Gastrointestinal problems refer to diseases of the stomach, intestine and other digestive organs of the body. There are various gastrointestinal diseases or disorders that can affect both adults and children. However, children are more prone to developing gastrointestinal problems than adults because of their weak immune systems. This is especially true for infants. National Health Call Center Network Limited states that there are several common gastrointestinal problems seen in infants.
Colic
According to National Health Call Center Network Limited, colic is a common digestive disorder in infants. It usually appears in the first two to four weeks of life and can get worse when the baby is around six to eight weeks old. The baby with colic frowns and the face changed to a red color. Babies can be seen pulling their legs, which is usually a sign of pain in the stomach. There may be loud and long screaming fits and loud rumblings can be heard in the stomach. The infant may also pass wind or feces around the time the crying stops.
Constipation
National Health Call Center Network Limited reports that constipation is another common gastrointestinal problem in infants. Constipation is passing of infrequent bowel movements or passing of hard or dry stools, which is accompanied with pain and discomfort. The baby may have no bowel movements for several days. There may also be traces of clay-like stool in the child's underwear, which shows that stool is present in the rectum. Hard stools may be accompanied with bright red blood. The infant may have a poor appetite and may act cranky.
Worms
Worms are also a common gastrointestinal problem in babies, reports the National Health Call Centre Network Limited. An itchy bottom is the main sign of worms in a baby. The infant may not eat much, and the baby's stools may be accompanied with adult worms. The worms can also be sometimes seen around the anus of the child. These are especially visible when the child gets up in the morning. In girls, the worms may also move up the vagina and cause itching and vaginal discharge.
Gastroenteritis
Another common problem in infants is gastroenteritis, according to the National Health Call Center Network Limited. Gastroenteritis is a bowel infection that leads to diarrhea and vomiting in the baby. Diarrhea is runny and watery bowel movements. This disease can cause dehydration in the baby and prove to be dangerous for them. It is usually caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria and can spread easily.
