Digestive disorders in children are fairly common. This is because children tend to have digestive systems that are not yet fully developed. So, what are some of the most common digestive disorders experienced by children?
One of the digestive disorders most frequently experienced by children is constipation. This condition makes it difficult for children to have bowel movements and often causes their stools to become hard and dry.
To learn more about the various types of digestive disorders in children, check out the following article!
7 Common Digestive Disorders Experienced by Children
Although fairly common, digestive disorders in children should not be taken lightly.
This is because these health issues can make children fussy and lose their appetite, which may affect their growth and development process.
So, what are the common types of digestive disorders experienced by children? Here’s the full explanation.
1. Constipation
One of the most common digestive disorders experienced by children is constipation.
Constipation is a condition that makes children have difficulty passing stools and is usually characterized by hard and dry stools.
This condition is often experienced by children during the exclusive breastfeeding period. However, if the symptoms appear to be severe, it is best to consult a pediatrician immediately.
In addition, constipation may also occur due to inadequate water intake, lack of fiber consumption, or food allergies.
2. Diarhea
Unlike constipation, diarrhea is characterized by an increased frequency of bowel movements in children. In addition, diarrhea also causes stools to become looser or more watery.
There are various causes of diarrhea in children, ranging from food allergies and poor personal hygiene to rotavirus infection.
That is why it is important to maintain good personal hygiene and ensure children receive routine vaccinations as part of diarrhea prevention efforts.
Parents also need to understand the proper ways to manage diarrhea in children, such as ensuring they drink enough mineral water, providing balanced and nutritious meals, and following other supportive care measures.
3. Spitting Up
Spitting up in children is caused by the muscles at the end of the esophagus not being fully developed. As a result, stomach acid reflux and irritate the esophagus.
When experiencing spitting up, children may complain of a burning sensation in the chest, become fussy, cough frequently, or burp often.
When your little one experiences this digestive disorder, you can give them soft-textured foods in smaller portions but more frequently.
4. Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is a digestive disorder in children that occurs when the intestines are unable to properly digest certain types of food.
One of the foods that commonly triggers this condition is milk. Milk contains a type of sugar called lactose, which children’s digestive systems may have difficulty digesting properly.
As a result, children may experience several symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach pain.
5. Bloating
Bloating occurs when there is too much gas trapped in the stomach. This condition is quite common in children because their digestive systems are still not fully developed.
Bloating in children can be triggered by several factors, such as eating too quickly or swallowing too much air.
When your child experiences bloating, you can apply a warm compress to their stomach area. If it occurs in children under 1 year old, you can gently move their legs as if they are pedaling a bicycle.
6. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a digestive disorder in children that occurs when the opening of the appendix becomes blocked by foreign substances, stool buildup, or digestive tract infections.
Appendicitis commonly causes several symptoms, such as pain in the upper abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
If your little one experiences this condition, it is best to take them to a doctor immediately for proper medical consultation.
Read Also: Children's Nutritional Needs Based on Age That Mothers Must Know
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms experienced by children due to disruptions in how the intestines function.
IBS is commonly experienced by school-aged children, typically between 7 and 12 years old.
To date, the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown. However, several factors are believed to trigger IBS in children, including poor eating habits, stress, and digestive tract infections.
Those are some digestive disorders in children that parents need to be aware of.
When experiencing digestive problems, children tend to become fussier and may even lose their appetite.
That is why it is important to prevent digestive disorders in children as early as possible.
To help prevent digestive issues, parents should encourage their little ones to adopt a healthy lifestyle every day, such as drinking enough water regularly.
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