Crohn’s Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody in ulcerative colitis), fatigue, weight loss, delayed growth, and in some cases, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever. These symptoms can flare up and go into remission, significantly affecting a child’s quality of life, nutrition, and overall development.
Relevant Screening & Assessment Webforms
- IBD Symptom Tracker: A fillable online form for parents to document the frequency and severity of symptoms, including bowel movements, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
- Nutrition & Growth Assessment Form: An online tool to record the child’s growth, dietary habits, and any symptoms of malnutrition or weight loss.
Blood or Laboratory Tests
Diagnosis and monitoring of IBD require a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:
- Blood Tests: Common tests include complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to assess inflammation, and liver function tests.
- Stool Tests: To check for infections and measure inflammatory markers like calprotectin, which helps distinguish between IBD and other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Endoscopy & Colonoscopy: These procedures allow for direct visualization of the GI tract and are essential for confirming the diagnosis, assessing the extent of inflammation, and obtaining biopsies.
- Imaging Studies: MRI, CT scans, or ultrasounds may be used to assess complications like fistulas, strictures, or bowel obstructions, particularly in Crohn’s disease.
Management Options
Medications
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Medications like 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASA) are used to reduce inflammation in mild cases of ulcerative colitis.
Immunosuppressants & Biologics: Medications such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and biologics like infliximab or adalimumab are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe IBD to control inflammation and reduce immune system activity.
Corticosteroids: These are used short-term to control acute flare-ups of inflammation but are not ideal for long-term use due to potential side effects.
Nutritional Support & Dietary Modifications
Children with IBD may benefit from specialized diets, such as the Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) or low-residue diets, to help control symptoms and promote growth. Nutritional supplements may be recommended for children with malnutrition or growth delays.
Surgery
In severe cases of IBD, surgery may be needed to remove damaged sections of the intestines or treat complications like strictures or fistulas.
Latest High-Tech Evidence-Based Treatment Options Worldwide
Telehealth-Based Gastroenterology Consultations
Virtual consultations allow for ongoing monitoring of IBD symptoms, adjusting medications, and managing flare-ups without needing frequent in-person visits.
Remote Stool Monitoring Devices
Devices like IBDoc allow patients to monitor fecal calprotectin levels from home, providing real-time data for clinicians to adjust treatment plans.
Mobile Apps for IBD Management
Apps like myIBDcoach and Oshi Health enable patients to track symptoms, medication adherence, and nutritional intake, while also offering educational resources and access to healthcare teams.
Biologic Therapy Innovations
Newer biologics, such as ustekinumab and vedolizumab, target specific parts of the immune system to better manage inflammation with fewer side effects, offering more tailored treatments for children with IBD.
Funding Options in Australia
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Children with IBD who have significant functional impairments may qualify for NDIS funding, which can support access to therapies, medications, and assistance with daily living.
Medicare
Covers consultations with gastroenterologists, diagnostic tests (e.g., colonoscopy, endoscopy), and partial rebates for prescription medications.
Private Health Insurance
Depending on the level of coverage, policies may cover specialist consultations, hospital stays, surgeries, and some prescription medications like biologics.
Patient Education Resources in Australia
- Crohn’s & Colitis Australia: Provides information on IBD, including symptom management, treatment options, and lifestyle tips. They also offer support groups, webinars, and resources for children and families.
- Raising Children Network: Offers comprehensive information on managing IBD in children, including advice on dealing with symptoms, dietary adjustments, and emotional support for children coping with a chronic illness.
- GESA (Gastroenterological Society of Australia): Provides expert advice on IBD, with resources for understanding the condition, available treatments, and clinical guidelines.
Foundations & Volunteering Agencies in Australia
- Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA): A leading organization that offers support, education, and advocacy for individuals with IBD. CCA provides peer support programs, fundraising initiatives, and information on new research and clinical trials.
- IBD Support Australia: A volunteer-run community offering support networks, educational resources, and emotional support for children and families managing IBD.
- The Gut Foundation: Focuses on supporting research, raising awareness, and providing educational resources for individuals with gastrointestinal conditions, including IBD.
What to Expect from Telehealth Consultations
Initial Diagnosis & Comprehensive Care
Telehealth consultations allow for a detailed review of symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results. Gastroenterologists can develop a personalized treatment plan, including medications, dietary recommendations, and symptom monitoring.
Nutritional Guidance & Monitoring
Telehealth consultations can include virtual meetings with dietitians to ensure that children with IBD receive appropriate nutrition, especially during flare-ups, and to track growth and weight gain.
Regular Monitoring & Symptom Tracking
Parents and children can use telehealth to report symptoms, track flare-ups, and ensure timely adjustments to the treatment plan, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Medication Management & Adjustments
Telehealth visits provide ongoing support for managing medications, monitoring for side effects, and adjusting doses based on the child’s response to treatment and symptom control.
Support for Families & Mental Health
Telehealth also offers access to psychological support for children and families dealing with the emotional and mental health challenges of living with a chronic illness like IBD.
Telehealth provides families with a convenient and accessible way to manage inflammatory bowel disease in children, offering regular monitoring, nutritional support, medication management, and personalized care to ensure optimal long-term outcomes.