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Resources are available to help families understand many diseases and conditions, and some of these organizations even offer tools specifically designed to help support the care of a sick child. For example, the Crohn & Colitis Foundation is a leading source of information for families facing inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
What is IBD?
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These chronic conditions produce similar symptoms, use similar therapies, and both can be treated. However, they are not the same.
Crohn's disease can occur in any part of the large intestine (also called the colon). In fact, this can happen anywhere in the digestive system. However, it usually develops at the crossroads of the small and large intestines. In ulcerative colitis, only the colon and rectum are affected.
Nobody really knows what causes Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, but experts believe that many factors can lead to the development of diseases, including genes, environmental factors such as viruses and bacteria, as well as immune reactions. inappropriate.
What are the symptoms?
Despite the differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both can produce similar symptoms when they are active, all caused by chronic inflammation. Symptoms may include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, the urgent need to break down the intestines, cramps and abdominal pain, an incomplete evacuation sensation and constipation.
"If you think your child has an inflammatory bowel disease, it is essential to consult a qualified pediatric gastroenterologist, who can help you accurately and effectively establish the diagnosis and set up a treatment plan for your child. help your child feel better, thrive and optimize the quality of life ", said Andrew Grossman, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Chair of the Pediatric Affairs Committee of the Crohn & Colitis Foundation.
How does it affect children?
When the diagnosis of IBD is diagnosed in childhood, it may be more extensive and undergo more severe treatment than when diagnosed in adulthood. Although symptoms are similar in adults and children, some children with IBD experience a delay in puberty and some do not grow at a normal rate. In case of relapse, frequent visits to the doctor, hospitalizations, treatments and even operations, many children with IBD miss a lot of school time and social activities.
They are often overwhelmed by the emotional and psychological side effects of the disease.
Learning to manage the disease is not always easy for children. Parents play an important role in educating their children about IBD, including teaching them that they should take their health seriously and take responsibility for taking care of themselves.
How can IBD be managed?
It is possible to live a busy, rewarding, happy and productive life with an ITN. The treatment begins with finding a pediatric gastroenterologist whom you trust. The treatment of your child's IBD can ultimately involve a wide range of therapies, including medications, nutritional adjustments, and surgical procedures.
Maintaining your child's health can also involve lifestyle adjustments, like arranging your schedule for many bathroom breaks when you're not at home. You may also need to work closely with your child's school to manage absences and academic performance, as well as for necessary medical care during school hours.
Many families also find it helpful to create a network of friends and loved ones. For example, the Crohn & Colitis Foundation offers Camp Oasis – a mixed residential camp program that allows children to meet other people like them in a safe and rewarding environment.
Another resource is justlikemeibd.org, a website featuring stories and videos of teenagers with IBD, as well as information about school, dating, stress management and nutrition, updates on research and resources for parents.
Is your child ready to manage his own care?
For young adults, IBD management can be particularly challenging and this can be further complicated by the transfer of care from a pediatric health care team to an adult health care team. If you have a child who is undertaking the next steps in adult care, share the tips of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org/campus-connection to help your young adult become independent in his management. ITNs:
- Understand your illness and its impact on you personally, including your typical symptoms and signs of a flare. Also be sure to understand when and how to contact your healthcare team.
- Know your medicines and how much you take. This is especially important when you visit other doctors so that they can help you avoid medications that do not work well with your IBD medications.
- While a parent is still involved, practice becoming your own lawyer with your doctor and other people, such as school administrators. Ask questions and take an active role in your treatment.
- When your doctor prescribes tests or procedures, make sure you understand all the necessary preparations and be sure to follow up to fully understand the results and changes necessary for your treatment.
- If you are moving, join a new insurance plan or travel, know which medical services will be accessible and covered so that you can make the best decisions for your health.
Michael French
[email protected]
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate
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