Hyperacidity & reflux in infants below 9 months of age are also common problems

Constipation affects up to 30% of children

Diarrhoea kills an estimated 300,000 children under-five in India each year

World Digestive Health Day 2023 comes as a gentle reminder for all of us to keep our guts healthy. However, to keep the gut of the children healthy to prevent the emerging common digestive problems, paediatricians urge parents to prioritize children’s gut health to prevent common digestive problems. The commonly observed problems of the gut in children are constipation, hyperacidity, and diarrhoea. Constipation affects up to 30% of children. This is the most common cause of stomach pain in children and is often overlooked. Hyperacidity affects 22-25% of infants in India. Diarrhoea kills an estimated 300,000 children under-five in India each year.

Elaborating on the importance of digestive health in children, Dr Arun Wadhwa, Visiting Consultant, Paediatrics, Rainbow Children Hospital, New Delhi said, “Diarrhoea is a very common problem in the early years and it is not necessarily related to teething. You should immediately start WHO’s ORS, probiotics and Zinc if not given in the last three months. It may take 5-7 days to settle and do not be in a rush to start antibiotics – unless there is blood in stools.”

Throwing light on how to keep the gut health of children healthy, Dr Badshah Khan, Senior Consultant Paediatrician at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai said, “There are many ways to boost a child’s gut health. A fibre-laden diet and adequate water intake should be provided to the children. Moderate use of probiotics should be included in the diet. Physical activity like outdoor gaming is also important to keep the gut health of the children healthy. Parents should make sure to avoid self-medication for their children, majorly antibiotics. An unhealthy gut has several disadvantages as it leads to loose motion, pain in the abdomen, constipation, and nausea in children. A healthy gut will keep your child’s immune system stronger and healthier.”

It is also important that children are properly vaccinated with rotavirus and measles vaccines. This greatly helps in preventing diarrhoea. On observing any symptoms of digestive problems or for information related to vaccination, immediate consultation with a paediatrician is required.

Adding further Dr Wadhwa says, “Hyperacidity and reflux in infants below 9 months of age are also common problems. Most of them will settle with age and proper diet, though, rarely we may need a course of appropriate antacid medication.”

Trillions of bacteria live inside our gut. For those who think bacteria is only of the bad kind, think again! In our gut, thrives an ecosystem of bacteria that is very important for our health, especially for our developing children.

Uncomfortable digestion, stomach aches, poor nutrient absorption, poor immunity and sleep, mood fluctuations and general fatigue and tiredness are commonly observed symptoms of a poorly functioning gut. All these can have a detrimental impact on the overall well-being of any individual, especially the children.

There are many ways to boost children’s gut health such as breastfeeding them including more fibre in their diet, cutting down on fatty foods and opting for probiotics. Giving children small and frequent meals, ensuring adequate water intake, and encouraging them to go out and play, providing safe outdoor exposure, are very useful for their gut health. Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics is very important as these cause serious problems to their gut.