LOW APPETITE IN KIDS CAN BE CELIAC

By: Dr Nidhi Rawal, Lead Consultant, Paediatric Gastroenterologist,
Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Malviya Nagar

Ayaan Safari is a 4 years old boy came from Rwanda to Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital for a Gestro intestinal evaluation. He was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes Millitus one year ago and his life was never the same again. He was struggling with severe abdominal pains, loose stools alternating with hard stools, with severe abdominal bloating. He was losing weight day by day.

Ayaan was admitted under Dr Nidhi Rawal, (Lead Consultant, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition). Dr Nidhi investigated him in detail with blood tests, upper GI, endoscopy, colonoscopy and a video capsule Endoscopy. Video capsule endoscopy is a novel way to look at the small intestines from inside n take pictures of the lining of the digestive tract, with the help of aa wireless camera in the form of a capsule.

Children older than 12-14 years can swallow this capsule, but it has to be placed via an endoscope into the small intestine. The expertise to perform and interpret video capsule endoscopy in children is available at a very few centers across India. She found out he might be gluten intolerant and have Celiac Disease and Excessive growth of bad bacteria in his intestines as well as a very Sluggish large Intestine. If not diagnosed in time, Celiac Disease can result in excessive weight loss, Iron/Vitamin Deficiency, this can also result in poor Neuro-Development. Sluggish Intestines resulted in overgrowth of Bad Bacteria in his Colon, if left untreated, this can lead to repeated episodes of Abdominal pain and Poor Growth.

But after proper Diagnosis and Treatment, patient showed excellent weight gain, his abdominal pain was vanished completely, which helped him to sleep better and focus better in Co-Curriculum and sports activities. With the help of Our Dietary protocols, he started eating better and his appetite showed Significant Improvement.

Patient’s father was very happy with the treatment and the progress his child showed after coming to India, because In Rwanda, Ayaan was treated for 1.5 years in Hospitals, but didn’t show any Improvement, So Govt of Rwanda referred him to Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, New Delhi. A multi – speciality pediatric hospital chain with 23 years expertise in 6 cities with 15 units & 3 clinics.