Inflammatory bowel disease care at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Pediatric gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in treating children with digestive health symptoms and conditions) at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis diagnose, treat and manage the care of children who have inflammatory bowel diseases. Our pediatric GI doctors start with a comprehensive, personalized evaluation — reviewing symptoms, medical history, previous investigations, and your concerns — to create a personalized care plan.
Multidisciplinary approach to care
At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, we take a collaborative team approach that brings together pediatric gastroenterologists, surgeons, dietitians, child life specialists, social workers, and more. By working as one team, we develop a comprehensive care plan that not only addresses the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease but also supports your child’s overall well-being.
In-office infusion and injection services
At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, we have a dedicated in-office infusion center for treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease for those who may need biologic therapy. Our highly trained Pediatric GI nursing team provides biologic therapies and other injections right on our campus. This means personalized care by our providers, fewer delays, enhanced comfort, and streamlined care under one roof.
Diagnostic testing for inflammatory bowel diseases
At your child’s first visit, we listen to your concerns and discuss your child’s health history. Then, your child will have a physical exam. Your child’s doctor may also recommend screening blood or stool testing. Stool studies may also be used to detect infections or inflammation. Endoscopies are used to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and determine the type and severity of inflammation. We also offer advanced procedures and studies, such as capsule endoscopy, and MR enterography to evaluate the GI tract beyond what can be seen with standard endoscopies. Once the evaluation has been completed, your child’s doctor explains your child’s diagnosis, answers your questions and works with you to create a personalized care plan for your child.
Advanced care for children with inflammatory bowel diseases
Our pediatric GI doctors diagnose and treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) conditions using therapeutic and minimally invasive techniques. Many care plans include a combination of diet changes and medication. To support our patients throughout their treatment, we have two dedicated nurses who specialize exclusively in IBD management and infusions.
If surgical procedures are recommended as part of your child’s care plan, have confidence knowing you are connected to the highest level of pediatric surgical care at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, an ACS-verified Level I Pediatric Surgery Center.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease is a disorder where your body's defense system causes problems in your stomach and intestines. Children who have IBD often have diarrhea and complain of stomach pain that doesn’t seem to go away. Weight loss or poor weight gain and anemia are other common findings. There are two main types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the stomach, mouth, or esophagus. Most of the time, it affects the colon or small intestine. It is characterized by inflammation, or swelling, and ulcers, or sores, in the GI tract. It can also cause strictures or narrowing within the bowel.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation or swelling in the large intestine or colon.
Symptoms of IBD are not the same for every child. The most common symptoms are chronic stomach pain and diarrhea. Other symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Blood in the stool or toilet
- Delay in growth
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Low energy or weakness
- Unexplained skin rash
- Weight loss
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) education and nutrition counseling for children and families
Understanding your child’s condition is important to managing it effectively. Your child’s care team takes the time to explain every part of IBD — what it is, how it affects your child, and the steps we’re taking together to improve their health. Our pediatric dietitians also work with you to ensure your child’s nutritional needs are met while easing symptoms.