Many Indian youngsters have stomach problems on a daily basis. With increasing academic pressure, screen time, and irregular eating habits, it's tempting to blame every stomach problem on "just stress" or "bad food."
But what happens if the ache does not go away? When it's not only jitters before examinations, but something more serious and long-term?
Doctors are becoming concerned about a rising incidence of paediatric and adolescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in India.
IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, was once thought to be a Western illness, but it is now becoming increasingly common among Indian teenagers, with many going undetected or misdiagnosed for months, if not years.
Not Simply a "Gastric Problem"
IBD is not the same as regular acid reflux, food poisoning, or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly assaults its own digestive tract, resulting in long-term inflammation.
Symptoms may include persistent stomach pain, bloody or loose stools, sudden weight loss, fatigue, poor appetite, and delayed growth/puberty.
Unfortunately, both parents and general practitioners sometimes dismiss these symptoms as the product of stress, junk food, or exam anxiety.
The usual duration between symptom onset and diagnosis in Indian youth is 6-12 months. During this time, the condition slowly advances, affecting the child's growth, nutrition, and overall health.
Emotional Toll
Adolescence is already a rollercoaster of emotion. Living with an undiagnosed chronic condition just exacerbates the confusion.
Many teenagers experience feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and fear as a result of their symptoms, particularly those involving frequent bathroom visits, apparent weight changes, or weariness.
This emotional weight can have an impact on academic achievement, friendships, and self-esteem. For girls, IBD can disrupt hormonal balance and menstruation, disrupting their adolescent years.
Necessity of Early Detection
What is the good news? Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Teens with IBD can have full, active lives with timely intervention, including attending college, participating in sports, and eating the majority of their favourite foods.
Diagnosis typically involves a mix of blood and stool tests to identify inflammation or infection.
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the digestive tract.
- Obtain imaging scans (e.g., MRI or CT) if needed.
Treatment for IBD varies depending on the severity and type, but it typically consists of anti-inflammatory medications, immune-modulating pharmaceuticals, and nutritional support. In some circumstances, biologic treatments or surgery may be recommended.
It's critical to recognize that IBD is not curable, however it is quite controllable. The goal is to induce and maintain remission, which means keeping the disease under control, so the kid may develop and thrive without experiencing frequent flare-ups.
Why are we seeing more cases?
The specific etiology of IBD is unknown, but doctors believe it is a combination of genetic vulnerability, immunological malfunction, and environmental factors.
Urban lifestyle changes, such as antibiotic abuse, low-fiber diets, increased pollution, and decreased gut microbiota diversity, may all play a role.
There is also increased awareness and improved diagnostic techniques, so more cases are being identified than before.
However, many sections of India continue to have limited access to paediatric gastroenterologists and IBD-specific care.
When to Seek Help?
So, when should a parent stop blaming food or stress and see a specialist?
If your child experiences stomach pain lasting longer than 2-3 weeks, unexplained weight loss or exhaustion, blood in the stool or chronic diarrhoea, or appears worried, withdrawn, or exhausted all the time, seek medical attention.
Trust your gut, both literally and figuratively. Nobody knows your child as well as you do.
Final Word: Don't Dismiss, Diagnose
We need to stop ignoring every teenager's stomach ache as a "phase" or "school stress." With IBD on the rise among Indian teenagers, early detection and proactive treatment are critical. It's time to prioritize gut health alongside academics, athletics, and emotional growth.
Consult a professional if your child's digestive issues persist and do not respond to conventional care. An early diagnosis of IBD can prevent complications and improve your child's health, confidence, and future.