Gastro Health For Kids Digestive Care for Children often receives referrals for the assessment and management of poor growth, commonly referred to as failure to thrive, in many infants and children. Poor weight gain can result from various factors, including insufficient oral intake, malabsorption, heightened metabolism, and genetic factors, often manifesting as a combination of these elements. Frequently, a contributing factor is a diminished appetite.

Reasons for inadequate intake may include:

• Behavioral issues or lack of interest
• Painful eating due to conditions like reflux or esophagitis
• Neurological problems, such as poor swallowing or coordination
• Anatomical problems, for instance, a cleft palate
• Chronic heart or lung disease
• Chronic infections

Cystic fibrosis, Celiac disease, Pancreatic insufficiency, Food allergies, Metabolic diseases, Renal tubular acidosis, Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, Immunodeficiency, Inflammatory bowel disease are among the conditions associated with malabsorption in children. In addition to inadequate weight gain, children facing malabsorption may present with symptoms like abdominal distention, diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, short stature, rickets, or greasy stools. If you observe any of these signs in your child or have concerns about their growth, seeking the specialized care of Gastro Health for Kids can ensure a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.

Also known as short gut syndrome, this rare condition arises when a portion of a child’s gastrointestinal tract is surgically removed. Children who lack segments of their GI tract may encounter challenges in adequately absorbing calories, vitamins, or minerals. This condition can lead to additional complications such as diarrhea, stunted growth, and bloating.

At Gastro Health for Kids, we possess expertise in assisting children with short bowel syndrome to effectively manage the condition, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development.

In severe instances, patients may experience intestinal failure, particularly when a significant portion of the bowel has been removed. In such cases, patients might necessitate intravenous administration of parenteral nutrition. At Gastro Health for Kids, we are equipped to guide you through the complexities of this condition and provide comprehensive support.

In assessing whether your child’s growth is abnormal or a variation of normal, our physicians rely on a thorough review of your child’s previous growth records and an analysis of their diet. To facilitate this process, it is essential to bring all of your child’s growth records and prior evaluations to the initial visit at Gastro Health for Kids.

When addressing poor weight gain, a tailored treatment plan is devised for each child based on their unique needs. For those experiencing poor intake, many may benefit from high-caloric diets and appetite stimulants. In some cases, a small number of infants and children might require supplemental feedings through a nasogastric tube or a gastrostomy tube. Identifying the specific cause of malabsorption is crucial for devising optimal therapy. Through a combination of nutritional interventions and medications, nearly all children can achieve positive growth outcomes.