadic or experienced as a continuous ache, and may be relieved by having a bowel movement. Stool often contains mucus that is either white or clear in color. Eating often triggers symptoms. Occasionally, other parts of the gastrointestinal tract may be affected in addition to or instead of the colon. Indigestion (involving bloating, gas, nausea and heartburn) may also occur.
  
  
• Alternating type IBS (A-IBS). Alternating episodes of both diarrhea and constipation. This is the most common type of IBS in children.