Paediatric Gastroenterology

Common gastrointestinal conditions in children include:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Gastritis
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Recurrent abdominal pain
  • Chronic constipation

Some of the rarer conditions that are being increasingly diagnosed these days include:

  • Cow’s milk protein allergy
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Coeliac disease

Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions will help to inimize school disruptions and psychological impact.

Hepatology

Common liver conditions encountered may include:

  • Neonatal jaundice
  • Chronic hepatitis B
  • TPN cholestasis
  • Biliary atresia
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Autoimmune liver disease
  • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Metabolic liver diseases
  • Acute liver failure and chronic liver failure

The most common cause of liver transplantation in children is due to chronic liver disease. To prevent liver damage, cirrhosis and early transplantation, early management is necessary.

Nutrition

For healthy growth and brain development, good nutrition is essential. Children who experience any of the below need to be monitored to ensure that adequate nutrients are delivered in the best possible way so that they don’t fail to thrive:

  • Chronic illness
  • Oral hypersensitivity
  • Swallowing disorder

Children with surgical short gut may need special intravenous nutrition.

 

Diagnosing PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

  • General paediatrician (baby checkups and comprehensive vaccination packages)
  • General gastroenterology
  • Nutrition assessment and management
  • pH/MII study and reporting for reflux
  • Endoscopy
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Liver transplantation
  • Food allergy testing