Understanding Crohn’s Disease in Children: Diagnosis & Treatment

By Ahmet Aybar, MD

Annapolis Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

. https://www.annapoliskidsgi.com/

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Understanding Crohn’s Disease in Children: Diagnosis & Treatment

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While often thought of as an adult condition, Crohn’s disease can begin in childhood, causing significant symptoms and challenges during critical stages of growth and development.

Most children present with symptoms in the early teen years, although there are many cases seen in early childhood as young as 3 years old. The disease can affect any part of the GI tract—from the mouth to the anus—but most commonly involves the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.

Common Symptoms

Children with Crohn’s disease may experience:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Fatigue and low energy
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Delayed growth or puberty
• Blood in the stool

Because symptoms can be mild at first or confused with other common childhood illnesses, diagnosis is often delayed.

Diagnosis

A thorough evaluation is needed to confirm Crohn’s disease and rule out other conditions. Diagnosis may include:

• Blood tests to check for anemia, inflammation, or poor nutrition
• Stool tests to rule out infections
• Imaging studies like MRI or CT enterography to view inflammation
• Endoscopy and colonoscopy with biopsies to examine the GI tract and identify signs of chronic inflammation
• Early diagnosis is important to avoid complications and support proper growth.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but it can be managed effectively. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and promoting healing and growth.

Common treatments include:

• Nutritional therapy, especially in children, using special liquid diets (known as exclusive enteral nutrition)
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids for flare-ups
• Immunomodulators or biologic therapies, such as infliximab or adalimumab, for moderate to severe cases
• Surgery, sometimes necessary to remove damaged sections of the intestine, though typically reserved for specific complications

Ongoing Care

Children with Crohn’s disease benefit from care by a pediatric gastroenterologist, along with support from dietitians and other specialists. Regular monitoring helps adjust treatment, ensure proper growth, and support a good quality of life.

With the right care, children with Crohn’s disease can lead healthy, active lives and manage their condition successfully over time.