Child Intestinal Disorders
Child Intestinal Disorders
Everything you need to know
about Child Intestinal Disorders
“I’m not feeling well,” almost every parent has heard their child say. I can’t go to attend school.” When this occurs, you must determine whether it is simply an excuse to skip school or it is something more serious.
If your child complains about stomach pains frequently, they may have a problem with their intestine, the long, twisting tube that aids digestion. The majority of intestinal diseases in children are treatable. The key is to collaborate with your child’s doctor to choose the best course of action.
The following are two of the more significant digestive problems that affect children:
- Celiac disease. A type of gluten intolerance. Gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, barley, farina, and bulgur, is not absorbed by celiac disease patients. They have a hard time getting enough vitamin D. They also have a hard time getting enough calcium, resulting in frail, weak bones or osteoporosis. The genetic disorder celiac disease runs in families.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A type of bowel disease. This is particularly likely to affect teenagers and older children. Crohn’s disease, which can affect any portion of the digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis, which usually affects just the lower intestine, are the two most common kinds.
Symptoms
Intestinal problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Constipation or stomach cramps
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Appetite loss
- Gas or bloating
- Weight loss or gain
- Lack of development (is a sign of a severe condition)
- Bone loss, for example, is a result of poor nutrition.
- Dehydration
The following factors will influence your child’s symptoms:
- What part of their body is affected by the disorder
- What is the gravity of the situation
- If it causes additional health issues
- The treatment they are receiving
- The extent to which they respond to treatments
Symptoms that occur frequently can cause your child’s daily routine to be disrupted. They may miss school and social events if they have IBD and have frequent stomach cramps or diarrhoea.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Consult your child’s doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of an intestinal issue. The sooner their symptoms are diagnosed, the sooner they can be treated.
Intestinal disorders can be treated in a variety of ways, including:
- Anti-inflammatories and symptom-relieving medications
- A shift in one’s eating habits. If your child has celiac disease, for example, eliminating gluten from their diet will help them feel better. Children with IBD may be put on an elimination diet or fed through a feeding tube with a specific formula.
- In some cases of IBD, surgery to remove inflamed or damaged sections of the intestine is required, however, this is uncommon.
Long-Term Effects of Intestinal Problems
A child with an intestinal problem may develop the following symptoms over time:
- Calcium absorption issues
- Bones that are weak or frail
- Inflammation of the skin, eyes, or joints
- Problems with growth
- Pupil maturation is postponed.
- Malnutrition
- Anaemia
When to call a doctor
You won’t be on your alone when it comes to dealing with your child’s illness. Your doctor will assemble a care team to assist you in managing the treatment and day-to-day activities. Members of the team could include:
- A doctor and a nurse will concentrate on medical treatment.
- A nutritionist to assist you in developing a diet that will alleviate their symptoms while still providing them with the nutrients they require to grow.
- A social worker who can connect you to resources that can help you.
- Health coaches and therapists
These intestinal illnesses have no treatments, but they can be treated. Your child can have a normal life with proper care.