Question 1

What digestive conditions does a paediatric gastroenterologist treat?

Accepted Answer

Paediatric gastroenterologists treat digestive conditions in infants, children and adolescents, including gastroesophageal reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease, chronic abdominal pain, constipation, liver disease, and feeding or growth difficulties linked to the gut. They also manage food allergies and intolerances affecting digestion. Because a child's digestive system is still developing, these specialists tailor diagnosis and treatment to a child's age, growth needs and development.

Question 2

When should I take my child to a paediatric gastroenterologist?

Accepted Answer

Consider a referral if your child has persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, poor weight gain or growth failure, blood in the stool, recurrent vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Symptoms lasting more than a couple of weeks, or that interfere with daily activities and growth, generally warrant specialist evaluation rather than watchful waiting. Your paediatrician can help determine whether symptoms suggest a digestive condition needing focused gastroenterology care.

Question 3

How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed in children?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check for inflammation and anaemia, stool tests to look for inflammation markers like calprotectin, and endoscopy with biopsy, which allows direct visualisation and tissue sampling of the intestinal lining to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Imaging tests like MRI may also be used to assess the extent of bowel involvement. An early, accurate diagnosis is important, since childhood-onset IBD can affect growth and development if not properly managed.

Question 4

What treatment options are available for childhood digestive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Treatment varies widely by condition: reflux may be managed with feeding changes and medication, coeliac disease with a strict gluten-free diet, and inflammatory bowel disease with anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating medications, sometimes including biologic therapies for more severe cases. Nutritional support is often a central part of treatment, since digestive conditions can affect a child's growth. Your paediatric gastroenterologist will develop an individualised plan considering your child's specific diagnosis, severity and growth needs.

Question 5

What symptoms in a child's digestion need urgent medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Seek urgent care if your child has severe abdominal pain, especially if localised and worsening, repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, blood in vomit or stool, signs of dehydration such as reduced urination and lethargy, or a swollen, tender abdomen. These can indicate serious conditions requiring prompt evaluation, such as appendicitis, intestinal obstruction or a severe flare of inflammatory bowel disease. Don't wait for a scheduled appointment if these red-flag symptoms appear.

Paediatric Gastroenterology