10. Pediatric Onset: IBD Doesn’t Discriminate by Age
When we picture someone with IBD, adults often come to mind. However, IBD doesn’t play by these rules. Alarmingly, children too are being diagnosed with this condition, with pediatric onset IBD emerging as a significant concern.
It’s heartbreaking to think of a child, supposed to be carefree and playful, wrestling with the challenging symptoms of IBD. And while the symptoms in kids largely mirror those in adults, the ramifications can be distinctively more severe. Malnutrition, stunted growth, and even developmental delays can manifest, adding layers of complexity to the pediatric IBD narrative.
But children are resilient. Their capacity to adapt, even to something as challenging as IBD, is remarkable. Yet, the environment plays a crucial role. Schools need to be adequately equipped, both in infrastructure and empathy, to accommodate these young warriors.
The importance of early detection cannot be stressed enough. It’s a game-changer in pediatric IBD, with timely interventions preventing irreversible complications. Furthermore, research tailored to this subgroup is pivotal. After all, a child isn’t a miniature adult. Their IBD journey, while sharing the broader theme, has its unique subplots. (10)
