Stomach pains are not unusual during childhood and adolescence. Irritable bowel disease, lactose intolerance, constipation are most common. But one should never forget that persistent abdominal pain, inconsistent stool habits and/or poor growth should be a red flag.
Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease can develop slowly and insidiously over the course of a few years. Belly pain initially can be interpreted as colic, school phobia, lactose intolerance, stool holding. But as time progresses undiagnosed children might lose weight, appetite, develop fatigue and anemia.
Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis can manifest itself as diarrhea. Intestinal infection should be considered and it’s possibility should be eliminated first. But if pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool continues more than 2 weeks pediatric gastroenterology specialist should get involved.
After the elaborated laboratory, radiology work up and endoscopic procedure the proper treatment will be initiated by a pediatric gastroenterology specialist.
If any of the above sounds familiar do not delay scheduling an appointment at www.gastropediatrics.com or call us at 845-341-0264.