Gastrointestinal or GI diseases in children are different from those in adults. They are more likely to suffer from general abdominal pain, diarrhoea and appendicitis. These are the main causes of hospitalization in kids. It is crucial to ensure timely treatment to avoid developing into a severe course. For example, studies have found that acute pancreatitis in children is a significant cause of morbidity and the symptoms can worsen over time. Mild side effects of other diseases are pain, stress, weight loss and constipation.
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These lead to missing schools, impacting their mental health to an extent and hampering daily activities.
Responsible parents must have a detailed knowledge of different GI infections. This includes their tell-tale signs and how to deal with them. Take a look.
Ø Celiac Disease
It usually occurs between 6 months and 2 years. The main symptoms are stomach pain, not gaining weight with time, mouth sores and diarrhoea. Children can also feel irritable or tired quite often. It happens when gluten causes a reaction in the immune system. The main foods include maggi, pizza and pasta which are usually a child’s favourites.
The top child specialist in Amritsar and other cities recommend eating wheat-free foods. Try to avoid barley and rye as well to keep the kids healthy.
Ø Diarrhoea
Symptoms like persistent cramps, loss of bowel control, fever and chills confirm diarrhoea in children. The most common causes are food bacteria, stomach diseases and antibiotics. The treatment will mainly depend on whether the condition is mild, moderate or severe. You will have to give them lots of fluids and oral solutions. Chronic diarrhoea, however, will be best dealt by a paediatric gastroenterologist.
Ø Constipation
This is the most common in infants, adolescents and teens. It is the decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. Constipation can also mean the painful passage of faeces. They might get stuck in the lower intestinal track and become larger and firmer. Underlying conditions can include neurological problems or innervation problems.
The treatment of a child specialist in Amritsar or elsewhere usually varies according to the problem source. Some children might need a change of diet or toilet. Others will require medications for stool softness.
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Ø Chronic Vomiting
Peptic ulcer disease and Crohn disease are common causes of 1-2 bouts of vomiting every day. Viral gastroenteritis and food allergies are other major reasons. The child can complain of nausea, stomach cramps and abdominal discomforts.
Small sips of clear fluids can help. Any kind of oily and spicy food must be avoided. You must also visit the best child care or gynecologist hospital in Hyderabad once to rule out possible chances of food poisoning.
Ø Inflammatory Bowel Disease
It is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause swelling and redness of multiple areas including the anus. It can lead to bloody diarrhoea and liver issues. The disease also impacts how muscles contract in the intestines. Genetic and dietary factors are usually the main causes among children.
The basic treatment will include medications to reduce the pain. These will include steroids, antibiotics, biologics and immunomodulators.
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Other common GI illnesses are Hirschsprung’s disease, poor weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Learn about each one from your paediatrician to offer immediate care to the child.