Pediatric Crohn’s Disease

While Crohn’s disease is often diagnosed in early adulthood, it can also appear earlier and affect children. About 150,000 of the approximately 1.4 million patients with IBD in the United States are among children under age 17.

The difference between adults and children

All Crohn’s patients must deal with symptoms side effects and emotional stress, yet children face other obstacles — the kinds of obstacles that make the already hard task of simply growing up just a little more difficult.

At a time when children are forming relationships, deciding on what sports to play, or what activities to pursue and when there is the added pressure from school, family and peer groups, the burden of Crohn’s disease symptoms may have a significant effect on a child’s self-esteem and motivation to do things.

Many adults with Crohn’s disease may not always appear sick, fatigued or underweight, particularly if their symptoms are mild to moderate. However, children with Crohn’s disease can face growth problems as a result of poor of nutrients during the digestive process. They may tend to be underweight or small-boned. They may also feel tired and unable to stay as active as their peers and friends.

These differences in appearance and energy, as well as an overall anxiety over symptoms, can affect the way children relate to their parents, teachers, friends, and family. They may feel insecure, misunderstood, or inadequate in some way. They may feel left out of the social setting since they may not be able to participate in sports or other activities because of their disease. The normal pressures of school, social, and family life become more burdensome for a child with Crohn’s disease.

Treatment

Treatment options for pediatric Crohn’s disease are similar to those for adult Crohn’s disease since the therapeutic goals remain the same. Physicians may opt for drug therapies such as corticosteroids, although these drugs may actually interfere with bone growth, cause problems such as acne, and result in excess body fat.

Physicians may also attempt to manage pediatric Crohn’s symptoms with manipulation of diet or, as in adult Crohn’s, with surgery.

There has also been success in the use of biologic therapy in pediatric Crohn’s patients. By quickly relieving inflammation and helping to control symptoms, biologic therapy may allow for more healthy development in children with Crohn’s, and may reduce or eliminate the need for steroids.

A physician will determine the appropriate treatment for a child based on the child’s age, overall health, and medical history. He or she will also assess the extent of the disease, as well as the child’s tolerance for specific medications or procedures. Parents should thoroughly discuss with their child’s physician the most beneficial and appropriate course of treatment.

Learn more:
Effects of Pediatric Crohn’s
Resources for Families and Children
How to Talk about Crohn's Disease
For Kids with Crohn’s