For kids with stomach pain and digestion problems
Pediatric GI doctors at our children’s hospitals across Ascension sites of care deliver care for children with digestive conditions.
For kids with stomach pain and digestion problems
Stomach aches and digestive problems can keep your child from enjoying everyday activities and play. If your child has symptoms of a digestive system, liver or nutrition disorder, we’re here to help. Our pediatric gastroenterology care team is made up of GI doctors, nurses and dietitians. Symptoms of a pediatric digestive disorder may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite or trouble eating
- Nausea
- Rectal bleeding
We start by listening to you and your child to better understand their health. Then, we work with you to create a personalized care plan that's right for your child. Depending on the condition, your child’s care may include specialized nutrition plans, medication therapies, or minimally invasive surgery. Our pediatric gastroenterologists and doctors, including pediatric surgeons, behavioral health specialists and medical nutrition therapists, are part of an integrated, national network of pediatric specialists, sharing best practices and offering advanced care options.
Care for children with simple and complex GI conditions
Digestive health is an important part of your child's overall health. We care for children and teens with GI conditions, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Celiac disease
- Colitis
- Congenital defects that affect the liver and digestive system
- Constipation
- Crohn's disease
- Diarrhea
- Esophagitis
- Food allergies
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- Other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions
Diagnosing a digestive system condition
We understand that GI conditions can be uncomfortable — especially for children. That’s why we work to make your child feel at ease while diagnosing and treating their condition. Our care teams specialize in delivering diagnostic tests in a way that helps keep your child comfortable. We will explain the tests so you and your child can understand and know what to expect. We use diagnostic tests such as:
- Blood test
- Colonoscopy
- CT scan
- Endoscopy
- GI test for parasitic or bacterial infection
- Lactose intolerance test
- Ultrasound
Get a second opinion on your child's GI condition
Getting a second opinion from a pediatric gastroenterologist provides more information about your child’s condition and may increase your confidence in your child’s care plan. Ask if a virtual visit is an option for your child’s second opinion consultation.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.