Crohns Disease in Children

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that generally takes place in between the age of 14 to 32 years. Nevertheless, Crohns disease can be seen even in children of other age groups also. It has been found out that Crohns disease in children is about 20 percent of all the cases and these children are under the age of 15. However, this disease can be noticed even in the child of 7 years. It affects both male and female equally. At times it is taken as hereditary in certain cases as 20 percent of people suffering from this disease have a blood relative suffering from some kind of inflammatory bowel disease. If this problem has existed in the family earlier, then one has increased chances of acquiring Crohn's in the teens and twenties. Youngsters may not experience weight loss in the initial stage of Crohn's, so they should not ignore the symptoms like improper growth or backsliding on height and must get a proper medical check up to find out the cause of these problems.

The bouts of Crohn's may be experienced in few months or even in years. However long-term Crohn's disease may prove debilitating for bowel. Including this it can also increases the chances of cancer by 20 times.     

Crohns disease in children definitely does not make them contagious. Symptoms of Crohn's disease in children include abdominal pain and contracting, anemia, persistent diarrhea, unexplained fever, redness and pain in joints, inflammation in eyes that my cause even blindness if not treated, reduced appetite, fissures with unknown cause and rectal bleeding.

Any of these symptoms can be noticed in children suffering from Crohn's and generally they are not identified for a long time.

Crohns disease in children obstructs the natural growth of children, so if parents noticed that their child is not growing as per his/her age, they must consider this and see a doctor. Other possible indication of Crohns disease in children is a late onset of puberty and affected bone development. It is mostly detected by X-ray. Thus, it is very important for children to monitor height and weight development of their children.

It is essential to make certain modifications in the diet of children suffering from Crohn's disease as it is with adults. Crohns disease in children also causes inflammation, so to reduce the rate of relapse, fish oil should be used.

In the end Crohns disease in children can lead to rise of various self-image issues in them. It affects to their normal routine and thus they may feel detached from their normal activities of childhood and adolescence. Thus, it becomes the onus of family, friends and physician that they provide them emotional support so as to help them in maintaining their social and physical growth.