Tummy Troubles
Your daughter has been complaining of pain in her stomach, but how do you know when it is more than an upset tummy?
Many children suffer from stomachaches, and though most children do not have a serious disorder, recurrent problems and other associated symptoms may be caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms are often chronic, lasting weeks or even months, and can include:
- abdominal pain
- blood in stool
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- fever
- joint pain
- mouth ulcers
- skin rashes
- weight loss
The most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in the small and large intestines, while UC only affects the colon.
When to Call the Pediatrician
If your child is experiencing stomach pain in addition to other IBD symptoms, speak with your pediatrician or family care provider. Your child’s medical history, a physical exam and laboratory tests can help physicians determine the cause of the problem so they can recommend appropriate treatment options.
“Although many people confuse IBD with irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], the two disorders are quite different, says Robert Rothbaum, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “For people with IBD, the intestine or colon is inflamed, and IBS causes no inflammation. Treatment plans with medication for children with IBD are created on an individual basis to best fit the patients’ needs and personal health.”
