Pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of issues that require knowledge in multiple areas of pediatric medicine and medicine in general. They have deep knowledge of nutrition, including baby formulas, gastrostomy, and nasogastric tube feeds. They work with children with failure to thrive, liver issues, metabolism problems, infections, and autoimmune inflammation. The spectrum of pediatric gastroenterology expertise is broader than just luminal/intestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, gastritis, enteritis, and colitis.
The key to proper diagnosis is a methodical work-up that parents must respect and follow. Lab work, including blood work and stool samples, is ordered and sent directly to the laboratory indicated by the family. It may require fasting if it includes cholesterol or sugar-related evaluation. Stool containers are picked up by laboratory technicians with instructions on how to collect and store them. Blood and stool studies provide essential information about infectious, absorptive, genetic, and inflammatory processes inside the body.
Radiology studies, such as x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound, allow for the viewing of hollow organs’ (stomach and intestine) structure, muscle and nerve function, solid organs’ (liver, kidneys, pancreas) damage, congenital anatomical issues, and inflammation. Endoscopy is only done if indicated by clinical picture, laboratory, and/or radiological studies.
If any of the above studies have been done by the emergency room, pediatrician, or gastroenterologist before your appointment with our pediatric GI specialist, please fax it to 866-586-6011 at least 24 hours before the appointment. This will help us provide the best care for your child in the most efficient way.
If you have any questions about your child’s gastrointestinal/GI health, please contact Dr. Treskova’s pediatric GI and nutrition office and schedule an appointment at www.gastropediatrics.com/schedule.
Author Dr. Erena Treskova