February 29, 2008
Learn About Pediatric Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which can recur at different times during a lifetime. It usually affects the small intestine, mostly the lowest part called the ileum. The inflammation can also affect the entire digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is also called as ileitis or enteritis. It can occur in the age group of 15 years- 30 years. Pediatric Crohn’s disease is also common and affects the younger age group between 12 years- 16 years and sometimes even 7 year olds. It has been found that 10% of all Crohn’s disease patients are children.
Symptoms
Stomach pain
Bloody stools
Fever
Diarrhea
Chills
Weight loss
Fatigue
Anemia
Growth failure
The Diagnosis For Crohn’s Disease Includes…
- Blood tests- to check for anemia owing to blood loss and high count of white blood cells causing inflammation
- Stool culture- to determine blood loss and the infection caused by a parasite or bacteria which gives the symptoms
- Endoscopy- to examine the inside of the digestive tract with a small, flexible tube that has a video camera. The sample is taken and image is magnified on the computer screen and studied.
- Biopsy- to examine a tissue sample
- Upper GI series- to study the esophagus, stomach, duodenum by drinking liquid barium
- Barium enema- to examine the large intestine for abnormalities
- Colonoscopy- to study the inside of the large intestine with the long, flexible tube that has a camera lens.
It is important for pediatric Crohn’s disease patients to receive effective treatment as there is so much of physical and emotional growth that occurs during childhood. They have to be properly treated to prevent any physical, emotional or social problems in the child’s life.
The Goals For Treatment Will Be
· Correct nutritional deficiencies
· Control inflammation
· Relieve diarrhea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain
Treatment For The Child Is Based On The Following…
- Child’s age, overall health, medical history
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Tolerance level for medicines and therapies
- The extent of the disease
Treatment
Medication- Abdominal pain and diarrhea is treated by medicines. Some require steroids, antibiotics that can affect the immune system
Remicade- You can check with your doctor if Remicade is good for the child. This is given for children (6 years-17 years) suffering from moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. These children may not usually respond to other treatments.
Diet and Vitamin- There is no special diet that has worked in the prevention of pediatric Crohn’s disease. Some foods like milk, alcohol, spices, fiber may be avoided as they can aggravate the symptoms. Vitamin intake has also been ineffective.
Children Can Lose Weight Due To Less Calorie Intake As…
- They may avoid eating due to fear from pain during digestion
- Nutrients are absorbed poorly due to inflamed tract
- they have more nutritional needs than the normal requirement
Children with pediatric Crohn’s disease should be educated about their condition. You can also find literature to support your discussion with them. They should know that you are always available for them. You need to give then your support and be by their side. You have to help them deal with their embarrassing physical symptoms, treatment regiments, doctor’s visits and their diet. This disease can have an impact on different aspects of your child’s life. Teach them to cope with the disease so that they can lead a happy life.