Pediatric Digestive Health At USA Health
Digestive health refers to the health of the digestive tract–esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus, as well as the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Physicians who treat the digestive tract require additional training in gastroenterology. At USA Health, our pediatric digestive health team includes three board-certified gastroenterologists.
Common Digestive Health Conditions
USA Health pediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and treat a wide variety of digestive health issues including the following:
- Acid reflux–involves bile or acid from the stomach irritating the lining of the esophagus.
- Food allergies–a reaction of the immune system in which the body has an adverse reaction to a particular food or kind of food.
- Celiac disease–a specific immune system reaction to gluten, which is a protein found in barley, wheat and rye grains and foods that contain them.
- Diarrhea–loose or watery stools; diarrhea that persists four weeks or longer may indicate a chronic disease that requires treatment.
- Vomiting–recurrent vomiting may indicate more serious conditions that should not be ignored.
- Irritable bowel syndrome–a condition with symptoms that include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
- Feeding problems–typically occur with infants who have problems chewing, sucking or holding foods and liquids in their mouths.
Treatment of Pediatric Digestive Health Problems
At USA Health, our pediatric gastroenterology team thoroughly examines your child, beginning with a comprehensive health questionnaire. Following a complete physical, our pediatric gastroenterologists may order diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, blood work, an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) or colonoscopy. By evaluating and considering all symptoms and available information, our team can then work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include medication, surgery or close monitoring of the situation.
