Gut Problems

Gut Problems Coeliac Disease Coeliac disease is a common problem occurring in 1:100 of the general population and if you have a first degree relative with this it increase to 1:25 as a possibility.Children may have no symptoms at all or may have growth problems or may present with diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and bloating.They may…

Gut Problems Pancreatitis This is an inflammatory condition, usually of unknown origin which involves the pancreas gland which produces enzymes to help digestion.This can present with abdominal discomfort or vomiting/nausea and usually inflammation can be identified by a blood test, called amylase (this can also come from the salivary glands also and therefore if the…

Gut Problems Gastro-oesophageal reflux NICE sets out new advice to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) more effectively. Healthcare professionals should reassure parents that reflux is very common in well infants and does not require treatment, but should be alert to red flag symptoms which may suggest GORD or other disorders. Bringing up food is a…

Gut Problems Bacterial overgrowth Awareness of this as a gut related problem with gut related motility problems is becoming increasingly evident and this is due to an imbalance between the “good” bacteria (acidophilus and lactobacillus among others) versus the “bad” bacteria (Clostridium species, gram negative bacteria) and a dysequilibrium can occur after such things as…

Gut Problems Nutritional problems For any straight forward nutritional issues please see an excellent text: The Food Doctor for Babies and Children Vicki Edgson Collin and Brown – ISBN: 1-84340-000-6 Children Who Say No James Windell, McMillan USA – ISBN: 0-02-861903-X Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) or Extreme Fussy Eating Children with Avoidant…

Gut Problems Feeding disorders Feeding disorders are complex and do cause a lot of concern among parents. If they are severe then they can cause failure to thrive and problems with growth. Children often have specific aversions to different types of foods but it is important to distinguish the picky eater from the child with…

Gut Problems Anal fissures These are usually due to a child passing a hard bowel motion at some point and tearing the delicate anal margin and because faeces is passed through this area continuously it is often difficult for this to heal. Anal fissures can occur causing painful defecation and some blood which is usually…

Gut Problems Liver Disease Common liver problems in children in the UK usually are associated with viral infections and involve transient inflammation. Hepatitis A, B and C can occur but generally children are now immunised against Hepatitis B, and if they are travelling abroad Hepatitis A. Other viruses can cause liver problems, such as the…

Gut Problems Faltering growth Failure to thrive is a term which is now a little outdated and the new term which is used is faltering growth. Faltering growth is defined as a child whose weight or height is falling across centiles in a downward direction. More recently thrive lines have been introduced which in conjunction…

Gut Problems Allergic gut problems These will manifest as problems with the movement of the gut, ie conditions such as allergic related gastro-oesophageal reflux, upper gut movement disorders and constipation. Cow’s milk protein (and soya as there is up to a 40% cross sensitivity between these two proteins in children in the gut) allergy can…