Feeding problems
Dr Trisha Macnair
Many parents worry that their children aren't eating enough
or are eating too much. We look at the different feeding
problems children may have and when they may be a sign of
something more serious.
In this article
---------------
What is it?
Causes
Who's affected?
Symptoms
Diagnosis and treatment
Further help
* What is it?
Most children have some sort of gastrointestinal problem at
some stage, which can transiently influence their appetite
or absorption of food. But there are more serious causes of
feeding problems that can greatly disrupt a child's ability
to take in the nutrients vital for growth and development
and put on weight.
* Causes
The kinds of feeding problem may depend on the age of the
child.
Some new mothers take a while to get the hang of
breastfeeding and they may worry that they're not producing
sufficient milk or that their baby isn't satisfied. But as
long as the baby is gaining weight at the normal rate,
there's no need for concern.
Occasionally, early feeding problems are due to anatomical
difficulties (for example, a severe cleft palate or
oesophageal atresia) or more general illness, but these are
usually quickly identified. Minor infections, such as a
cold, can interrupt established feeding patterns, but
rarely for long.
More serious conditions can interfere with the absorption
of food and weight gain, including coeliac disease, cystic
fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and food intolerance.
In toddlers and older children, emotional and social
factors can cause feeding problems. Older children,
especially girls, are more likely to develop eating
disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
* Who's affected?
Feeding problems are common throughout childhood and affect
both boys and girls.
* Symptoms
The symptoms of feeding disorders can vary, but common
symptoms include:
- refusal of food
- lack of appetite
- colic
- crying before or after food
- failure to gain weight normally
- regurgitating or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- behavioural problems.
* Diagnosis and treatment
Many feeding problems, especially in small babies, sort
themselves out without the cause ever being established,
but do get medical advice if you're at all concerned or if
your baby is failing to gain weight.
In older children, try not to make food an issue but be as
flexible as you can in adapting to the eating habits that
suit them. For fussy eaters, try a wide range of foods,
perhaps in more frequent, small meals. Emphasise health
rather than weight gain.
* Further help
Midwives, health visitors or local National Childbirth
Trust groups can be a great source of advice for new
parents worried about their baby's feeding or problems with
toddlers. If you think there may be a serious underlying
problem, especially in older children, talk to your doctor.
bbc.co.uk > Health > Conditions
http://tinyurl.com/6ddjr
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