Severe digestive disorders in children
“My
stomach hurts” is what every parent hears. But if your child complains of
stomach problems all the time, he may have serious digestive problems.
These
conditions have different causes but share many common symptoms:
- Nausea
- Stomachache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration (due to diarrhea and vomiting)
If
your child often has these symptoms, the first thing to do is to see a doctor.
Getting a diagnosis will help you know how to help your child feel better.
Here
are some common severe digestive disorders in children.
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders
Eosinophilic
gastrointestinal disorders, the most common of which is called eosinophilic
esophagitis, result from too many white blood cells in your child's digestive
tract. This causes inflammation and swelling, which can lead to pain and
discomfort. He may also have trouble swallowing.
There
is no cure for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder, but medications such as
steroids can lower the number of white blood cells in the gut and relieve
symptoms. Your doctor may suggest cutting out certain foods that can cause
allergic reactions or following a special diet. In severe cases, it may be
necessary to use a feeding tube.
Celiac disease
Children
with celiac disease have a severe reaction when they eat gluten, wheat protein,
barley and rye. This disorder can damage the small intestine and prevent the
child's body from absorbing nutrients from food.
Following
a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. This will likely
stop intestinal damage and help heal what has already happened.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory
bowel disease usually occurs in older children or adolescents. It includes two
main digestive disorders:
- Ulcerative colitis causing swelling of the colon
- Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract.
Bloody
or watery poop and abdominal pain are common symptoms of both conditions.
Inflammatory bowel disease can also lead to a child's growth retardation or
delayed puberty. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can lead to joint pain,
eye irritation, kidney stones, liver disease, and weakened or brittle bones.
The
goal of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is to eliminate symptoms for
as long as possible. The doctor may prescribe dietary changes and medications.
If symptoms of ulcerative colitis are severe, your child may need hospital
treatment or surgery.
Intussusception
This
intestinal obstruction occurs when one part of the intestine folds over another
part. Most often occurs in young children.
Intussusception
causes pain, swelling, and sudden fatigue, and can even lead to intestinal
rupture. This can happen anywhere in the intestine. The reason is unknown.
Treatment
usually begins with the use of a liquid or air enema to try to push out the
intestines. It does not require surgery and usually works. Otherwise, your
child will most likely need surgery.
Volvulus
This
medical emergency occurs when your child's intestines twist on their own,
blocking the flow of waste. In some cases, the blood supply also stops. Surgery
will be required to correct this, but after that, most children have normal
growth and health.
Short bowel syndrome
In
this disease, the child does not have enough intestines to properly absorb
nutrients and fluids. Some babies are born with parts missing; others have had
surgery to remove part of their intestines. Other causes of short bowel
syndrome are:
- Crohn's disease
- Intussusception
- Blockage of a blood vessel, which can slow down blood flow to the intestines.
- Intestinal injury
- Cancer
Diarrhea
is usually the most common symptom. Short bowel syndrome can lead to problems
such as malnutrition, dehydration, kidney stones, and acute diaper rash.
A change in diet and sometimes intravenous or tube feeding may help with treatment. Medicines can relieve symptoms and slow the passage of food through your child's digestive system so that nutrients are better absorbed. Sometimes surgery is required.