How to Recognize and Address Common Digestive Issues In Children

Digestive health is crucial for children's overall wellbeing. When children experience digestive issues, they may feel uncomfortable, have difficulty participating in everyday activities and it may even impact their growth. Therefore, it is essential to recognize and address common digestive issues in children promptly. Here’s how to recognize and address these issues to help your child maintain optimal digestive health.

Recognizing Digestive Issues in Children

Symptoms of common digestive issues in children include abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include acid reflux, bloating, gas, and nausea. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to pay attention and observe any patterns or triggers. When symptoms persist or become severe, it is best to seek medical attention. Understanding the causes of digestive issues in children can help you address them more effectively, and choose the right course of action.

Common Digestive Issues in Children

Digestive issues are common in children and can cause discomfort, pain, and disruption to daily life. Some of the most common digestive issues in children include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This condition affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/ or diarrhea. In many the pain and discomfort improve with bowel movements. While the exact cause is multifactorial and complex, it is believed to be related to altered GI motility (abnormal muscle contractions), changes in the gut microbiome, immune activation and visceral hyperalgesia, Treatment options for IBS may include dietary changes, probiotics, and medication.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Testing is required to establish this diagnosis. Treatment for celiac disease involves following a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease is different from gluten intolerance. ( Link to the blog discussing this). 

Lactose Intolerance

This condition occurs when the body is unable to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea soon after consumption of a dairy-containing product. Treatment options for lactose intolerance may include limiting or avoiding lactose-containing foods or taking lactase supplements.

Constipation

If your child has dry, hard, or small stools that may be painful for your child to pass, they may be experiencing constipation. While some children might have daily bowel movements, they could still be constipated if they are not evacuating their bowels completely or very well. 

You should also monitor for other severe signs of constipation and some of the longer-term effects such as stool withholding, cuts and anal fissures, and in the most extreme cases poop accidents, or encopresis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

You might think heartburn is just for adults, but this type of stomach acid regurgitation can affect infants and children, too. And when it happens on a recurring basis, they’re diagnosed with GERD. Common GERD symptoms include spitting up and poor feeding in babies, vomiting, and burping. Older children may be able to describe it as heartburn, but younger children should be monitored for chest pains or the other symptoms listed above.

Role of the Gut Microbiome   

The gut microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microorganisms are important to digestion, immunity, and overall health. When the gut microbiome is balanced and healthy, it can help prevent digestive issues from occurring.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics can be found in certain foods, such as yogurt and kefir, or in supplement form. Studies have shown that probiotics can be effective in reducing symptoms of digestive issues in children, including diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. 

Psychological Factors - The Gut-Brain Axis

The enteric nervous system (the nervous system in the GI tract) is often referred to as the second brain. It is a 2-way  communication system. A dysregulated intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. A child’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression, and those psychological symptoms can have a significant impact on digestive health in children. When children are stressed or anxious, their bodies may produce chemicals that affect both nervous systems. This can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

In addition to physical symptoms, stress and anxiety can also lead to changes in eating habits, which can further exacerbate digestive issues. Addressing psychological factors and stress can be important in certain gut health problems.

Addressing Digestive Issues in Children

Addressing digestive issues in children may involve making dietary changes, increasing hydration and exercise, and using over-the-counter or prescription medications. For example, increasing fibre intake can help relieve constipation, while avoiding trigger foods can help prevent acid reflux. 

Probiotics and other natural remedies may also help support digestive health. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that a probiotic supplement significantly improved symptoms of functional constipation in children, and this is often a leading recommendation from many healthcare providers.

Prevention of Digestive Issues in Children

Preventing digestive issues in children involves promoting healthy lifestyle habits. Encouraging a balanced diet rich in whole foods and regular physical activity can help support digestive health. Additionally, teaching children proper hygiene habits, such as handwashing, can help prevent the spread of infectious gastrointestinal illnesses.

Recognizing and addressing common digestive issues early in children is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By paying attention to symptoms, making lifestyle changes, trying natural products to improve digestive health, and working with a healthcare professional, you can help your child maintain optimal digestive health.

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