When Problems Arise
Digestive conditions are often more common during childhood than adulthood. Plus, many digestive diseases start in childhood and progress into adulthood. If the digestive problems are not diagnosed and treated in childhood, there can be long-term health consequences. For example, about 25 percent of individuals diagnosed with IBD are less than twenty years of age.
At some point, all children get diarrhea. Loose, watery, soft, or more frequent bowel movements are most commonly associated with a stomach virus, especially if it is also accompanied with vomiting and low-grade fever. While uncomfortable, occasional bouts are not dangerous. It usually resolves in a day or two and may be related to a change in diet or anxiety.
Diarrhea can be dangerous in newborns and infants. In small children, severe diarrhea lasting just a day or two can lead to dehydration. Rotavirus is a common virus that can make small children ill very quickly. Because a child can die from dehydration within a few days, the main treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration.
Call your child’s health care provider if any of the following symptoms appear:
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Stools containing blood or pus, or black stools.
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Temperature above 101.4° Fahrenheit.
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No improvement after twenty-four hours.
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Signs of dehydration (dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks, listlessness or irritability, or skin that does not flatten when pinched and released).
Besides offering plenty of fluids, medication is rarely necessary for children. When your child can eat, your physician may recommend what is called the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It’s very mild and not likely to irritate the stomach.
Most cases of diarrhea in children are caused by viruses and will clear up on their own, according to Dr. Joseph Croffie, director of the gastrointestinal motility lab at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Parents can ensure their child is getting enough fluids and offer starchy—not fatty— foods, such as dry cereals, oatmeal, bread, crackers, pretzels, mashed potatoes, and rice.
Constipation is fairly common among children. Once children are over a year old, many have bowel movements once a day. Almost all children have occasional bouts of constipation. Postponing a toilet trip until after an activity or favorite show may lead to constipation problems later on. Teach her to go when she feels the urge.
To find a pediatric gastroenterologist near you, go to the website of The Children’s Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation at:
Treating constipation in children is similar to treating constipation in adults. Increased fluids, exercise, and a high-fiber diet will all help prevent and treat constipation. Improving those areas will usually be beneficial enough on their own.
Heavy intake of dairy products (even just two to three cups of milk a day) may also create constipation. Soy milk may be a good alternative if that’s the case. Sometimes, over-the-counter laxatives may be warranted, but talk to your health care provider first.
