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At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, our Paediatric Gastroenterology department is dedicated to the care of children with digestive system disorders, from birth through puberty. Our expert paediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, including gastroesophageal reflux, chronic abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
We also handle issues related to nutrition, such as feeding challenges and growth problems. To correctly diagnose and treat these problems, we use a comprehensive diagnostic strategy that includes techniques including endoscopy, colonoscopy, and advanced imaging. Treatment plans are customised for each child and may include changes to the diet, medicines, or surgery.
We at Manipal Hospitals support a collaborative approach to patient treatment. Our paediatric gastroenterologists collaborate closely with paediatricians, dietitians, and other medical specialists to offer children with gastrointestinal problems comprehensive care that promotes their general development, health, and well-being.
A specialised area of medicine called paediatric gastroenterology is dedicated to the identification, treatment, and control of digestive system issues in newborns, kids, and teenagers. These conditions can impact the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, among other gastrointestinal tract organs. In addition to treating basic ailments like constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), paediatric gastroenterologists are also trained to treat more difficult problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver diseases.
Paediatric gastroenterologists identify and handle a wide range of illnesses, such as:
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease
Persistent discomfort in the abdomen
Constipation and diarrhoea
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory bowel conditions (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
Gluten sensitivity
Liver disorders (fatty liver disease, hepatitis)
Pancreatic disorders
Feeding issues
Malabsorptive disorders and nutritional deficits
Parents should consider taking their child to a paediatric gastroenterologist if they notice severe or ongoing symptoms such as:
Frequent regurgitation or vomiting
Persistent constipation or diarrhoea
Bloating or soreness in the abdomen that doesn't go away
Blood in the stool
Poor weight gain or delayed growth
Fever that does not go away
Trouble swallowing food
Jaundice (skin or eyes becoming yellow)
Unexplained exhaustion
To assess digestive diseases, paediatric gastroenterologists use physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic testing. Typical diagnostic techniques consist of:
Endoscopy: This refers to techniques that visualise the gastrointestinal system to look for anomalies, obtain biopsies, or treat specific disorders. Examples of these techniques are colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, often known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD.
Imaging studies: The anatomy and physiology of the organs inside the abdomen can be investigated using MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays.
Laboratory testing: To evaluate nutritional status, identify infections, and check digestive function, tests such as blood, stool, and breath investigations are performed.
Depending on the nature and severity of the ailment, different paediatric gastrointestinal illnesses require different treatments. Typical therapeutic modalities consist of:
Prescription pharmaceuticals: These include anti-inflammatory medicines for IBD, antibiotics for infections, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD, and enzyme replacements for pancreatic insufficiency.
Dietary changes: To treat ailments like coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, or food allergies, dietary changes may be advised.
Nutritional support: For kids with malabsorption disorders or eating issues, nutritional counselling and supplements are crucial.
Surgical interventions: To fix injured organs, remove blockages, or rectify anatomical defects, surgery may be required in some situations.
Parents should think about taking the following steps to avoid gastrointestinal diseases and enhance digestive health:
Healthy eating: Promote a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fibre. Eat less greasy and sugary meals.
Hydration: To promote healthy digestion, make sure kids drink lots of water throughout the day.
Frequent physical activity: To enhance gut health generally, encourage frequent exercise.
Maintaining good hygiene: Teach kids how to wash their hands properly to guard against infections that can cause gastrointestinal ailments.
Steer clear of tobacco smoke: Intestinal issues might become more likely as a result of secondhand smoking exposure.
Frequent medical check-ups: Visiting the paediatrician regularly might assist in identifying early indicators of digestive difficulties.
Yes, certain digestive problems might hinder your child's growth and development. This is especially the case if the illness affects the absorption of nutrients or causes persistent symptoms that make eating difficult. If left untreated, illnesses such as severe food allergies, Crohn's disease, or coeliac disease can lead to malnutrition. It's essential to schedule routine check-ups with your paediatric gastroenterologist to track your child's development and make any necessary treatment plan adjustments to support their general health and development.
Managing gastrointestinal diseases in children can be difficult for a variety of reasons, including:
Variability in symptoms: Children may have trouble expressing their problems, which complicates diagnosis.
Influence on the emotions: Long-term illnesses may influence a child's social development and emotional health.
Nutritional issues: Poor digestion might impede the body's ability to properly absorb and metabolise nutrients.
Treatment adherence: It can be difficult to make sure kids follow their doctors' orders about nutrition, medicine, and follow-up visits.
Long-term management: Certain diseases need constant observation and gradual modifications to the course of treatment.
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