MaineHealth pediatricians and gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing and treating pediatric digestive disorders.
What are pediatric digestive disorders?
A digestive disorder is a condition of the gastrointestinal system. These conditions can get in the way of day-to-day functioning and can affect child development. MaineHealth pediatricians and gastroenterologists care for children with a wide range of digestive disorders such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Celiac disease
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Crohn’s disease
- Esophagitis
- Feeding problems, or failure to thrive
- Food allergies
- Gallbladder diseases
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastroparesis
- GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hirschsprung’s disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
- Liver disease
- Motility disorders
- Pancreatic diseases
- Peptic ulcers
- Polyps
- Obesity
- Short bowel syndrome
Signs and symptoms of digestive disorders
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating in the belly
- Bleeding
- Problems with appetite
Talk to your doctor if you are worried that your child has a digestive disorder.
How are digestive disorders diagnosed?
Your child’s pediatrician or family health care provider can help diagnose and treat digestive problems. Your child’s doctor also may refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist - a specialist who has extra training in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders in children. They may order tests to help diagnose a digestive disorder. Tests for digestive problems can include:
- Colonoscopy
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Ultrasound
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- CT scan
How are digestive disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, but options include:
- Nutrition counseling and dietary changes
- Medication
- Surgery
- Swallowing therapy
