Pediatric Intestinal Disorders

If your child frequently complains of tummy troubles, they may have an intestinal disorder affecting their digestion. As a nationally ranked center for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Children's Health℠ is fully equipped to provide personalized, compassionate, age-appropriate care for your child. From diagnosis to treatment and long-term management, our specialists walk with you and your child along the path to digestive wellness.

What are pediatric intestinal disorders?

The intestines are a system of hollow, tube-shaped organs that turn food into energy and help transport waste from the body. You have both a small and large intestine, which are part of your body's digestive tract. Disorders or injuries to the intestines can cause pain, interfere with digestion and delay growth and development. If untreated, they can create life-long, and in some cases life-threatening, complications.

What are the different types of pediatric intestinal disorders?

There are many intestinal disorders. They have different symptoms, treatment options and likely outcomes.

Infections

Infections happen when germs or organisms invade and grow in the body. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is very common in children and teens, and is associated with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas and pain. Learn more about IBS.

Bleeding

Bleeding can be caused by a number of problems including ulcers, inflammation, vascular anomalies or polyps. Procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy may be necessary to determine the cause.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a genetically driven immune system reaction that happens when a child eats gluten (a protein found in barley, rye and wheat). Learn more about celiac disease.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any area of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It is most commonly found in the lower section of the small intestine (ileum) and/or colon. Learn more about Crohn's disease.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of IBD where the colonic lining becomes inflamed. Learn more about ulcerative colitis.

Colonic Polyps

These tissue masses in the colon or rectum are also known as colorectal polyps or colon polyps. The majority of pediatric colonic polyps are harmless (benign) but should be removed. Learn more about colonic polyps.

Obstructions

Also called blockages, obstructions can prevent food from being digested or create a buildup of waste in the intestines. Damage from Crohn's disease, hernias, medications or scar tissue can all cause blockages.

Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus

Intestinal malrotation happens when the intestines don’t develop properly in the womb. It can lead to a serious condition where the bowel becomes twisted and cuts off blood flow (volvulus). Learn more about intestinal malrotation and volvulus.

Intestinal Atresia (IA)

Intestinal atresia happens when the intestine doesn't form correctly in the womb. This condition prevents food and waste from moving through the digestion processes. Learn more about intestinal atresia (IA).

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is extremely rare in children and starts in the colon and rectum. There are several types of colorectal cancers, and colonic polyps associated with genetic syndromes are the most frequent cause in children. Learn more about colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma

This is a type of cancer that starts in the cellular lining of organs like the small intestine. Though adenocarcinoma is the most common type of small intestine cancer, it is extremely rare in children.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric intestinal disorders?

• Anemia

• Bleeding (from the rectum or in stool)

• Bloating or abdominal distention

• Constipation

• Cramping and pain

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Gas

• Irritability

• Loss of appetite

• Slow or delayed growth

• Ulcers

• Unexplained weight loss

• Vomiting or spitting up

What are the causes of pediatric intestinal disorders?

Intestinal disorders can result from a number of conditions. Each condition has its own cause and average age of diagnosis. The disorders can occur for many reasons, and include:

• Autoimmune response (body attacks healthy cells)

• Cancer

• Congenital (present at birth)

• Environmental (cigarette smoke or drinking household cleaners)

• Genetic/hereditary (passed down through families)

• Unknown triggers (idiopathic)

How are pediatric intestinal disorders diagnosed?

At Children's Health, our board-certified specialists will discover the cause of your child's symptoms. Your child's doctor will start by asking about your child’s symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. A variety of tests may be recommended to examine your child's blood, stool and digestive tract.

We may use some or all of the following procedures:

• Blood and urine tests

• Endoscopy and/or Colonoscopy with biopsy

• Pediatric Ultrasound (Sonogram)

• Pediatric Computer Tomography (CT)

• Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What causes pediatric intestinal disorders?

The cause depends on the type of disorder. Some causes include:

• Autoimmune response (the immune system attacks healthy cells)

• Congenital anomalies (which develop before birth)

• Environmental triggers (like infections, cigarette smoke or drinking household cleaners)

• Genetic/hereditary issues (passed down through families)

• Unknown triggers (idiopathic)

How are pediatric intestinal disorders treated?

Treatments depend on the cause of a child’s intestinal disorder. Our caring, expert team will work with you to identify the best care options for your child.