Healthy Digestion for Optimal Child Growth and Development

In child development, digestive issues are a primary concern for parents. Since nutrient absorption occurs in the digestive tract, healthy digestion is key to a healthy body. Various digestive problems can arise in children, ranging from diarrhea to constipation. Understanding these digestive issues is not only crucial for receiving appropriate treatment but also for ensuring that the child can grow and develop optimally.

Constipation

Constipation is a common issue in children. A child with constipation typically experiences irregular bowel movements accompanied by hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass, often causing pain during bowel movements.

Here are the indicators of stool consistency according to the Bristol Stool Scale. Normal stools are classified as types 3 and 4:

Type 1: Hard, like nuts (difficult to pass)

Type 2: Sausage-like but lumpy

Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on the surface

Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (easy to pass)

Type 6: Mushy consistency with ragged edges (easily passed)

Type 7: Liquid consistency with no solid pieces (entirely liquid)

Types of Constipation in Children

There are two common types of constipation experienced by children:

• Organic Constipation refers to constipation caused by functional organ abnormalities. Potential causes include celiac disease, thyroid disorders, and anatomical abnormalities of the intestines, such as Hirschsprung's disease
• Functional Constipation is experienced by most children and occurs when a child withholds the urge to have a bowel movement. This type of constipation is often triggered by the child's fear of pain or discomfort, frequently caused by hard stool.

What Happens If Constipation Worsens?

If a child withholds bowel movements every day, the following conditions may occur:

1. Severe abdominal pain and bloating
2. Decreased appetite
3. Nausea or reflux from the stomach to the esophagus
4. Diarrhea in the underwear due to leakage of excess liquid stool

To prevent these issues, parents should be proactive in monitoring their child’s condition. Signs that parents can detect when a child is experiencing constipation include fissures around the anus and large, hard stools.

Typhoid Fever in Children

In 2019, approximately nine million people experienced typhoid fever, with around 110,000 deaths annually. Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. The infection spreads through food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Symptoms of typhoid fever include prolonged fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Some patients may also develop a rash. Severe cases of typhoid fever can lead to serious complications that may be fatal.

Typhoid Fever Treatment

Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics. Although symptoms may disappear, patients can remain carriers and continue to spread the infection to others through bacteria in their stool. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct follow-up tests to ensure that Salmonella typhi bacteria are no longer present in the patient's body.

Typhoid Fever Prevention

Typhoid fever is more common in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate drinking water hygiene. Access to clean drinking water, strong sanitation practices, proper food hygiene, and typhoid vaccination are effective in preventing this infection. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for children aged 2 years and adults up to 45 to 65 years old, depending on the type of vaccine used.

Lactose Intolerance

Many parents often confuse lactose intolerance with cow's milk allergy. Although both conditions can present similar symptoms, they are fundamentally different. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue, whereas a cow's milk allergy involves the immune system. While lactose intolerance causes discomfort, it does not lead to life-threatening conditions like anaphylactic shock.

What is Lactose?

Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese. Other sources of lactose include bread, cereals, and packaged foods that contain milk and cheese.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

The symptoms of lactose intolerance depend on the amount consumed and the body's tolerance level. The more lactose-containing products consumed, the more severe the symptoms can become. Possible symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and excessive gas.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

If necessary and available in your area, children can be given lactase enzyme supplements. Additionally, provide calcium and vitamin D supplements if the child is unable to consume sufficient dairy products.

Will Lactose Intolerance Last Forever?

In some cases, lactose intolerance may be temporary. However, for many individuals, it can be a lifelong condition. This often requires ongoing nutritional guidance to maintain adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D3.

How to Prevent Salmonella typhi Infection

●       Cook food thoroughly

●       Avoid raw milk and consume pasteurized or sterilized milk instead

●       Avoid consuming ice made from unclear water sources

●       Drink sterilized or boiled water

●       Wash hands with running water and soap before handling food and before eating

●       Wash vegetables and fruits properly

Reference:

1. Kawanto, Frieda Handayani. Healthy Digestion for Optimal Child Growth and Development. Interview, December 2023.
2. Mayo Clinic. Constipation in children - Diagnosis & treatment. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation-in-children/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354248). Accessed on 8 December 2023.
3. Healthline. Constipation in Kids: Symptoms, Remedies, and Medical Treatment. (https://www.healthline.com/health/constipation-in-kids). Accessed on 8 December 2023.
4. StatPearls. Pediatric Functional Constipation. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537037/). Accessed on 8 December 2023.
5. Mayo Clinic. Infant constipation: How is it treated? (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-constipation/faq-20058519). Accessed on 8 December 2023.
6. National Health Service (NHS). Constipation in children. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation-in-children/). Accessed on 8 December 2023.