Bengaluru Doctors Report Surge in Childhood Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cases

Doctors and medical institutes across Bengaluru have reported a notable increase in childhood Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) cases, attributing the trend to changing dietary patterns, urban lifestyles, and improved diagnostic testing.

At the Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, specialists recorded a 12% increase in childhood IBD cases over the past six months, with 886 children diagnosed with the condition over the last five years. Dr CM Parameshwara, founder and CEO of the institute, stated that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and packaged snacks, along with reduced physical activity and changes in the gut microbiome, could be contributing to the rise.

Other health facilities across the city have observed similar patterns. Dr Shivakumar Sambargi, Head of Department and Senior Consultant of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Sakra World Hospital, reported seeing three to four suspected childhood IBD cases a week. He noted an increase in childhood IBD over the past five to 10 years, particularly among urban children.

Similarly, Dr Lavenya RP, consultant in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, stated that paediatric IBD has increased significantly over the past two decades. Doctors are now diagnosing very-early-onset IBD among children below six years of age. She noted that rapid urbanisation, lifestyle changes, pollution, and passive smoking contribute to IBD in older children, while improved diagnosis has led to more cases being identified.

Medical specialists shared that around 25% of IBD patients develop the condition before 18 years of age. While early adolescence is the most common age group, IBD can also occur in infants and very young children. Doctors cautioned parents against dismissing recurrent abdominal pain, unexplained diarrhoea, blood in stools, poor growth, weight loss, or reduced appetite as routine stomach infections.

In light of these health concerns, doctors welcomed measures by the Karnataka government to improve diets among children, including restrictions on the sale and promotion of junk food near schools, while emphasising healthier food options and regular physical activity.