Pediatric digestive health care in Chicagoland
Stomach aches and digestive problems can be painful, heartbreaking and keep your child from school and everyday activities. If your child is having abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or trouble eating, we’re here to help. Pediatric gastroenterologists, commonly called GI doctors, at Ascension Illinois are specially trained in diagnosing and caring for children and teens with digestive conditions and disorders. We deliver therapeutic and surgical treatment options.
When you choose Ascension Illinois for your child's care, your family is connected to a wide range of specialists who are dedicated to caring for kids. Your child’s care team may include GI specialists, dietitians, child life specialists and more. We start by listening to you and your child. Then, we create a personalized care plan that’s right for your child and family.
Care for simple and complex digestive health conditions
Digestive health is an important part of your child's overall health. We care for all digestive system conditions, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Celiac disease
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Crohn’s disease
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diarrhea
- Failure to thrive
- Fecal incontinence
- Feeding disorders
- Food allergies
- Gastritis
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Helicobacter pylori infections
- Hepatitis
- Malabsorption
- Pancreaticobiliary disease
- Short bowel syndrome
- Vomiting
Diagnostic testing and treatment for pediatric GI conditions
Pediatric GI doctors use diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, small bowel capsule endoscopy and more. By better understanding your child’s health, we create a personalized care plan that is right for you. Many care plans include a combination of diet changes or medication as well as treatment.
For some conditions, surgery may be recommended as part of your child’s care plan. We understand surgery can feel scary for your child and your family. Tell us your concerns and ask us your questions — big and small. Whenever possible, pediatric GI doctors use minimally invasive procedures. Minimally invasive surgical techniques use small incisions and typically lead to a shorter recovery. Your child’s care team takes the time to explain the procedure to you and your child. We also explain what to expect before surgery and how to care for your child after surgery.
Get a second opinion on your child’s diagnosis or treatment
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your child’s doctor and care plan are right for your child and family. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your child’s medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our pediatric specialists about a personalized care plan for your child.
When your child is facing a new diagnosis or experiencing symptoms of a digestive health condition, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced pediatric specialists can provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your child’s appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request their medical records from their doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Refer a patient to a pediatric specialist
Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our pediatric specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call 844-366-0613.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest ER or call 911.
