Category: Abdominal Diseases
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Diagnosis
There’s no one test used to diagnose a child with ulcerative colitis. However, your doctor can do many different tests to rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to ulcerative colitis. They’ll begin by doing a physical exam and taking a health history of your child’s symptoms. They‘ll ask what makes the symptoms worse and better,…
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Causes
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes ulcerative colitis. Researchers think that in some cases, a virus or bacteria may cause an inflammatory reaction in the colon. Research has also been examining whether a lack of beneficial gut bacteria could be a contributing cause. Some risk factors for the condition have been identified. One of the main risk factors for…
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Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis usually affects adults, but it can occur in children, too. Children with ulcerative colitis can have a variety of symptoms related to inflammation. These symptoms may range from moderate to severe. Children with ulcerative colitis often go through peaks and valleys of the disease. They may not have symptoms for some time, then…
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Colitis in Children
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in the colon, also called the large intestine. The inflammation can cause swelling and bleeding, as well as frequent bouts of diarrhea. About 40,000 children in the United States live with ulcerative colitis. For anyone, especially a child, these symptoms can be difficult to…
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When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you have diarrhea or digestive discomfort that lasts for more than two weeks. Consult your child’s doctor if your child is pale, irritable or failing to grow or has a potbelly and foul-smelling, bulky stools. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying a gluten-free diet. If you stop or even…
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Dermatitis herpetiformis
Gluten intolerance can cause this itchy, blistering skin disease. The rash usually occurs on the elbows, knees, torso, scalp and buttocks. This condition is often associated with changes to the lining of the small intestine identical to those of celiac disease, but the skin condition might not cause digestive symptoms. Doctors treat dermatitis herpetiformis with…
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In Children
Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including: Nausea and vomiting Chronic diarrhea Swollen belly Constipation Gas Pale, foul-smelling stools The inability to absorb nutrients might result in: Failure to thrive for infants Damage to tooth enamel Weight loss Anemia Irritability Short stature Delayed puberty Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity…
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Symptoms
Symptoms The signs and symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly and differ in children and adults. Digestive signs and symptoms for adults include: Diarrhea Fatigue Weight loss Bloating and gas Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Constipation However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have signs and symptoms unrelated to the digestive system,…
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Overview
Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine’s lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients…
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Treatment
Seek immediate medical help if your child: Is unable to pass stool, especially with vomiting Is vomiting blood or has blood in his or her stool (especially if maroon or dark, tarry black) Has chest, neck or shoulder pain Has sudden, sharp abdominal pain Has pain in his or her shoulder blades with nausea Belly is rigid, hard…