Pediatric Gastroenterology

Digestive health plays a vital role in a child’s growth, energy, and overall well-being. Pediatric gastroenterology provides specialized care to diagnose, treat, and prevent digestive disorders unique to infants, children, and adolescents.

What is pediatric gastroenterology ?

Pediatric Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. This includes conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Children have unique digestive needs and symptoms that differ from adults, making specialized care essential. Early diagnosis and proper management can prevent complications, promote healthy growth, and improve overall quality of life.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition in which stomach acid or food flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. In children, it may lead to feeding difficulties, poor growth, or respiratory problems if reflux reaches the lungs.

Symptoms:

• Frequent vomiting or spitting up
• Irritability or discomfort after meals
• Poor weight gain or slow growth
• Chronic cough or wheezing

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Comprehensive evaluation including upper GI endoscopy and pH monitoring
• Personalized dietary guidance and feeding strategies
• Medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers tailored to the child’s needs
• Surgical options like fundoplication for severe or resistant cases
• Regular follow-up to monitor growth and esophageal healing

Constipation

Constipation is when a child has infrequent, hard, or painful bowel movements. It may result from diet, dehydration, or functional issues in the intestines.

Symptoms:

• Hard or dry stools
• Straining or pain during bowel movements
• Abdominal pain or bloating

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Detailed assessment including physical examination and imaging if needed
• Customized diet plan rich in fiber and fluids
• Medications like osmotic or stimulant laxatives under pediatric supervision
• Behavioral therapy and toilet training support
• Monitoring for underlying conditions if constipation persists

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional disorder causing abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits without structural damage to the intestines. Stress and diet can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
• Bloating and gas

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Diet modification (identifying trigger foods, fiber adjustments)
• Symptom-targeted medications (antispasmodics, laxatives, anti-diarrheal agents)
• Stress and anxiety management with child psychologists
• Regular follow-up to track growth and nutritional status

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten causes damage to the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and affecting growth.

Symptoms:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Poor weight gain and fatigue

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Confirmatory testing with serology and small intestine biopsy
• Lifelong gluten-free diet guided by a pediatric dietitian
• Nutritional supplementation (iron, calcium, vitamin D)
• Regular monitoring of growth, blood tests, and bone health
• Support and education for families to maintain adherence

 Lactose intolerance

 Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar in milk, due to insufficient lactase enzyme activity.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain, bloating, gas
• Diarrhea after consuming dairy
• Nausea

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Lactose-free or reduced-lactose dietary plans
• Lactase enzyme supplementation when needed
• Nutritional counseling to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• Monitoring symptoms and gradual reintroduction of dairy if tolerated

6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) : Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis

 IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestines. Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract, while ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum. It can interfere with growth and nutrition in children.

Symptoms:

• Persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Blood in stools
• Weight loss or delayed growth

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests, endoscopy, and imaging
• Individualized medication plan (anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, biologics)
• Nutritional therapy to prevent malnutrition and support growth
• Surgery for severe or complicated cases
• Long-term follow-up with pediatric gastroenterologists

7. Acute Gastroenteritis

 Acute gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines, often viral or bacterial, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Symptoms:

• Watery diarrhea
• Vomiting and abdominal cramps
• Fever and dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes)

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Rapid assessment of hydration status
• Oral or intravenous rehydration therapy depending on severity
• Laboratory tests to identify infectious causes if needed
• Anti-nausea or antidiarrheal medications as appropriate
• Monitoring and supportive care to prevent complications

Diagnostic approaches in Pediatric Gastroenterology

Diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in children requires a careful combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to provide effective treatment and support healthy growth and development.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

• Detailed history: Includes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, growth issues, feeding patterns, and family history of GI disorders.
• Physical examination: Doctors assess abdominal tenderness, bloating, growth parameters, and signs of malnutrition or dehydration.
• Growth charts: Tracking height, weight, and BMI over time helps detect underlying chronic GI conditions.

2. Laboratory Tests

• Blood tests: Evaluate anemia, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, liver and pancreatic function.
• Stool tests: Detect infections, blood, fat content, or markers of inflammation.
• Allergy and autoimmune panels: Identify conditions like celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or food allergies.

3. Imaging Studies

• Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to examine abdominal organs, gallbladder, liver, and intestines.
• X-rays and contrast studies: Assess for bowel obstruction, constipation, or structural abnormalities.
• CT or MRI scans: Used in complex cases to visualize detailed structures or complications in Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, or tumors.

4. Endoscopic Procedures

• Upper endoscopy (EGD): Allows visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine; can take tissue biopsies for conditions like GERD, celiac disease, or IBD.
• Colonoscopy: Examines the entire colon and sometimes the distal small intestine; essential for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, or unexplained bleeding.
• Capsule endoscopy: A small, swallowable camera used to visualize areas of the small intestine not reachable by standard endoscopy.

5. Functional and Specialized Tests

• PH monitoring: Measures acid exposure in the esophagus to diagnose GERD.
• Breath tests: Evaluate lactose intolerance, bacterial overgrowth, or carbohydrate malabsorption.
• Manometry: Assesses muscle function in the esophagus or intestines for motility disorders.
• Nutritional assessments: Measure vitamin and mineral levels to detect malabsorption.

6. Multidisciplinary Evaluation

At Biruni Hospital, pediatric gastroenterologists work closely with dietitians, radiologists, pathologists, and psychologists to ensure a thorough assessment. This integrated approach allows:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Personalized treatment planning
• Long-term monitoring of growth, nutrition, and symptom control

Why choose Biruni Hospital for Pediatric Gastroenterology

At Biruni Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for children with digestive system disorders. Our focus is on combining expert medical treatment with a supportive environment for both the child and their family.

• Specialized care from experienced pediatric gastroenterologists
• Advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each child
• Child-friendly and supportive environment
• Multidisciplinary approach including nutritionists and pediatric surgeons
• Family-centered care with guidance and support

Caring for Your Child’s Digestive Health

Pediatric gastroenterology focuses on keeping children’s digestive systems healthy. With early diagnosis, personalized care, and a supportive environment, children can overcome digestive issues and grow strong and healthy. At Biruni Hospital, our team is here to guide both children and families every step of the way.