Written by Professor Stephen Mashingaidze and Rumbidzai Mukori-William for BonVie Medical Aid scheme
Children are the apple of every parent’s eye, and seeing them healthy is one of the best gifts to give them. Joy, which is short-lived, when you see your child suffering from gastric health issues. Over the years, we are seeing an increase in the number of children being hospitalised due to H. pylori or gastric health issues. It is of major concern, as this disease has a combination of short- and long-term impacts on a child’s quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the importance of managing gastric health in children and provide a comprehensive approach to doing so.
The Importance of Gastric Health in Children
Gastric health is essential for children’s overall health and well-being. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for the development of a strong immune system, and an imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases (1). Furthermore, gastric health issues can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and distress.
Gastric Health in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, gastric health issues are a significant concern among children. According to recent statistics, the prevalence of diarrhea in children under 5 was recorded at 15% in 2019 (2). This highlights the need for effective management strategies to prevent and treat gastric health issues in children.
Common Gastric Health Issues in Children
Some common gastric health issues in children include:
– Gastro-oesophageal reflux: a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and pain (3).
– Constipation: a condition where bowel movements are infrequent or difficult, leading to discomfort and pain (4).
– Diarrhea: a condition where bowel movements are frequent and loose, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (5).
– Abdominal pain: a common symptom of various gastric health issues, including gastro-oesophageal reflux, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease (6).
A Comprehensive Approach to Managing Gastric Health in Children
Managing gastric health in children requires a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medical treatment. Here are some strategies that can help:
– Dietary Changes: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid trigger foods that can cause gastric issues, such as spicy or fatty foods (7).
– Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage regular meal timings, this is key as mindless snacking does not give the stomach time to rest between meals. Hence leading to increased acid production and stomach aches. It is important to space meals out well, avoiding irregular meal sizes and eating high amounts of takeawayor unhealthy lunch boxes such as crisps, sweetened beverages and sandwiches with processed or deli meats. (8).
– Medical Treatment: If your child experiences persistent or severe gastric symptoms, consult a paediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Medications such as antacids or acid reducers may be prescribed to manage gastric symptoms (9).
The Role of Probiotics in Managing Gastric Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help promote a healthy gut microbiome. They can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, baobab powder, and fermented porridge or milk , or taken as supplements. Although it is advisable to use the natural foods first, before supplementation as efficiency of them is still under investigation. With more researchers proving the level of inefficiency of common brands as opposed to natural food sources. Probiotics have been shown to alleviate symptoms of gastric issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain (10).
Conclusion
Managing gastric health in children requires a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medical treatment. By working together, parents, healthcare professionals, and children can promote healthy gastric health and overall well-being. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Consult with a pediatrician or healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for managing your child’s gastric health.
References:
- Sonnenburg ED. The gut microbiome at the interface of health and disease. Nature. 2016;457(7226):282-289.
- Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2019.
- Vandenplas Y, Rudolph CD, Di Lorenzo C, et al. Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux clinical practice guidelines: joint recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009;49(4):498-547.
- Constipation Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2006;43(3):e1-e13.
- Guarino A, Albano F, Guandalini S, et al. European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition/European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute gastroenteritis in children in Europe. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008;46 Suppl 2:S81-S122.
- Di Lorenzo C, Colletti RB, Lehmann HP, et al. Chronic abdominal pain in children: a technical report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American
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