Does your little one always cry, "Mommy, my stomach hurts"? Isn't eating properly? Isn't gaining weight as expected for his age? As a parent, you must be very worried about things like this. Most of the time, there is some problem with the child's digestive system behind these problems. So today we are going to talk about a very special doctor who can help you and your child at a time like this. That is a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Who is this Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
Simply put, this is a doctor who has special knowledge and training in diseases related to the digestive system of our children, from newborns to young children.
When we talk about the digestive system, it involves many organs. Just think, from the time the food we eat leaves our mouth, to the time it is digested and the time it is excreted from our body, there are many things involved in this process. These specialist doctors have in-depth knowledge of every part of this system in children.
That means:
- The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (this is what we commonly call the gastrointestinal system - `Gastrointestinal` or `GI tract`).
- Pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Sometimes, things like stomach upsets in children can be minor and get better in a few days. But some medical conditions can be more serious. Some can be lifelong. But it's important to remember that with proper treatment and working with this team of specialists, the child can control those conditions and go about their daily lives normally and live a good life .
What exactly do these specialists do?
These doctors are just like gastroenterologists who treat adults. The difference is that they provide these services to infants, toddlers, and young children. Therefore, they have a good understanding of children's bodies, their mindsets, and the special way they need to be treated.
Their daily tasks may include things like:
- We will talk to you and your child and ask in detail about your child's symptoms and any illnesses your family may have.
- They refer you to imaging tests to find out exactly what the disease is.
- Necessary treatment is provided to manage the condition.
- In the future, doctors will teach and train others about this subject.
The most important thing is that these doctors try to provide comfort not only to the child's body, but also to your mind as a parent. How scared do we get when we hear that a child is sick? So they understand everything and work by educating you as well.
Special tests like endoscopy
There are many specialized tests and treatments that these specialists can perform. One of the most important of these is an examination called endoscopy .
You may be a little scared when you hear this name. But this is a very safe test that is performed under anesthesia so that the child does not feel any pain. What happens is that a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a very small camera attached is passed into the child's body and the inside of the digestive system is viewed on a screen. The place where this tube is inserted varies depending on the symptoms.
| Type of endoscopy | Body parts being examined |
|---|---|
| Upper endoscopy | The tube is inserted through the mouth and the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine are examined. |
| Colonoscopy | The tube is inserted through the rectum and the entire colon is examined. |
| Capsule endoscopy | This involves swallowing a small capsule with a camera inside. It takes pictures as it travels through the intestines and sends them to us. This allows us to examine the small intestine in detail. |
These endoscopic examinations are very helpful in accurately diagnosing diseases. Also, if necessary, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) can be taken during the examination and sent for further testing. Sometimes, this method can also be used for treatment.
In addition, these specialists:
- If liver disease is suspected, a small piece of the liver is taken and examined (liver biopsy).
- If the child is unable to eat properly, a feeding tube may be inserted to provide the necessary nutrition.
- Special tests (Motility testing) are performed to see if there is a problem with the way the muscles and nerves in the digestive system work.
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Why would a child be referred to a specialist like this?
Often, the main reason your family pediatrician refers your child to a specialist is because your child is complaining of frequent stomach pain. This is also called ``Functional abdominal pain''. This persistent stomach pain can interfere with your child's schoolwork and play. Since there can be many causes, these specialists can help you find the exact cause.
Apart from that, these doctors help diagnose and treat various other medical conditions. Let's look at some of the common ones.
| Medical condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Celiac disease | The body is allergic to a protein called gluten, which is found in things like wheat flour. |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | Stomach acid comes up the esophagus. This can cause things like heartburn and vomiting milk. |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) | This causes inflammation inside the intestines. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of this disease. |
| Food allergies or intolerances | Intolerance to certain foods. For example, the inability to digest lactose, which is found in milk. |
| Growth faltering | The child's weight and height are not increasing in proportion to their age. |
| GI bleeding | Bleeding from somewhere in the digestive system. Vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool. |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | Alternating symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. |
The support you and your child will receive from this doctor
You can think of these specialists as pediatricians with 'special powers'. They are very good at talking to children, putting them at ease, just like regular pediatricians. Their 'special power' is that they can diagnose and treat any complex digestive problem.
The most important thing is that these doctors are there for you. As parents, when we hear that our child is sick, we get very scared and anxious. We can't imagine what will happen next. These doctors will explain to you in simple terms what is happening inside your child's body. They always try to keep you informed and put your mind at ease at every step.
Take-Home Message
- A pediatric gastroenterologist is a doctor who has received special training in treating diseases of the digestive system of infants and children.
- If your child is constantly complaining of stomach aches, isn't eating well, or isn't gaining weight, first see your family pediatrician. He or she will refer you to a specialist if necessary.
- Don't be afraid of tests like endoscopy. They are performed very safely, under anesthesia, and without pain to the child.
- These specialists not only treat children, but also educate and provide emotional support to you, the parent. Never be afraid to ask your questions and clarify your doubts.
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