Gastrointestinal disorders in children are increasingly becoming a significant health concern around the world. It affects the growth, development, and the quality of a child’s life. Recent reports indicate a surge in gut-related issues among children, particularly in urban areas like Bengaluru, where foodborne viruses and the impact of seasonal changes contribute to higher incidences of gastrointestinal infections.
When a child cries holding their stomach and tells them that their tummy hurts, we parents should not negotiate their conditions. If they complain about the pain all the time, checking with the doctor is highly recommended. As it may be the cause of any Gastrointestinal disorders.
What Are Paediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders?
A baby’s digestive system is not fully developed when they are born. It gains the nutrients from the milk they drink and food they eat and develops day by day. When this system gets affected and not performing its role of digestion then it is called Paediatric GI Disorders.
The main symptoms for any GI Disorders is stomach pain followed by diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, bloating or blood in the stool. If a child exhibits any of these symptoms, that indicates that the child is suffering from Gastrointestinal disorders. It is best to seek medical attention in a quick way possible. Children with GI disorders are at high risk of getting infected soon. As there is no nutrient absorption in the body and no digestion of foods which bring down the overall health of the baby.
Common Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children
Some of the commonly affecting GI Disorders among the children is listed below
1.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Most common GI Disorders among Infants are Gastroesophageal Reflux. This condition indicates the movement of gastric contents into the oesophagus. In simple terms, it is a condition where the contents in the stomach flows or leaks back to the mouth (through oesophagus). This causes irritation and heartburns in children.The symptoms include
- Heartburn: Once after the meal time, the baby gets a burning sensation in the chest that can rise up to the throat causing vomiting and pain around the chest.
- Regurgitation: It means the backward flow of food from stomach to the mouth, which may cause sour and bitter taste in the mouth.
- The babies find it difficult to swallow food through the food pipe.
- After eating, some babies have nausea that makes them sick. They also have a sore throat due to the acid reflux from the stomach.
Following medication and dietary plans can ease the symptoms of GERD.
2.Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation in digestive tracts followed by swelling of other parts of the intestine. The two types of IBD are
- Crohn’s disease – causing inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Most commonly affects the small intestine and colon.
- Ulcerative colitis – Causing inflammation in the colon (large intestine) and rectum area.
This disease affects the bowel movement in children. The most common symptoms of IBD are
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- bloating.
Some of the other symptoms include Fever, Nausea, Vomiting, Joint Pain and Skin Issues.
IBD mostly affects the older children or preteens. They destroy the walls of the small intestine which narrows down its path leading to shrinking of the intestine. Medications along with diet changes can ease the symptoms of IBD.
3.Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the protein gluten is targeted as a foe by the body’s immune system. This protein is found in wheat, barley and rye. When a child with celiac disease consumes food having gluten, triggers this disease causing rupturing of the inner lining of the small intestine, which in turn prevents absorption of nutrients from the foods which can cause damage to the growth of the child and the child becomes weak, losing lots of weight.
The common symptoms of celiac disease are stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and constipation.
By following a strict gluten-free diet, celiac disease can be treated and the damage already done to the intestine lining can be healed.
4.Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Intolerance is a condition where the child’s body lacks an enzyme that helps in digesting lactose. Lactose are the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. When a child consumes milk the lactose are unable to break down and digest, resulting in digestive problems. These will follow the symptoms of Stomach cramp, gas, bloating and Diahorrea. Having this condition causes lactose intolerance disorder.
Fortunately, lactose intolerance can be treated by either not consuming dairy products or taking enzyme supplements to help break down the lactose in dairy products.
5.Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastro intestinal disorder that affects the region of the small intestine or the bowel. This syndrome causes frequent bowl movements in the kids followed by stomach pain, diarrhoea and gas formation. There is no direct cause for the IBS but factors like food sensitivity, abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles, disrupted communication between the gut and the brain may cause the severity of IBS.
The doctor may need to identify what triggers IBS in the child. IBS can be treated with specific dietary changes, medications or probiotics.
