The Pharmacist's Role
Being highly accessible to the public, pharmacists can play a role in the management of IBS in children and adolescents. Pharmacists must understand the signs, symptoms, and presentation of IBS, as well as, management options. Upon encountering a patient with symptoms and a diagnosis of IBS, pharmacists can reassure patients, families, and caregivers by counseling them about the disorder and appropriate care. Pharmacists can identify pediatric CBT therapists or hypnotherapists, as well as other community resources for managing IBS. Pharmacists should routinely identify drugs that may exacerbate the pain, constipation, and diarrhea associated with IBS and advise patients against taking such products. Finally, pharmacists can monitor the patient's therapy for appropriate outcomes and manage or prevent side effects of prescribed pharmacologic agents.