Connecting the mouth, nose and throat nose to the stomach, the esophagus is a muscular tube through which food and liquids travel as part of the digestive process. Some children may have difficulty swallowing or may experience pain and discomfort due to the contents of their stomach moving back up into the esophagus. At the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Clinic, we treat many of these conditions, including:
- Chronic Vomiting
- Dysphagia (difficult/painful swallowing)
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
- Feeding Difficulties
- Reflux and GERD
Stomach pain or "tummy troubles" are one of the most common complaints among pediatric patients—and oftentimes some of the most difficult to diagnose. Whether caused by an underlying illness, food allergies or the foods a child consumes, we understand that the discomfort he or she experiences can be both frightening and frustrating to you both. The pediatric gastroenterologists at St. Vincent Healthcare have the specialized training and experience needed to diagnose and properly treat these issues and achieve the best outcomes possible for even the tiniest patients.
Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
We also work with pediatric patients with conditions requiring the insertion and use of feeding tubes.
The small and large intestines are some of the largest and most complex organs in the body. Each section plays a key role in the movement and digestion of food, as well as the absorption of the nutrients our bodies need. The underlying causes of intestinal problems in children are varied, and diagnosis can often be challenging. At the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Clinic, we are experts determining not only why your child's intestinal issues are occurring, but also in creating a customized treatment plan focused on relieving discomfort and finding the right solution to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
We work with patients who may have one or more of the following conditions:
Click to download Patient Guides on Constipation and Encorpresis
The pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach, is primarily responsible for the body's supply of digestive enzymes and the insulin required to control patient's blood sugar levels. As specialists in pediatric GI medicine, we are skilled at recognizing the symptoms which indicating a problem with your child's pancreas and in determining the best course(s) of treatment.
Some of the most common issues relating to the pancreas include:
Many parents of infants are familiar with what is perhaps the most common pediatric liver issue: jaundice. But children of all ages may have symptoms which may indicate a liver problem. Through careful diagnosis, the pediatric gastroenterologists of the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Clinic can detect the underlying cause of those symptoms and work with you and your child to develop an effective treatment plan.
Good nutrition is a key component in ensuring that your child is as healthy, happy and active as possible. When children fail to gain weight, lose weight unexpectedly or gain too much weight, it can affect them in virtually every aspect of their life. As specialists in pediatric nutrition, we understand that no two patients are alike and work with them and their parents to find the solutions that work best.
Contact us today if your child is experiencing any of the following:
- Food Allergies and Intolerance
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Poor Weight Gain
- Obesity Related Issues
- Unexplained Weight Loss
We also work with children requiring special diets and/or feeding tubes in order to achieve better nutritional health.