If your child is experiencing frequent stomach aches or suffering from diarrhoea, it may be time to consult a paediatric gastroenterologist. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to address and manage these issues effectively.

The expert team of specialists at Narayana Health’s Paediatric Gastroenterology department offers the most advanced care for digestive issues and gastroenterology disorders among children. Supported by state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and a team of highly trained medical staff, we offer diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of both simple and complex GI, liver and pancreatic diseases in children. Some of the common issues treated by the team at Narayana Health include:

Chronic Diarrhoea
Inflammatory bowel disease
Polyps
Crohn’s disease
Liver and pancreatic abnormalities
Constipation
Motility disorders
GI reflux

We combine a multidisciplinary approach to offer the latest diagnostic methods and personalised, research-based treatment.

Gastrointestinal Diseases We Treat

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This functional gastrointestinal disorder is a frequently encountered disorder by our paediatric GI specialists. Children suffering from irritable bowel syndrome show symptoms like chronic abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements, along with diarrhoea or constipation. While the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, easy treatment options include dietary changes, managing stress and increasing fibre intake.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

This is a common condition in paediatric gastroenterology. It mainly occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus rather than moving downwards towards the intestines. This leads to symptoms like coughing, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. This can also lead to respiratory problems. Paediatrics gastroenterologists prescribe medication to reduce acid reflux, along with lifestyle modifications, positional therapy and changes in feeding style.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition has serious implications for the growth and development of children. You might notice symptoms like stunted growth, weight loss and fatigue. Malnourished children are also more susceptible to infections. The paediatric gastrologist will examine the child to identify the cause of the malnutrition before outlining a comprehensive intervention. This can include dietary modifications and nutritional supplements.

Obesity

Obesity can lead to multiple childhood and adulthood disorders. It has become one of the most pressing issues in paediatric health. Managing obesity not only means losing weight, but it also involves educating the family and children about healthy lifestyle patterns and choices that can help prevent severe health issues like diabetes and hypertension. A paediatric GI specialist will work with you and your family closely to help you build healthy habits and learn sustainable living styles.

Cystic Fibrosis

This is a genetic disorder that severely impacts the respiratory and digestive systems. Thick mucus blocks the pancreatic ducts, which leads to the malabsorption of nutrients, and, therefore, nutritional deficiencies. Children experiencing poor growth, frequent respiratory infections and poor growth should get checked for cystic fibrosis. A paediatric gastro specialist plays a critical role in managing the disorder by recommending various enzyme replacement therapies that ensure complete nutritional support. Collaborating with other doctors is also essential for comprehensive care and the prevention of complications like liver diseases. At Narayana Health, we ensure a tailored intervention plan to improve the quality of life for the child.

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Abdominal Pain

This is one of the most common complaints heard at our paediatric gastroenterology department. This could be a result of something small like intolerances of certain foods, stomach infections or irritable bowel syndrome. Many children describe this pain as sharp and cramping, which either returns at intervals or is a constant pain. The best paediatric gastroenterologists use various diagnostic approaches that include blood, urine and stool tests, imaging studies like MRIs and ultrasound, and a variety of physical exams to make an accurate diagnosis. The aim is to provide treatments for gastroenterology diseases that address the underlying cause and alleviate the discomfort.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a very common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies to food items and infections. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, which makes seeking the help of a paediatric gastroenterologist crucial. Assessing the medical history of the child and conducting physical exams are necessary to reach a diagnosis. Various tests like monitoring of pH levels and endoscopy for gastrointestinal disorders might be needed. Interventions like medications and dietary modifications can help control the vomiting and address the underlying disorder.

Constipation

Many gastroenterology disorders have constipation as a common symptom. If you notice that your child has painful bowel movements or the frequency of bowel movements has declined, they could be suffering from digestive issues. Hard stools, difficulty passing stools and infrequent bowel movements are common symptoms of constipation. Although constipation tends to be temporary, caused by a change in food or drinks, seek immediate help if it persists for a long period. Chronic constipation can be linked to underlying conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or dehydration. Paediatric gastrologists recommend dietary changes, increasing fluid intake and, in some cases, laxatives and other medication to treat constipation. Regular follow-ups can help manage the condition effectively and prevent further complications.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be due to food intolerances, infections or chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis and irritable bowel syndrome. This is another common symptom in paediatric gastroenterology and includes loose and watery stools that are frequent. Prolonged diarrhoea leads to nutrient loss and dehydration. Assessing the severity and duration of the condition and associated symptoms helps determine the underlying cause. Treatment of this digestive issue includes addressing the underlying condition, making necessary dietary readjustments and staying hydrated. Comprehensive care is needed to manage diarrhoea and prevent further complications.

Blood in the Stool

This symptom requires immediate attention from a paediatric gastroenterologist. Bloody stools could be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures or infections. Although you might visibly see red blood in the stool or notice dark tarry stools, there are times when the blood is not visible, known as occult blood in the stool. In this situation, your doctor might recommend an occult blood test. After a thorough physical evaluation, other diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy, might be used to identify the underlying cause. Early intervention is the best way to ensure successful and quick treatment and prevent any further complications.

Ensure Your Child’s Gut Health

A healthy diet for kids starts with ensuring the right nutrients are a part of their meals. This generally means having three proper meals a day, healthy snacks, and sufficient water and other fluids. You can check for proper digestion in your child by observing their bowel movements. It will differ depending on your child’s level of physical activity, health status, and overall well-being. Also, check the frequency, whether it is twice a day or once a week. If the consistency is maintained in your child and they are not in pain, their digestive system will be fine. You will not require any health specialist to check your child’s condition.

However, if you see any symptoms, seek immediate diagnosis and treatment for the gastroenterology disorder. The team of paediatric gastrologists at Narayana Health is highly trained and experienced. We offer personalised care for each child, based on the latest research and diagnostic methods, ensuring the highest standard of treatment to promote health outcomes and improve their quality of life.