Why Choose Us for Pediatric Gastroenterology?
All children get a stomach ache or diarrhea from time to time. But when your child’s digestion problems become chronic or severe, it can be scary. We understand that it’s very hard to watch your child suffer.
At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, we see thousands of children with digestive diseases every year. Our pediatric specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including rare disorders.
Types of Pediatric Digestive Diseases
At Comer Children’s, we offer advanced GI care for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers.
Children with esophageal disorders may have trouble swallowing (dsyphagia) or keeping food down. Other symptoms include heartburn, discomfort after eating, and spitting up or vomiting.
At Comer Children’s, our pediatric gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing these conditions, some of which can be difficult to identify. Once we have an accurate diagnosis, our team works with parents and children to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, minimally invasive surgery and nutritional counseling.
Conditions We Treat
In addition to tummy pain, stomach diseases can cause indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the condition and cause, but many stomach disorders in children can be healed with dietary changes and medication.
If surgery is needed, our highly experienced pediatric surgeons aim to use minimally invasive techniques, which help to ensure that your child heals quickly.
Conditions We Treat
- Chronic nausea
- Chronic stomach pain
- Gastritis
- Peptic ulcers
A variety of problems can affect the bowels, or the large and small intestines. Symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, blood in stool, weight loss and fecal soiling (stool leakage).
At Comer Children’s, we focus on successfully diagnosing and treating the underlying intestinal disorder causing your child’s symptoms, while ensuring your child has the best possible quality of life. Some of these conditions may require long-term follow up and symptom management.
Conditions We Treat
- Congenital colorectal anomalies
- Colon polyps
- Encopresis
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Intestinal failure
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Short bowel syndrome (short gut syndrome)
When children are allergic to a food, they may develop hives and have trouble breathing after eating a small amount of a certain food. They may also suffer nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. When severe, food allergies can be life-threatening.
When children have food intolerances, they may be able to eat small amounts of the food that irritates their digestive tract. But if they eat too much, it may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, cramps, and other digestive symptoms.
Whenever possible, our team will pinpoint the food(s) causing your child’s symptoms and support your family in ensuring your child’s safety, whether this involves allergy shots or personalized nutrition plans.
Conditions We Treat
- Celiac disease and gluten disorders
- Failure to thrive
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Lactose intolerance
Some viruses and bacteria can infect the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain, fever, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
At Comer Children’s, we focus first on determining an accurate diagnosis, which may involve various tests. Our specialists will then work quickly to administer the correct treatment, whether it be medication or surgery.
Conditions We Treat
- Appendicitis (infected appendix)
- Clostridium difficile (or C. diff), which may be treated with a fecal microbiota transplant
- Helicobacter pylori infection, which can cause ulcers
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
Our Pediatric Gastroenterology Locations in Chicago and Merrillville
Request an Appointment
You can also make an appointment with our providers by:
– Scheduling a virtual video visit to see a provider from the comfort of your home
– Requesting an online second opinion from our specialists
To speak to someone directly, please call 1-888-824-0200. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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Learn More About Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Student athletes need to eat healthy meals to perform their best in all sports. Pediatric gastroenterologist Timothy Sentongo, MD, discusses what your child should eat before, during and after athletics.
