Eating & digestion
Many issues may affect digestion, so we ensure your child receives a clear diagnosis when you come to us with your concerns. Problems range from tummy pains and reflux to constipation, diarrhoea and food intolerance.
Treatment will be targeted towards the cause, whether it be allergy or food intolerance, infection or a structural problem with the gut. For many children, emotional issues or stress play a role. Our experienced multi-disciplined team will help you consider all the factors, and our nutritionists will offer practical advice to help you and your child adapt to any special eating requirements.
We recommend an initial visit to a doctor or paediatrician. If you have any concerns about allergy or possible intolerance, our specialist paediatric allergist, Dr Adam Fox will be able to advise you.
Tests are not always needed but may include stool and blood analysis and ultrasound scans. Allergy testing is useful for food intolerance. Rarely CT or MRI scans and colonoscopy are needed to exclude inflammation in the bowel.
Medical treatment may include simple lifestyle advice and occasionally medication is useful. Rarely, surgery is necessary. Allergies may be treated with a desensitization programme that is available at Viveka and need not involve injections.
Nutritional therapy may be a core aspect to ensure your child is well nourished. Diet can be adjusted as treatment for the underlying condition progresses. Our nutritionists are also skilled in assisting with fussiness, anxiety and problematic eating patterns in a personal or family context.
Emotional support often proves helpful. The stomach is one of the body's emotional centres (root of our 'gut' feelings) and digestion is affected by hormones linked with emotions. Our 'Emo' team works with children and families; we span child psychology, family therapy, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.
Complementary therapies can assist digestion. Cranial osteopathy, for example, may help to release muscle tension and improve bowel function, and can be used to reduce reflux. Homeopathy can be a very effective and safe way to improve digestion and reduce symptoms.
Did you know?
Relationships and social experiences in the family and at school are often of vital importance. Constipation, as an example, is caused by a structural problem in fewer than 25% of cases - more commonly it is linked to painful or unexpressed emotions.
