Stella was seven years old when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). The day she was diagnosed with this disease is deeply etched in his memory. Despite all the difficulties, it can be said that UC has become an integral part of life for her and everyone involved with whom she has learned to live.
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is increasing worldwide, while the typical age at diagnosis gradually decreases. Childhood ulcerative colitis differs from typical adult UC in the greater extent of the disease.
The first symptoms of UC in children can vary from patient to patient, usually, patients experience bloody diarrhoea with nighttime bowel movements, abdominal cramps and weight loss. Manifestations outside the gut or a family history of inflammatory bowel disease may be present. Regardless of the duration of symptoms, it is essential to perform laboratory and microbiological tests. The results may show an iron deficiency, anaemia, and borderline albumin levels. The next step is examinations, including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. It is also essential to determine the pediatric UC activity index, PUCAI (Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index). What happens in their bodies can be explained to little patients with the help of a diagram illustrating the image of the gut.
Children with UC may require corticosteroids or immunomodulatory therapy more often than adults and may experience negative effects of their disease on growth, pubertal development, and bone health more often. In addition, the psychological aspects of the disease cannot be neglected. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are more common in children with UC. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in treating this.
It is essential to monitor adherence, which is usually only around 50%. Disease control, body weight, physical activity level and control of vitamin D levels can be indicators of adherence.
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