Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric Gastroenterology is the specialty that focuses on problems of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and nutrition in babies, children and adolescents. Pediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and treat both acute and chronic digestive disorders in children. What they do: Pediatric gastroenterologists evaluate children with long-standing or recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, poor weight gain, jaundice, feeding difficulties and suspected food allergies or intolerances. They perform and interpret tests such as blood and stool tests, ultrasound, endoscopy and colonoscopy, and manage complex conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. Common conditions treated: recurrent abdominal pain, chronic constipation, chronic or recurrent diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, celiac disease, lactose intolerance and other food intolerances, gastrointestinal infections, blood or mucus in stool, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), short bowel problems, acute and chronic hepatitis, jaundice in infants and older children, fatty liver disease, pancreatitis and feeding or nutrition problems including undernutrition and some obesity-related issues. When to visit: if your child has ongoing or frequent stomach pain, persistent vomiting, chronic diarrhea or constipation, blood or black stool, poor appetite with weight loss or failure to gain weight, prolonged jaundice, very swollen belly, repeated mouth ulcers along with abdominal symptoms, difficulty swallowing, severe reflux, or if your pediatrician suspects celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease or pancreatitis. Diagnostic and treatment methods: detailed history of symptoms, diet and growth, physical examination including abdominal and growth assessment, blood and stool tests for infection, inflammation, liver and pancreas function, ultrasound and other imaging of the abdomen, upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy (with biopsy when needed), breath tests for lactose or bacterial overgrowth in some cases, nutrition assessment and diet modification plans, medicines for reflux, constipation, infection and inflammation, specialized treatment for celiac disease and IBD, management of liver disease and pancreatitis, feeding support including nasogastric or gastrostomy feeding when required, and long-term follow-up for chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions.