Most children occasionally experience some type of gastrointestinal illness. Some of these bowel disturbances are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses, and the child recovers fairly quickly, with or without medication. At other times, the child may feel significant, recurring distress in the abdomen due to chronic disease. Genetic factors, diet, infection and emotional stress can all contribute to bowel disease in children.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two types of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. IBD is the most common chronic gastrointestinal disease in children, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, with approximately 25 percent of cases occurring before the age of 20. Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the large bowel, while Crohn's can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease often invades the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. Both diseases cause painful inflammation and sores in the intestines.
The symptoms of IBD in children can be vague, and difficult to diagnose. Loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain are common. Children with IBD may experience fever, and bloody diarrhea. A physician can examine the small, or large bowel with an instrument called an endoscope to help diagnose IBD. X ray studies may also be necessary.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, or celiac sprue, is an inherited disease causing an abnormal immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Oats contain lesser amounts of gluten. Celiac disease damages the lining of the small bowel, resulting in poor nutrient absorption. The disease process often begins in childhood, but symptoms may not show up until later in life. However, many children are diagnosed with celiac disease between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old, according to Kidshealth.org.
Onset of celiac disease is slow, and damage to the small bowel occurs over time. Symptoms in children include irritability, weight loss or failure to grow, abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting and diarrhea. Some children have skin rashes and mouth sores. Malabsorption can lead to delayed puberty and tooth defects.
Rotavirus Infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites rotavirus as the most common cause of severe childhood diarrhea. The virus alters the function of the small bowel lining, which results in profuse diarrhea. The illness is spread through water, food, and surfaces that have been contaminated with infectious fecal material. Children with rotavirus infection experience fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea that lasts from 3 to 8 days. Many children will have abdominal pain. Typically, children recover from rotavirus within a few days, though dehydration is a concern. A rotavirus vaccine is available to prevent the infection.
References
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- kidshealth.org: Celiac Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Cleartinghouse: Celiac Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rotavirus Home
- American Society For Microbiology Journal of Virology: Pathogenesis of Intestinal and Systemic Rotavirus Infection
