Children's Health Children's Diseases and Conditions Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is often delayed in children


According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, the average delay in diagnosis of children with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis is three years from the onset of symptoms. IBD is difficult to diagnose in children because initial symptoms may result from any of several disorders or diseases. These symptoms include weight loss or delayed growth. Typically, IBD tends to be more aggressive in children than adults, requiring more aggressive treatments.