Pediatric GI Services We Provide
Compassionate Gastroenterology Care to Help your Child on Their Journey to a Healthy Digestive Tract
Our dedicated gastroenterology team offers the highest level of care for your child right here in Alaska. Whether your child is suffering from a chronic condition such as Crohn's Disease or IBS, or an acute problem like gastroenteritis or constipation, we are here to support you along the journey to a healthy digestive tract.
Making sure your child receives the highest level of care is our priority.
Pediatric GI Conditions That May Require Medical Intervention
Ulcerative Colitis
UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects only the colon and rectum. Unlike Crohn’s disease, its inflammation is continuous along the colon lining.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, often affecting the small intestine and colon. It can impact both the surface and deeper layers of tissue, with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, poor growth, and other systemic issues. Its causes are linked to genetic and environmental factors, with higher risk seen in those with a family history, early antibiotic exposure, or Jewish ancestry. Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging, and endoscopies, while treatment includes medications like corticosteroids and biologics, nutritional support, and sometimes surgery. Although there's no cure, remission is possible, and support from medical professionals and organizations can greatly aid families in managing the condition.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis in children is an inflammatory disorder where the esophagus accumulates a large number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. This condition leads to inflammation and swelling in the esophagus causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain, nausea, regurgitation, and vomiting. Over time, EoE can narrow the esophagus, sometimes causing food to get stuck, necessitating emergency removal or dilation of the esophagus.
GERD and Reflux
Digestion begins as food travels from your mouth to your stomach through the esophagus. Once in the stomach, food is processed before moving to the small intestine. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. If this regurgitation persists and causes harm to the esophagus or disrupts daily activities like eating and sleeping, it is labeled as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterized as a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract without a specific identifiable cause, such as infection.
Pediatric Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune condition caused by a permanent intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the villi in the small intestine, leading to various health issues due to nutrient malabsorption. Though it is a lifelong condition, Celiac Disease can be effectively managed through a gluten-free diet.
Pediatric Constipation
Constipation in children is quite common and is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, often causing discomfort. Typically, children between 1 and 4 years old have bowel movements 1 to 4 times daily. However, constipation can occur even if bowel movements occur every other day in more than 90% of children. Prolonged constipation may lead to involuntary fecal soiling, especially during toilet training stages.
Disclaimer
All content found on this Site was created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it based upon information you may have read on this Site.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.