Pediatric Digestive Diseases

Children with esophageal disorders may have trouble swallowing (dsyphagia) or keeping food down. Other symptoms include heartburn, discomfort after eating, and spitting up or vomiting.

At Comer Children’s, our pediatric gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing these conditions, some of which can be difficult to identify. Once we have an accurate diagnosis, our team works with parents and children to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, minimally invasive surgery and nutritional counseling.

Conditions We Treat

• Achalasia
  
• Aerodigestive disorders
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE)
  
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  

In addition to tummy pain, stomach diseases can cause indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the condition and cause, but many stomach disorders in children can be healed with dietary changes and medication.

If surgery is needed, our highly experienced pediatric surgeons aim to use minimally invasive techniques, which help to ensure that your child heals quickly.

Conditions We Treat

• Chronic nausea
• Chronic stomach pain
• Gastritis
• Peptic ulcers

A variety of problems can affect the bowels, or the large and small intestines. Symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, blood in stool, weight loss and fecal soiling (stool leakage).

At Comer Children’s, we focus on successfully diagnosing and treating the underlying intestinal disorder causing your child’s symptoms, while ensuring your child has the best possible quality of life. Some of these conditions may require long-term follow up and symptom management.

Conditions We Treat

• Congenital colorectal anomalies
• Colon polyps
• Encopresis
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Intestinal failure
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  
• Short bowel syndrome (short gut syndrome)
  

When children are allergic to a food, they may develop hives and have trouble breathing after eating a small amount of a certain food. They may also suffer nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. When severe, food allergies can be life-threatening. 

When children have food intolerances, they may be able to eat small amounts of the food that irritates their digestive tract. But if they eat too much, it may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, cramps, and other digestive symptoms. 

Whenever possible, our team will pinpoint the food(s) causing your child’s symptoms and support your family in ensuring your child’s safety, whether this involves allergy shots or personalized nutrition plans.

Conditions We Treat

• Celiac disease and gluten disorders
• Failure to thrive
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Lactose intolerance

Some viruses and bacteria can infect the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain, fever, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

At Comer Children’s, we focus first on determining an accurate diagnosis, which may involve various tests. Our specialists will then work quickly to administer the correct treatment, whether it be medication or surgery. 

Conditions We Treat

• Appendicitis (infected appendix)
• Clostridium difficile (or C. diff), which may be treated with a fecal microbiota transplant
• Helicobacter pylori infection, which can cause ulcers
• Necrotizing enterocolitis