Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Classical Short-Delay Eyeblink Conditioning in One-Year-Old Children
Published on: September 1, 2018
Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children With Severe Feeding Difficulties
Desiree Rivera-Nieves1, Anita Conley2, Keri Nagib2
1Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, USA.
Insights
Gastrointestinal conditions are common in children with severe feeding difficulties. Investigating these organic causes, such as esophagitis and gastritis, is crucial before starting feeding therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Nutrition and Feeding Disorders
Background:
- Feeding aversion in children can escalate to severe feeding difficulties.
- Oral-motor and sensory issues are primary causes, but organic etiologies require consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions in children experiencing severe feeding difficulties.
- To highlight the importance of investigating gastrointestinal issues in pediatric feeding disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 93 children in an intensive feeding program.
- Review of medical records, diagnostic tests (including upper endoscopy, allergy testing, gastric emptying, and pH impedance), and pre-existing conditions.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of esophagitis (52%), gastritis (26.2%), and lactase deficiency (40.7%) via upper endoscopy.
- Positive findings for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (26%), abnormal allergy testing (56.6%), abnormal gastric emptying (27.5%), and abnormal pH impedance (75%).
- Constipation was prevalent (76.3%), and 13 of 32 children were weaned off tube feedings.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal conditions are frequently observed in children with feeding disorders.
- Comprehensive investigation of gastrointestinal health is recommended before initiating feeding therapy for pediatric feeding difficulties.
Abstract:
Feeding aversion in children may progress to severe feeding difficulties. While oral-motor and sensory issues are usually the leading causes, organic etiologies should be considered. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions in children with severe feeding difficulties. We conducted a retrospective study of 93 children requiring an intensive feeding program. The medical records, radiologic and diagnostic tests, use of gastric tube feedings, preexisting medical conditions, and medications were reviewed. Fifty-two percent (52%) had esophagitis, 26.2% gastritis, and 40.7% lactase deficiency in upper endoscopy. In those who underwent an upper endoscopy, 26% of patients that were also tested for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth were found to be positive. Allergy testing was abnormal in 56.6% of those tested, while 27.5% and 75% had abnormal gastric emptying times and pH impedance results, respectively. Constipation was present in 76.3%. Thirteen of 32 were weaned off tube feedings. We conclude that gastrointestinal conditions are common in children with feeding disorders and should be investigated prior to feeding therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System
Here's a detailed walkthrough of this complex system:
01:20Histology of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
The mucosa is sometimes called a mucous membrane due to its mucus-secreting features. This membrane is composed of epithelium, which directly interacts with ingested substances, and the lamina propria, a layer...
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
01:22Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion
01:22Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food undergoes mechanical breakdown by chewing and combines with saliva. Salivary amylase, an enzyme in saliva, starts the breakdown of starches into maltose. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
In the stomach, a...
01:26Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination