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Digestion is the biological process where the complex food molecules are broken into simple molecules such that the nutrients in the food can be absorbed by the body. Your child is healthy until the digestive system is functioning properly. Any abnormality in its function may cause minor to major digestive problems in children. Young children are more susceptible to these problems as their digestive system is not matured.
Digestive Problems in Children:
In children, digestive problems are caused due to improper eating habits, wrong foods, exposure to toxins, infection, etc. Following are the most common digestive problems in children:
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Diarrhea:
Often, diarrhea is caused due to viral or bacterial infections. It may be an indicator of an idiopathic digestive disorder. This is detected with 3 or more watery stools in a day, dehydration, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, etc. It can be chronic or acute. Chronic diarrhea is very serious and persists for many days. In acute diarrhea, the above mentioned symptoms may last for 1 – 2 days. Treatment for diarrhea involves restoring the lost fluids along with rehydration solution. You must also avoid foods which trigger stomach irritation.
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Constipation:
Children suffer from occasional bowel movements. Hard stools which are difficult to pass are the symptoms of constipation. Side effects of medications, lack of fiber in the diet and stool withholding are the causes of constipation. Include lots of fiber rich foods in the diet to overcome this problem in children.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
This may be described as the improper functioning of bowel. This condition triggers when the intestines fail to contract properly for promoting bowel movements. This results in constipation and diarrhea alternatively. IBS makes intestine sensitive to acidity and leads to abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, etc. This condition can’t be cured completely, but IBS symptoms may be controlled with certain medications and dietary changes.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
GERD is the condition wherein the stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, resulting in irritation in esophagus. Even a small amount of acid which is released into esophagus may trigger this condition in children as well as adults. This doesn’t cause any harm. However, if excess stomach acid gets into esophagus, it may damage the lining and cause great discomfort. Wheezing, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, nausea, sore throat and heartburn are the symptoms of GERD. Treatment is based on the severity of the symptoms. A simple GERD diet helps to improve the condition and sometimes, medications are required for controlling stomach acid production.
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Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome:
It is a sudden bout of vomiting which lasts for a few hours or days. It may recur after a short span of time. The duration and characteristics of each episode of this condition remains similar. The exact cause of this problem is still idiopathic. Sleep, adequate rest and medications to control nausea and vomiting are the treatment options.
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