What is pediatric gastroenterology?
Pediatric gastroenterology is the diagnosis and treatment of gastroenterology-related conditions in children between 0-18 years of age. Children’s digestive needs must be addressed and managed with a child’s body and anatomy in mind. A pediatric gastroenterologist is a pediatrician who has completed three additional years of specialized training for GI conditions in children. They can manage every aspect of a child’s care, including diagnostic testing, treatment plans, anesthesia, and medical imaging.
GI Alliance pediatric gastroenterologists are board-certified in pediatric gastroenterology. Several of our pediatric physicians also specialize in child hepatology and nutrition. They work with children of all ages, evaluate and treat gastrointestinal issues and concerns, and are experts in recognizing signs and symptoms of GI concerns in children’s bodies. Our providers utilize child-friendly treatment environments and ensure appropriate bedside manner for children to provide the most comfortable patient experience.
Digestive disorders in children
Working in close collaboration with a child’s lead pediatrician, GI Alliance pediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and treat children for a myriad of GI conditions, including:
- Acid reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Celiac disease
- Cyclical vomiting
- Diet and nutrition
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (difficulty swallowing)
- Failure to thrive, poor growth, cannot gain weight
- Fatty liver disease
- Food allergies
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Obesity
- Peptic ulcers
Common pediatric GI symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Feeding/swallowing difficulties
- Failure to gain weight or weight loss
- Blood in the stool
Common pediatric GI procedures performed:
- Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD)
- Lower endoscopy (colonoscopy)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Feeding tube placement (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or PEG)
- Liver biopsy
- Esophageal dilation
- Foreign body removal
Pediatric care for digestive health
We understand the importance of finding a doctor you can really talk to and trust, and we are dedicated to providing exceptional communication with children and their parents/caregivers. In addition, we believe it’s imperative for parents/caregivers to fully understand any testing and treatment their child may need. Our GI Alliance providers consistently provide patient education to help families understand the digestive health conditions their children may be experiencing. They also offer guidance on caring for these conditions and being proactive about digestive health at home.