A pediatric gastroenterologist, also known as a pediatric GI specialist, is part of the branch of medicine called gastroenterology, which focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to the digestive system.
What is a gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is the term used for the stomach specialist, and gastroenterology addresses the digestive system, which is essential for nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and maintaining balance in the body.
For this reason, there are various conditions that affect this system and may range from simple problems such as acid reflux to more serious diseases, including hepatitis, colon cancer, or Crohn’s disease.
Although gastrointestinal problems can occur at any age, when it comes to children, this subspecialty becomes more complex and delicate due to the specific conditions generated by childhood development, as well as the disorders that may affect young patients.
Because of this, the pediatric gastroenterologist is a specialist trained to manage digestive disorders from birth through adolescence.
What does a pediatric gastroenterologist treat
When addressing gastric conditions in children, it must be considered that not only is their physiology different compared to adults, but the clinical presentation and the approach that must be used also vary.
During childhood, digestive problems are extremely common and may be mild or severe, as well as temporary or chronic.
Among the most frequent conditions treated in pediatric gastroenterology are:
- Gastroesophageal reflux: also known as GERD, reflux in babies and young children is one of the most common conditions they may experience and often does not require significant medical intervention; however, in some cases, it can become a severe condition.
- Food allergies or intolerances: there are different foods that may cause both intolerance and allergy, but among these, lactose intolerance and celiac disease are two of the most frequent conditions.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may manifest during childhood or adolescence and require comprehensive and careful management.
- Liver diseases: some common pediatric liver conditions include viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, or cholestasis.
- Constipation: constipation is one of the most common reasons why parents decide to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: when a child has a more sensitive colon than normal, it may generate consequences that cause reactions affecting them more intensely.
Stomach specialist
Although the stomach is only one part of the digestive system, it is also a critical point for digestion, and many conditions that children experience may be related to its malfunction.
It is normal that, at different times, children complain of stomach pain and its cause may be very diverse, ranging from viral infections and dietary problems to allergies, food intolerances, or even emotional stress.
For this reason, what a gastroenterologist does is determine the underlying cause of stomach pain and, with this, establish the appropriate treatment.
Among the options to choose from, there may be simple ones such as making dietary changes or administering medications to control symptoms, but in some cases, long-term and more complex management may be needed, such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, or food intolerance testing.
Pediatric gastroenterologist near me
At the Pediatrics Center of Centro Médico ABC, we have a team of specialists in pediatric gastroenterology who are highly trained and dedicated to offering comprehensive and personalized care for all your pediatric gastroenterology needs.
Our pediatric gastroenterologists in CDMX are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, or more.
Fuentes:
Healthy Children, Childrens.com, Cigna
