My 12-year-old son has been complaining of stomach pain and bloating after meals for the past few weeks. He also seems to have diarrhea occasionally. We haven't done any tests yet, but I'm worried it might be a food intolerance or something more serious. What should we do next?
Below.
Lucas, a 12-year-old boy, has been experiencing stomach pain and bloating after meals for the past few weeks, along with occasional diarrhea. No tests have been conducted yet.
Lactose Intolerance (60%) - Lactose intolerance is a common condition where the body cannot easily digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This can cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy.
Celiac Disease (30%) - Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Symptoms can include stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Based on the symptoms described, the most likely diagnosis is lactose intolerance. This condition occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose found in dairy products. When lactose is not properly digested, it can cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. This condition is not serious and can be managed by avoiding dairy products or using lactase supplements. Another possible diagnosis is celiac disease, which is less likely but still possible. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can cause similar symptoms, including stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. This condition is more serious and requires a strict gluten-free diet. To confirm the diagnosis, it is important to conduct specific tests. If lactose intolerance is confirmed, it can be managed with dietary changes. If celiac disease is diagnosed, a lifelong gluten-free diet will be necessary. Both conditions are manageable with proper care and attention.
The situation does not seem to require emergency attention, but it is important to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or a gastroenterologist soon to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Contact us at hi@doctola.com