Stomach disorders can be painful and uncomfortable, especially in children. Several stomach disorders are fairly common, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. By identifying and diagnosing the disorder, appropriate treatment may be given, providing relief for the child. Although symptoms of some stomach disorders may seen scary, these conditions are typically very manageable once the appropriate diagnosis has been made.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is defined by the American College of Gastroenterology, or the ACG, as bringing up the contents of the stomach or acid into the tube called the esophagus, which aids in swallowing. While this condition occurs in nearly everyone, it can be pathological depending on how often it happens during the day and the damage it does to the esophagus. Diagnosis in infants and younger children may be difficult because of varying symptoms, but the condition can be diagnosed through upper intestinal endoscopy or a pH probe, says the ACG. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children can include poor weight gain, regurgitation that causes discomfort, difficulties in breathing, stomach pain, wheezing and a hoarse cough. Symptoms of this condition tend to lessen in children between the ages of 12 and 15 months due to the increasing efficiency of their stomach and the growth of the esophagus. Treatment for this disorder can include reflux medication, diet modifications and, in extreme cases, surgery.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a condition where the intestines are chronically inflamed for no apparent reason, causing the immune system to react and interfere with normal intestinal function. The Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation, or CDHNF, estimates that there are one million Americans with IBD, and approximately one in four of these patients is younger than 20 years of age. Two of the most common forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with symptoms that include diarrhea, stomachache, fever and fatigue and loss of appetite. Diagnosing IBD can be done wtih blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, endoscopies and biopsies. Management of these diseases typically involves medication, nutritional modifications and, in some cases, surgery.
Constipation
Constipation, including infrequent, hard, unusually large or painful bowel movements, is another common stomach disorder found in children, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Constipation may be caused by changes in a child's diet, activity level or even traveling and having to use an unfamiliar toilet. Boys are more likely to experience chronic constipation than girls, and the ACG estimates that 25 to 50 percent of constipated children have a family member who suffers from the condition as well. Symptoms associated with constipation include abdominal pain and anal fissures. Fiber supplements, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and stool softeners like Miralax or Milk of Magnesia can be effective in treating this condition.
References
- The American College of Gastroenterology: Common Gastrointestinal Problems in Pediatric Patients
- Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation: IBD
- CDHNF: Symptoms and DIagnosis of IBD
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Constipation in Children
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Common Conditions in Children
