FAQ about Crohn's Disease in Children
Does your child frequently experience stomach aches, diarrhea, and fatigue? Is this a persistent condition not attributed to a food allergy or food poisoning? Your child may have Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease in children is more prevalent than you think. It has been found that 10% of all Crohn’s disease sufferers are children. This may seem surprising to parents.
At what age does Crohn’s disease appear in children?
Usually Crohn’s disease rears its ugly head in your child’s teenage years, but can surface in infancy. It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether your child has food allergies or whether they are just going through normal puberty. Only you know your child and can decipher this difference.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease in children?
The symptoms are the same as for adults with Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include stomach ache, diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, chills, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. Children have an additional symptom of growth failure. If your child has trouble growing then Crohn’s disease may be a possible factor.
How can I tell if my child has Crohn’s disease?
Unfortunately, Crohn’s disease can be difficult to diagnose as it mimics several other gastrointestinal conditions. Plus, Crohn’s disease can have a gradual or sudden onset. Your child may have trouble communicating the severity and type of their symptoms. For example, they may embarrassed by frequent diarrhea and try to hide it.
One way to tell if something is amiss with your child is to note any changes in their eating habits and personality. Crohn’s disease can cause some children to become very quiet and distracted while other children become irritable and cranky. If your child switches from one dynamic to the other and has gastrointestinal symptoms then Crohn’s disease may be to blame.
How does a doctor diagnose Crohn’s disease in my child?
Have your child track their symptoms and communicate this information to your doctor. Your doctor may give you a general diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Don’t take this diagnosis at face value as it is a general blanket diagnosis for many gastrointestinal conditions.
To confirm a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, your doctor can run blood tests, x-rays, and even endoscopic procedures such as a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy.
How can I help my child if they are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease?
First, make sure that your child is educated about the many facets of Crohn’s disease. You can find literature that is appropriate for your child’s age group. You can also seek out support groups for Crohn’s disease that are targeted for children and teens. In addition, see if there are any medications or procedures that are safe for your child to undergo to reduce pain and inflammation. Your doctor can provide you with a list of safe options.
Make sure to talk with your child about their disease. They should know that you are there and always open for questions and to talk about concerns. No matter how scared you might be, you have to show a strong, supportive face to your children.
