Constipation is a very common problem in kids. A child is considered constipated when he or she has fewer than three bowel movements in a week; has trouble having a bowel movement; or when the stool (poop) is hard, dry, and unusually large. Constipation usually isn’t a cause for concern, …
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Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that particularly affects the lungs and digestive system. Kids who have it are more vulnerable to repeated lung infections. Recent high-tech medical advances in drug therapy and genetics are helping children born with CF lead longer and more comfortable lives. In the last 10 …
Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition
About Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. CF makes children sick by disrupting the normal function of epithelial cells — cells that make up the sweat glands in the skin and that also line passageways in the lungs, liver, pancreas, …
Diarrhea
Most kids battle diarrhea — frequent, runny bowel movements (poop) — from time to time. The good news is that it usually doesn’t last long and is more annoying than dangerous. Still, it’s important to know how to relieve and even prevent diarrhea. What Causes Diarrhea? Diarrhea is usually brought …
Gastroesophageal Reflux
At one time or another, many adults have had heartburn (an uncomfortable feeling in the chest) after eating a big meal or spicy foods. When these symptoms happen often or aren’t tied to certain ingredients, they might be due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), also called reflux. But GER isn’t just a …
Hirschsprung Disease
Changing poopy diapers is one of those unpleasant tasks of parenting that most people are able to joke about. But when your baby is unable to poop, this topic is no laughing matter. Babies who have trouble emptying their bowels sometimes have a problem called Hirschsprung disease. Treatment for this …
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The digestive system (including the stomach, large and small intestines, and rectum) converts food into nutrients and absorbs them into the bloodstream to fuel our bodies. We seldom notice its workings unless something goes wrong, as in the case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Up to 1 million Americans are …
Intestinal Malrotation
About Intestinal Malrotation An intestinal obstruction is a blockage of the digestive tract that prevents the proper passage of food. Some intestinal obstructions are present at birth, while others are caused by such problems as hernias, abnormal scar tissue growth after an abdominal operation, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Malrotation is …
Intussusception
About Intussusception Intussusception (in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun) is the most common abdominal emergency affecting children under 2 years old. It happens when one portion of the bowel slides into the next, much like the pieces of a telescope. When this “telescoping” happens, the flow of fluids and food through the bowel can become …
Lactose Intolerance
About Lactose Intolerance For many kids, an ice cream sundae or a cool glass of milk at lunch means an afternoon of cramps, gas, and diarrhea. Kids who have this kind of discomfort after consuming dairy products might have lactose intolerance, which is caused by problems digesting lactose, the main sugar …