Probable inflammatory bowel disease in a child: assessment and conservative management.

OBJECTIVE: This case presentation describes a method of evaluation and a conservative management plan for a child with probable inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease). Possible causes for this clinical presentation and a brief review of the literature are offered.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 9-year-old female had a history of headaches, stomach ache, foulsmelling soft stools, canker and cold sores, dry skin, stuffy nose with postnasal drip, difficulty concentrating in school, mood swings and growing pains with leg cramps. She also had a trace of fecal blood. A Urine OrganiX Profile and the Food Antibody Assessment was ordered demonstrating metabolic changes and food sensitivities.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: In this case, following a clinical laboratory assessment, treatment was initiated using nutrients and dietary changes. Fourteen months after consultation, the patient was symptom-free and her final laboratory assessment was essentially negative. She learned to work with her diet and the consequences resulting from breaking it.

CONCLUSIONS: There is the need for a conservative approach to evaluation and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease before considering other more aggressive and potentially hazardous approaches. The patient's signs and symptoms responded to a unique method of evaluation and conservative management when other approaches had failed.