Abdominal (Gastrointestinal/Feeding)

Difficulties in feeding can arise for a number of reasons, such as problems swallowing, loss of appetite, presence of nausea and vomiting. 

In our 2022 article, we describe abdominal symptoms in 13 out of 22 people with Baker-Gordon syndrome. Of these symptoms, the most common were feeding difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux (‘heartburn’ and ‘acid reflux’). Other less common symptoms included drooling, constipation, chronic diarrhoea, urinary retention. 

If you have concerns about your child’s feeding or digestion, a dietician or paediatrician may be consulted. A paediatric occupational therapist or physical therapist can also be involved to evaluate motor skills, posture, and sensory issues which might contribute to issues feeding. 

Below are a number of questions that you can ask your family doctor, gastroenterologist or paediatrician regarding your child’s abdominal problems: 

▪ How could I change or modify my child’s diet? 

▪ Would it be useful to implement an eating schedule? 

▪ Could my child be taking nutritional supplements?