Preparing questions in advance can help parents and patients to have more meaningful discussions with physicians regarding their or their child’s conditions. Parents and children may wish to ask the doctor the following questions related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children:

1. Do my child’s symptoms indicate IBS? Could they be a sign of some other medical condition?
   
   
2. Should I keep a food diary to track my child’s meals and symptoms?
   
   
3. What treatment options are available to my child?
   
   
4. Are medications appropriate for my child? Or do the potential dangers outweigh the benefits?
   
   
5. Do I need to treat my child’s symptoms when they occur – or will treatment be ongoing, even when my child doesn’t have symptoms?
   
   
6. Do I need to change my child’s diet? What about changes to my child’s lifestyle (exercise, activities)?
   
   
7. Can you recommend ways to manage my child’s stress?
   
   
8. Are there any over-the-counter medications or home remedies you would recommend for my child?
   
   
9. Are there special things my daughter can do during her menstrual period to lessen or eliminate flare-ups?
   
   
10. How can I help my child overcome embarrassment related to IBS?
    
    
11. During treatment, are there any side effects or changes that you want me to report to you immediately?
    
    
12. Will my child continue to have IBS as an adult?