Gastrointestinal problems in young children, particularly preverbal children, can be difficult to recognize, since your child can't tell you he isn't feeling well. Yet, many infants and young children develop gastrointestinal problems due to the lack of full development of their gastrointestinal systems. Although you can play a useful role in detecting possible gastrointestinal issues in your child, you should call your child's pediatrician if you suspect a problem.
Step 1
Consider colic in cases of persistent infant crying. For babies, excessive crying without any known cause often points to colic, reports the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. This condition usually occurs in early infancy and resolves on its own by three to four months of age. The cause isn't known, but it may be due to an underdeveloped gastrointestinal system. You can try soy-based or lactose-free baby formulas to alleviate this condition, but the best thing you can do is remain patient, keep your stress levels low, and know it will go away.
Step 2
Know the signs of constipation. Although constipation is most noticeably characterized by infrequent bowel movements, it also has more subtle signs that you might not immediately associate with this condition. Symptoms such as poor appetite, nausea, and cranky or fussy behavior may also point to constipation. In addition, kids who anticipate a painful bowel movement may show physical signs of bracing for it. The child may cross her legs, clench her buttocks, twist her body or make pained faces.
Step 3
Suspect GERD when your child spits up frequently and fails to gain weight. Gastroesophogeal reflux disease, known as GERD, is very common in infants and is characterized by breast milk moving backward from the stomach to the esophagus. While many babies have this condition to some extent, if your baby vomits frequently after meals, wheezes or coughs, expels "wet burps" or is failing to gain weight, you should call your child's pediatrician.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid feeding certain foods that may exacerbate your child's gastrointestinal problem. For example, in children with GERD, your child should avoid chocolate, citrus, fatty foods and foods with caffeine, according to Kids Health.
- Refrain from toilet training your child too soon. MayoClinic.com reports that toilet training too early in your child's life may cause him to retain bowel movements as an act of rebellion.
