Pediatric gastroenterology department specializes in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, like diarrhea, acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, etc.
Pediatric gastroenterology plays an essential role in ensuring the digestive health and well-being of children. Pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as pediatric diarrhea, acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, etc.
Based on your child’s symptoms, your doctor will diagnose the disorder and create a treatment plan.
Pediatric gastroenterology is a department that emerged in North America and Europe in the 19th century. For hundreds of years, both departments at hospitals and specific gastroenterology pediatric centers have started serving.
If your child experiences the symptoms below, you can seek help at the pediatric gastroenterology department.
If your child frequently complains of stomachaches that persist over time, it could signal an underlying gastrointestinal issue that requires evaluation.
Persistent pediatric constipation or diarrhea, such as bloody diarrhea beyond what is considered normal for your child’s age, may indicate an underlying digestive problem that needs attention.
Excessive or recurrent vomiting, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or dehydration, should prompt a consultation at a center for pediatric gastroenterology.
The presence of blood in your child's stool can be alarming and may indicate various GI conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome in pediatrics or gastrointestinal bleeding.
If your child is not gaining weight appropriately or is experiencing unexplained weight loss despite a healthy diet, you should consult with your doctor.
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, particularly if they interfere with your child's daily activities or sleep, may require specialized evaluation and management.
If your child experiences adverse reactions to certain foods or exhibits symptoms of food allergies or intolerances, you may need to see a pediatric gastroenterology doctor.
Difficulty with feeding, swallowing, or maintaining adequate nutrition can be indicative of underlying GI issues that warrant evaluation by a specialist.
Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating, especially if it's severe or recurrent, may indicate an underlying gastrointestinal problem that requires assessment and treatment.
Pediatric gastroenterology department diagnoses and treats a wide range of diseases and disorders. Some of the common diseases that the department of gastroenterology for pediatrics addresses are:
Diarrhea and constipation are two of the common GI issues that may lead to discomfort and dehydration. Your doctor will check your medical history, physical examination, stool analysis, and imaging studies to diagnose the disease. If your child does not show other symptoms belonging to different diseases, treatment with dietary modifications, dehydration, medications, and behavioral interventions will include pediatric constipation and pediatric diarrhea treatment.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or pediatric acid reflux may occur when your child’s stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This situation causes heartburn or vomiting. In order to diagnose pediatric gastric reflux, your doctor may perform a clinical evaluation, pH monitoring, and an upper GI endoscopy.
Upon diagnosis, to treat pediatric reflux disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, feeding modifications, and mediations to reduce acid production.
IBS causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without underlying structural abnormalities. Upon listening to your child’s symptoms, your pediatric gastroenterology specialist will perform clinical evaluation, blood tests, urine analysis, endoscopy, etc.
Irritable bowel syndrome pediatric requires strict dietary changes, stress management, and medications for symptom relief. As this is a long-term treatment, you should be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Crohn’s disease pediatric is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Upon the symptoms such as severe stomach pain, nausea, or dramatic weight loss, your pediatric gastroenterology doctor will perform blood tests, an imaging test, an endoscopy, and a biopsy. A Crohn's disease pediatric treatment plan may include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, and surgeries.
Pediatric colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Pediatric colitis symptoms can be stomach pain, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, or bloody diarrhea.
According to your symptoms, your doctor will diagnose ulcerative colitis as a pediatric disease by performing blood tests, imaging studies, endoscopy, and biopsy. After diagnosis, ulcerative colitis pediatric treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, or surgery.
Liver diseases in children can include several disorders, such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or genetic disorders. To diagnose what type of pediatric liver diseases your child has, your doctor may perform blood tests, imaging studies, or a liver biopsy. Therefore, the treatment plan may change according to the test result. Treatment plans may include medications, dietary changes, and liver transplantation if necessary.
Pediatric gastroenterology department diagnoses and treats biliary tract disorders that affect the bile ducts, including obstruction, infections, and congenital anomalies. When you indicate your child’s symptoms, your doctor may perform imaging studies, liver function tests, or endoscopic procedures to diagnose the disease type. Treatment plans for pediatric biliary tract diseases may include medications, endoscopic interventions, or surgery.
Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas. Some of the symptoms of pancreatic diseases are pediatric abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, and vomiting. To diagnose the disease, your doctor will evaluate your child’s medical condition with blood tests, imaging studies, pancreatic function tests, etc. The treatment plan may include pain management, dietary changes, enzyme supplements, treatment of the underlying cause, etc.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the digestive system. The disorder may lead to thick mucus production and digestive problems. Your doctor may perform newborn screening, sweat tests, or genetic testing. The treatment plan for the disease may include airway clearance techniques, enzyme replacement therapy, nutritional support, and medications targeting underlying causes.
