Why Evaluate Children’s Gut Health?

Children can present with distinct GI problems affecting growth and development.

Common Causes

  • Infections: rotavirus, norovirus, bacterial enteritis
  • Inflammatory: pediatric IBD (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
  • Allergies: cow’s milk protein intolerance, eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Functional: infantile colic, functional constipation, IBS
  • Malabsorption: celiac disease, lactase deficiency
  • Anatomic: pyloric stenosis, malrotation

How Should I Prepare?

  • Symptom diary: stool patterns, pain episodes.
  • Bring growth charts and previous labs.

What Happens During Evaluation & Treatment?

  • Initial labs: CBC, stool studies, celiac serology.
  • Endoscopy/biopsy if indicated.
  • Tailored therapy: rehydration, dietary modification, allergy elimination, medications.

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

  • Rapid improvement with correct diagnosis and treatment.
  • Growth monitoring critical.

Risks & Possible Complications

  • Dehydration from diarrhea
  • Nutritional deficiencies impacting growth

Follow-Up

  • Regular pediatric GI clinic visits.

Monitor growth parameters and lab markers.