What are GI problems in children?
Digestion is the process of breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. This process takes place in the digestive system. The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.
GI problems in children are any abnormalities or disorders in the digestive system. These problems can affect a child's health, growth, and development.
Types of GI problems in children
GI problems in children can be classified into two main types:
- Acute GI problems: These problems come on quickly and go away quickly. For example, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.
- Chronic GI problems: These problems last longer. For example, pediatric ulcers, tuberculosis, nutritional deficiencies, and small intestine diseases.
Symptoms of GI problems in children
The symptoms of GI problems in children can vary depending on the child's age, the type of problem, and the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the passage of loose, watery stools.
- Vomiting: Vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents from the mouth.
- Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
- Constipation: Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of stools.
Causes of GI problems in children
The causes of GI problems in children can vary. Some common causes include:
- Infection: Infections, such as rotavirus, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Allergies: Allergies to food or other substances can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
- Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract.
Treatment of GI problems in children
