Just about all parents have heard their child say, “I don’t feel well. I can’t go to school.” When that happens, you have to decide whether it's just an excuse to miss a math test or something more serious.
If your child says his stomach hurts often, he may have a problem in his intestine, the long, twisting tube that helps the body digest foods. Most intestinal disorders in children can be managed. The key is to work with your child's doctor to find the right treatment.
Serious Intestinal Problems in Children
Two of the more serious intestinal disorders in children are:
Celiac disease. Children with celiac disease can’t absorb gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, farina, and bulgar. It's hard for them to get enough vitamin D. It’s also hard for them to get enough calcium, so they often have fragile, weak bones or osteoporosis. Celiac disease is passed down in families.
Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD). This is most likely to affect older children and teens. Two major types are Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis, which usually affects only the lower intestine.
Symptoms of Intestinal Trouble
Symptoms of intestinal disorders vary but may include:
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating or gas
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of growth (sign of a severe condition)
- Nutrition problems such as loss of bone
Your child's symptoms will depend on:
- Where the disorder is in her body
- How serious it is
- If it causes other health problems
- Treatment she is receiving
- How well she responds to treatments
Symptoms that happen often can disrupt your child's daily routine. For example, if she has IBD and frequent stomach cramps or diarrhea, she may miss school and social events.
Long-Term Effects of Intestinal Problems
Over time, a child with an intestinal disorder can have:
- Problems absorbing calcium
- Weak or fragile bones
- Inflamed skin, eyes, or joints
- Growth problems
- Delayed puberty
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your child has symptoms of an intestinal disorder, see his doctor. The sooner he’s diagnosed, the sooner his symptoms can be treated.
Treatment for an intestinal disorder may include:
- Medication to ease symptoms and inflammation
- A change in eating habits. For example, if your child has celiac disease, cutting gluten from his diet will ease his symptoms. Kids with IBD may go on an elimination diet or receive special formula through a feeding tube.
- Surgery to remove inflamed or damaged areas of the intestine in some IBD cases, though this is rare