“Even if it is just a temporary problem, no one wants to see their child sick. If your child is home with stomach flu or eats something that doesn’t agree with them, you should expect upset stomachs and/or vomiting. The solution is usually simple, eliminate troublesome foods or recover from the stomach flu.”

You might think there is something more going on. How do you determine if there is a more serious problem with your child, and how do you work toward a long-term solution?

Some of the most common problems that children have are bowel problems. We will discuss treatment options and when to contact a doctor.

“There are many temporary or underlying causes that might be contributing to your child’s tummy troubles. You know your child better than anyone. If you see any of the symptoms, it might mean your child has a serious problem with the bowels.”

Constipation

To receive a diagnosis of It is a problem of the colon., your child must be 4 years old or older and exhibit at least two or more of the below symptoms and experience them once a week for at least 2 months. Common symptoms include:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

While uncomfortable, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t life threatening for your child, nor does it cause them additional health problems or digestive tract damage.

Symptoms of IBS include:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another type of intestinal disorder that can cause inflammation in your child’s digestive tract. Common forms of IBD include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Common symptoms include:

Unlike IBS, if left untreated IBD can create further complications such as bowel obstruction, malnutrition, and fistulas, and in more severe cases, it can contribute to colorectal cancer.

Hirschsprung’s disease

Hirschsprung’s disease is a condition that impacts the large intestines. While it’s always present at birth, it can sometimes take a while for symptoms to appear. Children with Hirschsprung’s disease may have trouble emptying their bowels. Symptoms can vary depending on your child’s age.

Symptoms in newborns:

  • It is difficult to pass stool within the first day or two of being born.
  • There is a swollen belly, gas, or bloated stomach.
  • There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea..
  • vomitingmay be green or brown

Symptoms in toddlers and older children:

  • There is a large belly and gas.
  • Gaining weight/growth delay is difficult.
  • It is a problem of the colon.
  • vomiting

While some formal diagnoses, such as It is a problem of the colon., won’t be applied until certain timelines have been met, that doesn’t mean that you can’t see a pediatrician, or a doctor for infants and children, before then. For example, with It is a problem of the colon., if your child’s symptoms and inability to pass stool have persisted for more than 2 weeks, you’re encouraged to see a doctor.

And especially if your child’s symptoms begin to get worse — such as developing a fever, losing weight, or refusing to eat — don’t delay scheduling your child an appointment with a physician to start the diagnostic process and work toward a treatment plan.

Are bowel problems hereditary?

Gastrointestinal diseases and conditions are linked to genetics for some people, and many people have no family history of them.

According to a 2015 study that looked for a link between genetics and IBD, the research found that 15 percent of those with Crohn’s disease had a family member who has also received a diagnosis of IBD. This percentage increased to 26 percent when that family member was a sibling.

The process used to determine if your child has a problem with the colon is dependent on what is suspected.

For example, childhood IBS and IBD both rely on a physical exam and a review of medical history (including family history). Depending on the results of initial reviews, a pediatrician may order a blood test, stool test, ultrasound, or even an endoscopy or colonoscopy.

Meanwhile, a suspicion of It is a problem of the colon. will include a medical history and physical exam. It may sometimes also require other tests, such as a barium enema X-ray, abdominal X-ray, and even a motility test, if other conditions need to be ruled out, but often a doctor will be able to diagnose It is a problem of the colon. without further tests.

“A barium enema is a primary tool for diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease, but a biopsy may be necessary for this condition.”

If you are concerned about the diagnostic process being too hard for your child, you should talk to a doctor or a team of doctors.

Treatment methods can vary depending on the condition of your child.

Treating It is a problem of the colon.

While It is a problem of the colon. in children is very common, it’s also often undiagnosed and untreated. For many children, It is a problem of the colon. can be treated at home by boosting fiber in their diet, increasing water intake, and encouraging more physical activity. With a doctor’s supervision, stool softeners or laxatives may be occasionally used.

Treating IBD

IBD requires a comprehensive approach to treatment that incorporates both medication and dietary changes. The overall goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent future flare-ups to heal the intestines.

If your child is showing signs of an illness, they might be prescribed antibiotics. Other treatments can include:

Treating IBS

To treat IBS, nutritional changes are frequently encouraged, along with possibly being prescribed probiotics to help balance your child’s gut. A doctor may also prescribe a range of different medications depending on their symptoms.

Depending on the type of IBS, your child may be prescribed medications to treat associated conditions such as It is a problem of the colon. or even antidepressants depending on how severely the condition is impacting your child’s quality of life.

Treating Hirschsprung’s disease

Surgery is the most effective method for treating the condition. Children with a serious condition may need to have their colon removed or treated with a disease.

The gut-brain connection

There is a link between mental health and persistent bowel pain. If your child is always dealing with irritative symptoms, they may be unable to participate in activities and withdraw from social settings due to embarrassment.

You may want to offer your child the option of getting into therapy, in particular, cognitive behavioral therapy, alongside their other treatments. This will help your child to change their behavior and thought patterns, as well as understand how their mental state can impact their digestive health.

Although some bowel conditions aren’t life threatening, they can impact your child’s quality of life. For example, conditions such as IBS — which usually don’t cause more concerning medical conditions — can cause children to miss out on social events, or to even find it difficult to be present in school. This can negatively impact your child’s mental health.

Meanwhile, if left untreated, other conditions can act as precursors to more serious health complications. Even It is a problem of the colon., which is incredibly common in children, can manifest into bladder control issues, fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and even anal fissures.

IBD can cause painful ulcers and inflammation. Slow growth and delayed puberty are also known to be caused by it.

Because Hirschsprung’s disease already prevents children from properly passing stools, leaving it untreated can be life threatening and lead to toxic enterocolitis.

It is important to get a treatment plan for your child as soon as possible.

Sometimes an upset stomach or a case of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. is temporary, and at other times it might be more serious. These bowel problems in children can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which can lead to more health problems if not dealt with.

“If you suspect that your child has tummy issues, reach out to a doctor. Treatment can prevent long-term problems that would impact your child’s quality of life.”