When a child experiences health problems, of course the mother will take the child to visit a pediatrician so that the various health complaints experienced by the child can improve.
However, when a child experiences health complaints related to digestion, liver disorders, or nutrition, the mother can take the child to visit a pediatric gastroenterology hepatology specialist.
Pediatric gastroenterology hepatology specialist doctors can serve children patients from newborns to under 18 years of age. So, mothers should not hesitate to visit a pediatric gastroenterology hepatology doctor when their child complains of various health problems that do not improve for a long time.
Diseases Treated by Pediatricians (Gastroenterology-Hepatology)
There are various diseases that are often treated by pediatric gastroenterology hepatology specialists, such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A condition that causes abdominal pain that can lead to bowel disorders, such as diarrhea and constipation.
- Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease occurs due to inflammation in the digestive system. Usually, this disease involves the small intestine and large intestine.
- Esophageal Reflux Disease. This disease causes irritation of the throat due to acid coming up from the stomach.
- Pancreatitis. This disease occurs due to inflammation of the pancreas.
- Cystic Fibrosis. A genetic disease that causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky.
In addition, there are several other conditions that can be treated by this specialist doctor, such as:
- Bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract.
- Bad stomach ache.
- Diarrhea or constipation that does not improve.
- Children with obesity conditions.
- The child is malnourished.
- Experiencing weight loss or gain.
- Remove various objects or things that enter the body and interfere with the airways.
Medical Procedures That Can Be Performed by Pediatricians (Gastroenterology-Hepatology)
There are various examinations that will be carried out by a gastroenterology hepatology pediatrician to diagnose the cause of a child’s health complaints, such as:
- Endoscopy.
- Colonoscopy.
- Administration of medication.
- Placement of a feeding tube in a child.
- Providing care and treatment support for various health disorders of the digestive system.
When to Visit a Pediatrician (Gastroenterology-Hepatology)?
If your child’s health complaints do not improve even though they have been treated by a general practitioner, you should immediately visit a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist if your child experiences several symptoms, such as:
- Experiencing quite extreme weight loss.
- Diarrhea that does not improve.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Bloated.
- Iron requirements are not met properly.
- Complaining of a burning sensation in the chest.
- Having difficulty chewing and swallowing.
- Becoming more cranky and irritable.
- Experiencing physical growth and development disorders.
- Experiencing decreased appetite.
- Constant fever and fatigue.
- Feces that appear with blood and mucus.
These are the various conditions that parents need to know as signs that need to be watched out for in children’s health. In addition, do not hesitate to visit the nearest hospital when a child swallows or inserts a small object into the respiratory tract.
Preparation Before and After Visiting a Pediatrician (Gastroenterology-Hepatology)
There is no special preparation needed when visiting a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist. However, make sure the mother prepares various information related to the child’s overall health.
After visiting the doctor, mothers can follow the doctor’s advice and recommendations regarding the care and treatment that needs to be done.
