Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Caring for a child with IBD

If your child has been diagnosed with IBD, it’s natural to feel worried about what this could mean for them. But it’s important to remember that just like them, you are not in this alone. Symptoms may vary from person to person, and the symptoms your child experiences. And the symptoms your child experiences can change from one day to the next.¹ IBD is unpredictable and your child will likely go through periods of remission and flare-ups.¹ With the right treatment and support, most children with IBD can continue to go to school enjoy fun activities, and manage to live a full active life.

Here are a few ways in which you can help your child:

Ensure they are taking their medication

The most valuable support you can offer as a parent/carer is reminding your child to take their medication, as per their healthcare professional’s instructions. Read the patient information leaflets of the medication your child is taking. This way, you are aware of possible side effects and more informed in general.

Having a sense of humour about the situation

Sometimes, making something seem funny or less serious than it is, can make your child feel more at ease and less embarrassed.

Being aware of which triggers may cause a flare-up

Although your child’s symptoms may be under control, it will help to be aware of potential triggers to avoid, such as certain foods that can worsen the symptoms. You can also encourage your child to keep a diary of what they eat and drink and how they feel, in order to identify those foods or stress situations that are likely to trigger a flare-up.

When taking your child out, remember to plan ahead

To avoid any embarrassing moments and reassure your child when leaving the house, check out the availability and access to bathrooms near the location you are going to or enroute if travelling long distances. If you are going to a restaurant, for instance, checking out the menu before you go for food that your child can safely eat, may also be helpful. If you feel that your child is not up to going out, then plan a dinner or night in – if that’s what they want.

Spotting non-gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms

Some people may also develop anaemia (not enough red blood cells in your blood, which can make you feel unwell) or have problems with their joints, skin and eyes. As a parent/carer, you can help your child by keeping an eye on these symptoms and informing their healthcare team about them.

Keep track of your child’s screening check-ups

As a parent/carer, you can help ensure or remind your child of the need to follow their healthcare professional’s instructions regarding their programmed screening appointments and check-ups.

Support them during injections

if they seem fearful or unsure – knowing you are there can be reassuring and will help put them at ease. You can either support them by helping them follow the product’s self-injection instructions or by getting trained by a healthcare professional on how to do the injections.

Keep the conversation open

Your child may find it difficult to explain the symptoms of their IBD to you, their friends and family and may need you to help explain it to others on their behalf.

Equip them with confidence

Help your child by being transparent and providing them with the tools to understand and prepare for their IBD. Helping to plan for bathroom accidents and their treatment can help them learn to control their condition as they grow older.

For more information on symptoms of IBD, please visit the following pages: