Digestive
problems
in children
“MY TUMMY HURTS” is a frequent complaint heard by parents. Stomach and
intestinal upset in children can be worrisome, but in the majority of cases parents
can be assured their children are healthy. Pediatric gastroenterology offers
diagnosis and care options for pediatric digestive complaints.
Digestive concerns can start early. About 90 percent of infants may have some
degree of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A liquid diet, small size of infants, body
position, and an immature lower esophageal sphincter muscle cause GER.
The next most common pediatric GI problem occurs in the school aged child. At
least 20 percent of these children have functional abdominal pain. This pain is due
to the squeezing action (hence “function”) of the intestines or due to hypersensitive
nerves that communicate between the intestines and brain. Children usually feel
this discomfort in the center of the abdomen over the belly button. The discomfort
comes and goes. Most abdominal aches are not dangerous, but parents should
watch for any unusual changes such as weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools,
vomiting, fever, poor appetite, constipation, or fatigue.
Constipation is another common pediatric GI problem and is commonly caused by
diet, lack of water intake, and stool withholding behavior. The average person has
at least three bowel movements each week. Children who have fewer than that can
become constipated. Chronic constipation can lead to abdominal pain, especially
during or shortly after meals. Constipation can also cause a fear of toilet sitting,
followed by stool withholding. Many children will ignore the urge to pass a bowel
movement while they are playing. A child should be encouraged to use the toilet
whenever the urge arises.
Another common pediatric GI complaint is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or
spastic colon as it is also known. This should not be confused with IBD, which
is inflammatory bowel disease and will be discussed below. IBS is another
functional GI disorder that commonly presents with lower abdominal cramps,
change in stool consistency, urgency to pass a bowel movement, and then
relief of abdominal discomfort after passing the bowel movement. These
symptoms are usually present in an overall healthy person and medical testing
is generally normal.
Digestive issues can become more complex, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
which can occur in any age but occurs more commonly in teenagers.
IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis which cause intestinal
inflammation and ulcers. These disorders require lifelong therapy. Some
people may require surgery. Better diagnostic testing, medical interventions, and
new medications make IBD more treatable. Patients with Crohn’s or ulcerative
colitis can enjoy many of the fun, everyday activities other children enjoy.
Early diagnosis and standard treatment can help to achieve a more normal
quality of life.
Parents should be mindful of their child’s digestive habits and share any concerns
with their doctor. Communication with your physician is invaluable.
Recipe: Chocolate-Granola
Apple Wedges
INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely
chopped
/3 cup low-fat granola without raisins
1 large Braeburn apple, cut into 16 wedges
(Gala or Fuji also work)
1
DIRECTIONS:
1.Place chocolate in a medium microwavesafe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute,
stirring every 15 seconds, or until
chocolate melts.
2 Place granola in a shallow dish.
Dip apple wedges, skin side up, in
chocolate; allow excess chocolate to
drip back into bowl. Dredge wedges in
granola. Place wedges, chocolate side
up, on
a large plate. Refrigerate 5 minutes or
until set.
Serves 4 (Serving size: 4 apple wedges)
Daniel DiMeo, M.D., is a pediatric gastroenterologist
at Mercy Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic. To schedule an
appointment, please call (515)-643-5454.
Source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/
chocolate-granola-apple-wedges
Activity: Outdoor Photo
Scavenger Hunt
Gather a group, pick a fun location and
click away. Split your group or family into 2
teams and set a time-limit (20-45 minutes
depending on your location and age of
children) for your hunt. Great locations
include a park, hiking trail, campground,
beach, garden, zoo, farm or even your own
backyard. Create a list of items relevant
to your chosen location to photograph
(plants, animals, tracks, rocks, bodies of
water, structures, etc.) or just photograph
any object of a chosen color they can find.
Make sure all participants return to a predesignated location when time runs out.
Have each team share about their photos.
Find a pre-made hunt list and additional
ideas at: http://www.mykidsadventures.
com/photo-scavenger-hunt/
PEDS-0UT-14327 3/17