3 Common Pediatric Digestive Disorders

As a parent, constantly fretting over your child's well-being may be second nature. After all, the little kiddos are susceptible to numerous health conditions, one of the most common being digestive disorders. Kids with these conditions typically complain about their tummies. And if they don't, look out for signs like nausea, dehydration, and diarrhea. Below are some of the digestive issues that afflict many children today and their causes and symptoms.

1.    Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance or malabsorption manifests when the small intestines fail to produce sufficient lactase, an enzyme that aids lactose digestion. It affects approximately 68% of the global population. That makes it more common than most people think. But that doesn't mean it's insignificant or something to ignore. Call your pediatrician for a consultation if your kid shows any signs like bloating, runny feces, stomach pain, wind, or a sore bottom, which experts associate with lactose malabsorption.  This condition demands medical attention because if you let it persist, it will prevent your child from getting essential nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D, consequently undermining their health.

2.    Constipation

Constipation in children comes with many symptoms. A constipated kid is likely to have very few weekly bowel movements and complain of stomach pain. They may also experience painful bowel movements when passing stool. If your little one has this issue, their fecal matter may be dry or hard, so that is something to watch out for. The last sign of constipation in babies is pasty stool traces in the undergarments. Youngsters may develop this digestive condition when they ignore bowel movements and withhold the waste. Many children do that when, for example, they don't want to stop playing or are in uncomfortable surroundings, such as public toilets. The same may happen to kids when they have toilet training issues, use medications like antidepressants, or live with other underlying conditions, including anatomic malformation.

3.    GERD

Does your infant have trouble swallowing, or do they regurgitate or spit up frequently? Maybe they choke, gag, or abnormally move their chin or neck. If you find all or most of these familiar, suspect one condition: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Children afflicted with GERD also regularly refuse to eat, vomit and develop complications like poor weight gain. Most kids are likely to develop this health condition if born prematurely or if they underwent surgery for pertinent congenital disabilities. Health issues like cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy also put toddlers at a higher risk.    

Seek Professional Pediatric Assistance

If your kid exhibits signs pointing to digestive disorders, seek help from a pediatric doctor as soon as possible. These experts will diagnose the little one, treat any prevalent issues, and advise accordingly. Moreover, if the condition is complex or advanced, the doctor may recommend reliable gastroenterologists specializing in pediatric digestive disorders.