Lifestyle Issues in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
The goals of therapy in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases in pediatrics include decreasing mucosa! inflammation, the restoration of optimal growth and pubertal development, and the return to a normal, age-appropriate lifestyle. The latter is best served by minimizing restrictions; for example, sch...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1990-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/1990/491805 |
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| Summary: | The goals of therapy in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases in
pediatrics include decreasing mucosa! inflammation, the restoration of optimal
growth and pubertal development, and the return to a normal, age-appropriate
lifestyle. The latter is best served by minimizing restrictions; for example, school
attendance, extracurricular activities, travel and the child's interactions with
both siblings and peers. In most instances dietary restrictions are also inappropriate
and may prove detrimental. Children and adolescents are not simply
'little adults'. Teenagers dread being perceived as different from their peers. They
are especially bothered therefore by cosmetic side effects associated with corticosteroid
therapy and by impaired growth and pubertal development. Although
not discussed openly, many adolescents are also concerned about their subsequent
ability to have children and the potential for future development of
neoplasms. The great majority of affected children adapt and function very well.
Psychosocial factors, although clearly not the cause of inflammatory bowel
diseases, are operative in many subsets of children with less than optimal function
in daily activities. Children at particular risk are those with premorbid low
self-esteem, dysfunction in family dynamics, or severe growth failure. Intervention
and support provided through psychiatric and medical social work consultations
and by the involvement of self-help groups are often key determinants for
restoration of a normal lifestyle. Information about the underlying chronic
disease, when provided at a level that is appropriate for age and cognitive
function, can decrease anxiety and fears by reducing uncertainty and promoting
a feeling of control. |
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| ISSN: | 0835-7900 |