Childhood Digestive Diseases

Viral infections are the most common cause of diarrhea in children, accounting for up to 80% of cases.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and other digestive problems.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Treatment includes avoiding dairy products or taking lactase enzyme supplements to help digest lactose.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. It is the most common type of inflammatory bowel disease in children.

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition in which a portion of the colon is missing nerve cells. This can cause constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.

Pyloric stenosis is a condition in which the pyloric valve, which connects the stomach to the small intestine, becomes narrowed. Treatment involves surgery to widen the pyloric valve.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is the most common cause of vomiting in children. It is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Intussusception is a condition in which one part of the intestine slides into another part. Treatment typically involves an enema to reduce the intussusception.

Constipation, gas, and food intolerance are all common causes of abdominal pain in children.

Treatment for constipation in children may include laxatives, enemas, dietary changes, or a combination of these.

Symptoms of food intolerance in children can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.

Treatment for food intolerance in children may include avoidance of the offending food, medication, dietary changes, or a combination of these.

Viral hepatitis is the most common cause of liver disease in children. It is a viral infection that can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.

Symptoms of liver disease in children can include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.