Gastroenterology

Your child’s body is a symphony of systems, all working in harmony to promote healthy growth and help them lead a fulfilling life. But when a medical condition prevent your child’s digestive system from functioning correctly, painful and sometimes even life-threatening symptoms can prevent them from soaking up every second of their youth.

What is Gastroenterology?

Pediatric Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that treats problems of the digestive system. A Gastroenterologist studies, diagnosis, and treats disease and conditions that affect the Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Intestines.

The digestive system’s core function is to break down the foods we eat and promote absorption of nutrients, while removing waste from the body. Complications that arise in the gastrointestinal tract can harm children’s development and cause chronic or recurring symptoms that leave them with pain or discomfort.

These conditions and diseases are often invisible to the naked eye, but with the modern, technologically-advanced treatment options at El Paso Children’s Hospital, we’re able to confidently diagnose and treat children with these issues, making sure no child suffers in silence.

Only At El Paso Children's Hospital

Children and adolescents with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and distension, flatulence, bloating and diarrhea can potentially benefit from the application of a hydrogen breath test (HBT).

Common Conditions

The Gastroenterology Team at El Paso Children’s Hospital is experienced in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions in children and adolescents. Many of these conditions are uncomfortable. In some cases, they may even be life threatening. Common conditions we treat and diagnose at El Paso Children’s Hospital include:

Feeding Disorders

Eating disorders are health conditions that affect a person’s physical and mental health, limiting the body’s ability to get nutrition. If not treated correctly, these disorders can have long-term effects on an individual’s life.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

These are diseases and disorders involving chronic inflammation of the tissue in a person’s digestive tract. The Gastroenterology Team at El Paso Children’s Hospital utilizes advanced, patient-first technologies and treatments to bring lasting relief and care to children with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Microscopic Colitis

This is inflammation found in the inner lining of the colon. The condition can only be diagnosed with the use of a tissue sample and microscope, hence its name.