Chron's disease is a very scary condition for a child. It can also be a very confusing one. For a long period of time, they may not experience anything and feel fine. Then all of a sudden the condition will flair up, and the child will experience a range of symptoms. The symptoms experienced will depend on the severity of the disease, but some of the most common symptoms include:
Unfortunately, there are a range of complications that can develop from the condition as well, which can lead to long-term issues. Because of chronic diarrhea, for example, the body may experience nutritional deficiencies including anemia. Inflammation could cause arthritis, issues with the kidneys, or even liver damage. Although medication can sometimes help, that's not always the case. Sometimes surgery may be required to remove a portion of the colon. This may require ostomy supplies from an ostomy and catheter supplier for the rest of their lives.
Although scary, an ostomy is the last resort. Most of the time medication will be enough and children/teens can often go years without experiencing an issue. When a flair up does occur, it's important to seek medical intervention as soon as possible to determine the right course of action to treat the symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, and researchers are still unsure of how it's caused. Most believe it is genetic, and there is some evidence that those with Jewish ancestry may be more likely to suffer from the condition.
At this time, although we don't have a cure or know the exact cause, we still have a variety of ways to treat the condition. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, even if they go away for a time, take them to the doctor immediately. Chron's disease can affect people of any age.
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Diarrhea that doesn't go away
- Stomach pain
Unfortunately, there are a range of complications that can develop from the condition as well, which can lead to long-term issues. Because of chronic diarrhea, for example, the body may experience nutritional deficiencies including anemia. Inflammation could cause arthritis, issues with the kidneys, or even liver damage. Although medication can sometimes help, that's not always the case. Sometimes surgery may be required to remove a portion of the colon. This may require ostomy supplies from an ostomy and catheter supplier for the rest of their lives.
Although scary, an ostomy is the last resort. Most of the time medication will be enough and children/teens can often go years without experiencing an issue. When a flair up does occur, it's important to seek medical intervention as soon as possible to determine the right course of action to treat the symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, and researchers are still unsure of how it's caused. Most believe it is genetic, and there is some evidence that those with Jewish ancestry may be more likely to suffer from the condition.
At this time, although we don't have a cure or know the exact cause, we still have a variety of ways to treat the condition. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, even if they go away for a time, take them to the doctor immediately. Chron's disease can affect people of any age.