6.Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a GI disorder induced by a viral or bacterial infection, causing inflammation in the stomach and intestines.Theses virus or bacteria are transmitted through contaminated food and water or undercooked foods and poor hygiene conditions. This disorder is characterised by sudden discomfort and dehydration among the kids. The primary symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting and diarrhoea.
7.Constipation
Constipation is a common GI disorder in babies that causes infrequent bowel movements with hard stools. The child experiences difficulty in passing the stools as it may be hard, dry, and painful. The child may also have abdominal pain with a bloated stomach, which is an indication of gas formation. They wont feel hungry and always remain fuzzy during the feeding time and pooping time.
Increasing the foods plans with high fibre content can reduce the effect of constipation.
Common Symptoms of all Gastrointestinal Disorders
All the GI disorders will have the same primary symptoms and parents must always look out for these warning signs and check it with doctors.
- Persistent abdominal pain or bloating.
- Vomiting or frequent diarrhea.
- Blood in stool or difficulty passing stool.
- Poor appetite and weight loss.
- Signs of dehydration: Dry mouth, sunken eyes, or lethargy.
Causes of GI Disorders in Children
Gastro intestinal disorders are provoked by infectious agents, dietary factors and psychological factors. Some of them may also be a genetic predisposition.
Infectious Agent
Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites cause GI in children.
- Virus: Rotavirus and Norovirus are the viruses that cause GI disorder in babies. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
- Bacteria: Bacteria such as e. Coli, salmonella and Campylobacter cause GI disorders among children. It is spread through contaminated food products and poultry products.
- Parasite: Pathogens like Giardia, Cryptosporidium causes GI disorder which is spread through contaminated food and water or by any infected persons.
Dietary Factors
- Food allergies can also stimulate GI conditions in children causing diarrhoea and stomach pain. Babies showing allergic reactions to certain foods (e.g. nuts, cow milk,) must avoid them from their diet.
- Dietary Changes like a baby’s transition from breast milk to formula or introduction of solid foods can disturb normal bowel habits, potentially leading to constipation or diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Psychological Factors
Sometimes both Stress and Anxiety also manifest GI problems among the older children. Stress due to the surrounding and family issues leads to changes in bowel habits within the body. It causes constipation and in severe terms it may cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
When to See a Pediatric Gastroenterologist
When a child shows persistent symptoms like severe stomach pain or dehydration and any occurrence of blood in stool, despite home treatments, it requires immediate medical attention. If the child has any growth or developmental delays, parents can book an appointment with the doctors as it may also link to any digestive disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric GI Disorders
Diagnosing and treating GI disorders requires a comprehensive approach that includes understanding the symptoms, conducting appropriate tests, and implementing effective management strategies.
- Medical history and physical examination helps in analysing the family history, Dietary habits and medical history which can identify any signs of GI in the child’s health.
- Laboratory test like Blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound) are done
- An increase in severity of GI producers like Endoscopy or colonoscopy is taken for detailed internal examination.
Treatments
- Lifestyle and dietary changes like having a balanced diet and intake of foods rich in fiber can help in free and painless bowel movements.
- Avoiding foods with an allergic reaction can reduce the cause of GI.
- Medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or proton pump inhibitors and probiotics can help in acid reflux, and reduce inflammation in the stomach or reduce bacterial infections. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by the doctors.
- In severe cases like obstructions or IBD complications surgery can be considered.
Preventing Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children
To prevent gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in children, parents should follow some effective measures such as
- Incorporating High-Fiber Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into the child’s diet. Also Include foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt) and prebiotics (such as bananas and onions). Being hydrated is essential for proper digestion.
- Intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat dairy products can be avoided.
- Parents must be aware of the Food Allergies and Intolerances of the children.
- They must be educated about Stress Management
- Provide physical activity or exercise time for kids as they stimulate good digestion
- Always keep the kids in Good Hygiene that prevents infections.
By implementing these preventive measures, parents can significantly reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders in their children. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can also help to monitor digestive health of a child. Parents must always encourage a healthy lifestyle from an early age which lays the strong foundation for long-term digestive well-being.