Pediatric gastroenterologists generally provide treatment for the following:

It will include a complete history of your child’s illness, family history of illness and a physical exam. It may also include blood tests and simple X-rays. Usually, we do not do any gastrointestinal procedures or specialized X-rays during this first visit.

Gastroenterologists and other specialists can help you and your child manage chronic conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, a type of IBD, and cyclic vomiting syndrome. They can also help to diagnose and treat other common illnesses that have not responded to treatment, such as ongoing constipation or reflux.

• Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Lactose intolerance.
• Food allergies or intolerances.
• Severe or complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux or GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Short bowel syndrome.
• Liver disease.

What conditions do gastroenterologists treat?

• colon polyps.
• colon cancer.
• celiac disease.
• hepatitis.
• heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• gallbladder disease.
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• pancreatitis.

A HIDA scan checks the function of the gallbladder or liver. A radioactive fluid (marker) is put into the body. As this marker travels through the liver to the gallbladder and into the intestine, it can be seen on a scan. The marker can show whether bile ducts are missing or blocked, and other problems.

To perform an EDG, gastroenterologists use a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end called an endoscope. By adjusting the controls on the endoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.

4 Severe, acute pain in the lower right side of the abdomen Vomiting or constipation or diarrhea along with the pain also indicate it’s time to go to the emergency room. “If the pain is persistent and comes on rather suddenly over several hours or a day you should be seen by a doctor that day,” says Arthur.

Symptoms of upper abdominal problems may include excessive burping, burning in the throat or upper chest, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the upper abdomen. Possible causes include: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is the main cause of heartburn (a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, usually after eating).

Common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia. The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting.

An unhealthy digestive system can impair your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, store fat and regulate blood sugar. Insulin resistance or the urge to overeat due to decreased nutrient absorption might cause weight gain. On the other hand, weight loss may be a result of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.