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Digestive Disorders in Children - By Paediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Surender K Yachcha, MBBS, MS, DM

Dr. Surender K Yachcha is the best pediatric gastroenterologist in Bangalore with over 31+ years of experience. Dr. Surender K Yachcha is the Director at Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore, and has won accolades, and 94 prestigious awards throughout his career in healthcare. Dr. Surender K Yachcha was the first to open the pediatric gastroenterology department in India and has international research publications and 30 textbook chapters to his credit.

Dr. Surender K Yachcha has held high positions including Founder President of Indian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ISPGHAN) and Chairperson (National President) of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. He has contributed immensely to the pediatric healthcare system and set up the first post-doctoral certificate course aimed at pediatric gastroenterology for pediatricians (post-MD) in the year 2000. 

He completed his MBBS from the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, MD and, DM from PGIMER, Chandigarh. He won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Uttar Pradesh awarded in 39th U.P. Pedicon (November 2018), Lucknow and, Prof.S.R. Naik Award for Outstanding Research Investigator. In 2017, he was awarded the Prestigious Oration Award entitled “PN Chuttani Oration” by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology. He won the Times Icon Medical excellence award in April 2017.

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Digestive Disorders in Children

Tummy troubles in children are often dismissed as normal, something that is a part of the process of growing up. While it might be true for the majority, for some children, however, digestive issues can be indicative of a larger problem.

Digestive disorders can impact a child’s growth and development negatively. Digestive disorders such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, etc can play quite a havoc in a child’s life. It is imperative that a digestive disorder in a child is caught early and treatment and/or management begins at the earliest.   

Symptoms of Digestive Disorders

Here are some of the most common symptoms of digestive disorders in children:

  • Stomach Ache - Moderate to severe stomach pain in children that continues or recurs frequently.
  • Vomiting - The child is unable to keep down certain foods or vomits.
  • Diarrhea - Loose stools the go on for long periods or the presence of blood in the stool.
  • Bloated Feeling - The child complains of feeling full all the time.
  • Constipation - The child bears down to pass stool or is generally constipated.
  • Loss of Appetite - The child does not feel hungry and refuses to eat food.
  • Nausea - The child complains of feeling uneasy for most of the day.

Tests for Digestive Disorders

Pediatric gastroenterologists have a higher understanding of digestive disorders in children and will order tests to diagnose the problem. The tests may include:  

  • Endoscopy: A thin tube is inserted through the mouth to gather images of the gastrointestinal tract. Upper GI endoscopy or capsule endoscopy may be done based on the symptoms.
  • Colonoscopy: This is a test to see the condition of the lower intestinal tracts, mostly the colon.
  • Ultrasound – A non-invasive imaging test to check for problems or abnormalities in the abdomen
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – This is a screening test to check for the lower part of the colon and the rectum for abnormalities.
  • CT Scan – This gives a 3D slice image for a better diagnosis of a problem.
  • Blood tests 
  • Biopsy

Common Types of Digestive Disorders

  • Some digestive disorders in children can be serious and chronic – Crohn’s disease, gallbladder diseases, liver diseases, peptic ulcers, short bowel syndrome, etc while others, such as gastroenteritis, food allergies, etc can be treated easily. 
  • Celiac Disease 
    • It is an autoimmune disorder that makes it impossible to digest foods containing gluten such as wheat, barley, grains, etc.
  • Lactose Intolerance
    • This relates to the inability of the body to digest lactose, a key component of dairy products.
  • Colitis
    • An inflammatory condition of the inner lining of the larger intestines and rectum causing frequent diarrhea and stomach pain.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • This disorder causes unpredictable bowel movements, stomach aches and can be triggered by certain foods like cheese, nuts, etc. 
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
    • This digestive disorder occurs due to extra white blood cells in the digestive tract which causes inflammation and difficulty in swallowing.

Treatment of Digestive Disorders 

Several options may be available for treating digestive disorders in children. 

  • Medication: Many digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome can be managed with medicines. 
  • Management: Digestive disorders like celiac disease and lactose intolerance can be managed with dietary restrictions.
  • Surgery: Disorders of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder, for example, may require surgical intervention. Usually, laparoscopy is done as it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Conclusion

Digestive disorders are often left undiagnosed in children due to the nature of the symptoms that are very common. For the better health of the child, symptoms need to be checked with a medical practitioner or a pediatric gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis. Digestive disorders in children are fairly common but without the necessary treatment and changes in diet, proper growth could become hindered. 

neha Author Name
neha

Neha Jaswal is a researcher and writer at Vaidam Health. Being a fitness freak, she loves to pen down about health and fitness. 
A writer by day and a reader by night, she likes to expand her pensive thoughts health, travel strategies.

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Dr. Ankita Wadhwa

Dr. Ankita Wadhwa has 14+ years of experience in handling patients for health-related issues. With an in-depth understanding of different medical procedures, she has handled several complex cases. She has also worked in many reputed hospitals such as Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, CK Birla Hospital, and Paras Healthcare.

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