Children's gastroenterologist

The digestive system of children, as the whole organism, is constantly in the process of growth and formation, during which it is vulnerable to infections and diseases. On the background of these factors, the children often have problems with digestion, the treatment of which requires involvement of the pediatric gastroenterologist, the comprehensive examination and professional treatment.

The problems with the gastrointestinal tract of the baby can be evidenced by:

• complaints about stomachache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• poor or excessive appetite;
• diarrhea, constipations;
• excess weight or underweight.

During the consultation, the doctor first talks with the parents and the child, asks about the symptoms, diet and lifestyle. If there are any, he also studies the previously conducted examinations and prescribed therapy. After that, the specialist examines the child and feels the abdomen.

To make a diagnosis, laboratory tests and ultrasound are usually performed. But if the child has pronounced symptoms, the gastroenterologist can immediately prescribe treatment to alleviate the condition. After receiving the diagnostic results, the therapy is adjusted.

A pediatric gastroenterologist specializes in the treatment of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as autoimmune disorders that affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The most common diseases of the digestive tract are:

• congenital anomalies;
• esophagitis - inflammation of the esophageal mucosa;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus;
• duodenogastric reflux - reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach;
• gastritis - structural and functional disorders of the gastric mucosa;
• gastric and intestinal ulcers;
• gastroduodenitis - inflammation of the gastric mucosa and duodenum;
• duodenitis - inflammation of the duodenum;
• enteritis - inflammation of the small intestine;
• colitis - inflammation of the large intestine;
• proctitis – inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon;
• pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas with impaired transport of enzymes into the duodenum;
• helminthiasis – infection with worms and other intestinal infections.

The visit to the pediatric gastroenterologist consists in examining the child, analyzing the complaints, told by the child or his parents, studying the medical history. The examination of the child consists in palpation of the stomach, examination of the mouth cavity and skin condition (the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract often affect the condition of the mouth cavity and cutaneous integuments).

For specifying the causes of the disease, the doctor can order the gastroscopy, analyses (blood and fecal), ultrasound or other examinations.

Based on the results of examinations, the doctor will select the effective and safe treatment course.

The gastroenterologists of Oxford Medical clinic successfully treat:

• gastritis;
• duodenitis;
• pancreatitis;
• cholecystitis;
• dyskinesia of bile ducts;
• hepatitis;
• colitis etc.

The specialist will also consult the parents about the correct diet for the child in future.

If the child has problems with digestion, do not delay the visit to the pediatric gastroenterologist, as the advanced problems are fraught with the development of gastritis, pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or other dangerous diseases.