Inflammatory bowel disease on rise among kids: PGI

The Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at PGIMER marked World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day with a compelling patient awareness session, highlighting a troubling surge in paediatric IBD diagnoses.

On average, five to six new cases are being identified each month at the institute — a stark rise from just seven to eight cases annually five years ago.

Prof Sadhna Lal, Head of the Division, emphasised the urgency of early diagnosis and intervention. Dr Lal underscored that paediatric IBD with onset from less than year to 18 years, often manifests more severely than in adults. “IBD in children is no longer rare. The sharp increase is likely linked to changing diets, urban lifestyles and overuse of antibiotics and acid suppressants,” she noted.

She stressed that paediatric IBD—comprising conditions like Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis—often presents more severely in children than in adults.

The session also shed light on monogenic IBD, affecting children under five, and the critical role of nutrition in disease management. Dr Chennakeshava Thunga, Assistant Professor, outlined key symptoms and underscored the importance of prompt medical attention.