What if the discomfort your child feels after meals is more than just a temporary concern? How can we tell if it’s an occasional occurrence with no serious consequences or if it’s a sign of something more serious, like a digestive disorder? Apart from disrupting their daily routine, persistent tummy aches can significantly impact the overall health of kids. Awareness of digestive disorders can help parents respond quickly, ensuring their children get the essential care. This article discusses how to recognise the symptoms of common paediatric stomach and digestive issues and details the recommended steps to take once a diagnosis is made.
Digestive disorders in kids involve a range of conditions that disrupt normal digestion, causing symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, irregular bowel habits, etc. These issues can affect their ability to enjoy meals and may even lead to serious health issues. Therefore, proper management is necessary to support their overall health and happiness. Let’s take a deeper look into these disorders that plague the digestive system so as to provide insightful advice and helpful methods for effective management.
Lactose intolerance in kids occurs when their bodies struggle to digest lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It arises when the body fails to produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Often, it is caused by various factors, such as genetic factors, aging, digestive disorders, premature birth, or small intestine injury. This can cause discomfort but is manageable with reduced dairy intake or a lactose-free alternative.
The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of lactose consumed. If your child is lactose intolerant, you may notice symptoms develop a few hours after consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose. Some common symptoms include:
● Pain in the abdomen
● Bloated stomach
● Cramps
● Gas
● Nausea and vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Stomach growling or rumbling sounds
Initially, a doctor reviews the child’s medical history and symptoms. Diagnostic tests for lactose intolerance include the Lactose Intolerance Test, which measures blood glucose levels after consuming lactose. Another test is the Hydrogen Breath Test, which detects hydrogen levels in the breath following lactose intake. For younger kids, a Stool Acidity Test can determine the acidity of their stool. Additionally, an elimination diet may also be done to remove lactose from the child’s diet and monitor any symptom changes. In some cases, genetic testing may be performed to confirm a hereditary tendency for lactose intolerance to arise.
Treatment will vary according to your child’s symptoms, age and overall health, as there is no method to initiate the body’s natural lactase production. Here are some tips for managing lactose intolerance in kids:
● Reduce or Avoid Dairy Products: Limit or remove foods containing lactose from the child’s diet. Use lactose-free alternatives if available.
● Lactase Enzyme Supplements: Take lactase enzyme pills with food to break down lactose.
● Incorporate Non-Dairy Calcium Sources: Include calcium-rich, lactose-free foods like leafy greens, almonds and fortified plant-based milk.
● Gradual Introduction: Try consuming small amounts of dairy to see if symptoms improve over time. Work with a dietician to create a balanced, personal plan.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley, affects the digestive system in kids. Gluten sets off an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to various health issues. This condition requires lifelong care, and if it goes untreated, it can lead to delays in growth and overall health. With early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet, kids can grow strong and enjoy a healthier future. Doctors haven’t yet figured out exactly how Celiac disease develops. Some researchers believe that it may be triggered by the combination of:
● Having a gene that makes you prone to the condition.
● Consumption of gluten.
● Exposure to a toxin or an infection (such as a rotavirus).
Symptoms of Celiac disease can vary significantly among children and depend on their age. Infants and toddlers often exhibit more noticeable symptoms that typically arise in the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:
● Abdominal pain
● Stomach bloating
● Foul-smelling stools
● Vomiting
● Irritability
● Malnutrition
● Nausea
Vomiting is less common in school-age children. In older children, problems include delayed puberty, slowed growth, damage to the enamel of permanent teeth with grooves or pits, a rash with small blisters, inflammation in the liver, etc. Symptoms can vary, and a child with no symptoms can still develop complications from the disease if left untreated.
Diagnosing Celiac disease can be tricky because its symptoms are similar to those of other digestive disorders. Doctors usually review dietary habits and symptoms.
Healthcare providers often conduct blood tests to check for antibodies, like tissue transglutaminase antibodies (TGA - IGA), that signal an immune response to gluten. If blood tests suggest Celiac disease, genetic testing may be performed to look for the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes linked to the condition. The most accurate diagnosis is made through an endoscopy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the small intestine. This is analysed for damage to the villi, which is a sign of Celiac disease.
The only way to treat Celiac disease is to permanently remove gluten from the child’s diet. Supervised intake of nutritional supplements will help to overcome vitamin and mineral deficiency. Regular check-ups with a doctor are important for monitoring progress and health.
Paediatric Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) are rare conditions in children marked by an abnormal rise in eosinophils in the digestive tract. Children with food-related allergies often develop these disorders. Paediatric gastrointestinal disorders also sometimes run in the family.
There are four types of EGIDs based on the inflammation area:
1. Eosinophilic Colitis (EC): Occurs when eosinophils are in the lining of the large intestine.
2. Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE): Occurs when eosinophils are in the stomach and the small intestine.
3. Eosinophilic Gastritis (EG): Occurs when eosinophils are in the stomach lining.
4. Eosinophilic Oesophagitis: This is the most common type, and it occurs in the lining of the esophagus.
For confirming gastrointestinal disease in child symptoms are the first things to look out for. These can vary according to the part of the gastrointestinal tract that is affected.
The common symptoms include:
● Vomiting and nausea
● Abdominal pain and bloating of the stomach
● Diarrhea
● Difficulty in swallowing food
● Poor appetite
● Slow growth and weight loss
Paediatric EGIDs are diagnosed using various methods. The process starts with a review of the child’s medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination. An endoscopy and biopsy may be conducted. Blood tests, allergy tests, and imaging studies like X-rays and MRIs may also help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment plans are based on the severity of the condition and the child’s specific needs. The treatment of gastrointestinal disease in children involves changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, using medication to ease inflammation, and, if needed, adding therapy to manage symptoms. While there is no cure for this disorder, medications like steroids can lower eosinophil levels in the gut to help manage symptoms. Regular check-ups are needed to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as necessary.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract in children, leading to pain in the abdominal region, diarrhea, weight loss, etc. It is a long-term condition that may come and go at different times during the child’s life. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown. Experts think that a virus or bacteria may affect the body’s immune system because many children with Crohn’s disease have an abnormal immune system.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and the symptoms can vary. They can be either quite mild and hardly noticeable or quite severe. The signs may gradually manifest over a period of time. However, in a few cases, the onset may even be quite sudden. The most common symptoms include:
● Belly pain, often in the lower right area
● Diarrhea
● Weight loss
● Fever
● Loss of appetite
● Blood in the stool
● Fatigue
● Anal fissure
Some children may have no symptoms for a long time, even years. The symptoms may even look like other health problems.
Since there is no single test for Crohn’s disease, the doctor will begin by ruling out other possible causes through a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, and review of family history. To confirm the diagnosis, various tests and procedures may be used, including blood and stool lab tests. Other procedures include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, biopsy, imaging, etc.
Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, and there is no single treatment that works for everyone. One goal of medical treatment is to focus on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Key options include:
● Medications: Anti-inflammatories, steroids, immunosuppressive medication, etc.
● Nutritional Support: Special diets to ensure adequate nutrient intake and minimise symptoms.
● Surgery: A bowel resection may be necessary to remove the diseased portion of the bowel.
● Regular Check-ups: The child will need to be monitored, and treatment plans will be adjusted as needed.
Apart from parents, even the child will need to be educated about the digestive disorder that they suffer from. This will ensure their safety and overall well-being. It will be prudent to make a few essential lifestyle changes, as these can significantly enhance the quality of life for kids afflicted by digestive disorders. Encouraging healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and open conversation about digestive health help kids manage these challenges. Also, it is vital that the advice of qualified healthcare providers is taken as soon as possible when the symptoms of such disorders begin to arise.
A positive outlook is vital for parents and caregivers of children facing digestive disorders. Encouraging kids to be strong and confident helps them deal with their health challenges. By creating a supportive atmosphere, children can face challenges with courage and confidence, paving the way for a brighter future.
The most common digestive issues in children include:
● Abnormal bowel movements
● Acid reflux
● Lactose intolerance
● Nausea
The usual symptoms of gastric problems in children include:
● stomach pain or cramping
● nausea and vomiting
● bloating and gas
● acid reflux or heartburn
● loss of appetite
● belching and hiccups
The symptoms of digestive problems are:
● abdominal pain and discomfort
● bloating and gas
● diarrhea or constipation
● nausea and vomiting
● loss of appetite
● fatigue and weakness
The four clinical signs of Gastrointestinal Disease are:
1. Abdominal Pain: Persistent or severe pain in the abdominal area.
2. Vomiting: Frequent or severe vomiting, especially if it contains blood.
3. Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus.
4. Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss or poor weight gain in children.
