The Ministry of Health of Belarus has seen a decline in gastrointestinal diseases among children.

August 14, MINSK . Over the past 20 years, Belarus has seen a decline in gastrointestinal diseases among children, Irina Savanovich, Associate Professor of the 2nd Department of Pediatric Diseases at the Belarusian State Medical University, Chief Pediatric Gastroenterologist of the Ministry of HEALTH, and Candidate of Medical Sciences, told reporters, a BELTA correspondent reports. "Over the past two decades, Belarus has seen a decline in gastrointestinal diseases among children in the overall morbidity structure. They rank 5th-6th after eye, respiratory, musculoskeletal, skin, and infectious diseases. In the early 2000s, gastrointestinal diseases ranked 2nd-3rd. This decline is primarily due to the introduction of diagnostic criteria and clinical protocols into pediatric services in general and pediatric gastroenterology services in particular. it is also linked to the introduction of modern diagnostic methods, that is, modern diagnostic technologies," Savanovich explained.
The gastroenterologist noted that despite the decline in digestive diseases, the past 10-15 years have seen unfavorable changes in the profile of digestive diseases in children, with the incidence trending toward younger age groups. "That is, we are seeing a true increase in inflammatory bowel diseases. There is also an increase in functional gastrointestinal disorders, a rise in diet-related diseases (primarily those associated with obesity), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," the specialist added.

"The symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases are well known, but it's important to pay attention to those that require immediate medical attention. These include persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, recurrent vomiting, nausea, any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, blood in the stool, hematemesis, and unexplained weight loss. Any symptoms that occur at night include unexplained fever and elevated temperature. In children, this includes slow growth, delayed physical development, and delayed puberty. These clinical manifestations are also associated with an unfavorable family history of gastrointestinal diseases," Irina Savanovich reminded.
She emphasized that risk factors are not the direct cause of the disease in most cases, but they do increase the likelihood of its occurrence. "The exception in this case is a pathology associated with food intolerance. In this case, food is the direct causative agent," the specialist explained. "In most diseases, nutrition is a controllable risk factor. In such cases, primary prevention—that is, preventing the development of diseases—is important. Recommendations for a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating are essential here. These include a balanced diet , an active lifestyle, personal hygiene, and a favorable psychological climate at home and at school. An important component of preventing gastrointestinal diseases in children, especially functional disorders, is a country free of traumatic situations, a calm environment free of unnecessary emotional stress, a balanced daily routine, rest, and limiting television viewing and gadget use."