Pediatric Digestive Diseases

Why Choose Us for Pediatric Gastroenterology?

All children get a stomach ache or diarrhea from time to time. But when your child’s digestion problems become chronic or severe, it can be scary. We understand that it’s very hard to watch your child suffer.

At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, we see thousands of children with digestive diseases every year. Our pediatric specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including rare disorders.

Schedule a Pediatric GI Appointment

Types of Pediatric Digestive Diseases

At Comer Children’s, we offer advanced GI care for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers.

Swallowing Disorders and Esophageal Diseases

Children with esophageal disorders may have trouble swallowing (dsyphagia) or keeping food down. Other symptoms include heartburn, discomfort after eating, and spitting up or vomiting.

At Comer Children’s, our pediatric gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing these conditions, some of which can be difficult to identify. Once we have an accurate diagnosis, our team works with parents and children to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, minimally invasive surgery and nutritional counseling.

Conditions We Treat

Stomach Disorders

In addition to tummy pain, stomach diseases can cause indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the condition and cause, but many stomach disorders in children can be healed with dietary changes and medication.

If surgery is needed, our highly experienced pediatric surgeons aim to use minimally invasive techniques, which help to ensure that your child heals quickly.

Conditions We Treat

Chronic nausea
Chronic stomach pain
Gastritis
Peptic ulcers

Intestinal Disorders

A variety of problems can affect the bowels, or the large and small intestines. Symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, blood in stool, weight loss and fecal soiling (stool leakage).

At Comer Children’s, we focus on successfully diagnosing and treating the underlying intestinal disorder causing your child’s symptoms, while ensuring your child has the best possible quality of life. Some of these conditions may require long-term follow up and symptom management.

Conditions We Treat

Congenital colorectal anomalies
Colon polyps
Encopresis
Functional gastrointestinal disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
Intestinal failure
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Short bowel syndrome (short gut syndrome)

Food and Nutrition Disorders

When children are allergic to a food, they may develop hives and have trouble breathing after eating a small amount of a certain food. They may also suffer nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. When severe, food allergies can be life-threatening.

When children have food intolerances, they may be able to eat small amounts of the food that irritates their digestive tract. But if they eat too much, it may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, cramps, and other digestive symptoms.

Whenever possible, our team will pinpoint the food(s) causing your child’s symptoms and support your family in ensuring your child’s safety, whether this involves allergy shots or personalized nutrition plans.

Conditions We Treat

Gastrointestinal Infections

Some viruses and bacteria can infect the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain, fever, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

At Comer Children’s, we focus first on determining an accurate diagnosis, which may involve various tests. Our specialists will then work quickly to administer the correct treatment, whether it be medication or surgery.

Conditions We Treat

Appendicitis (infected appendix)
Clostridium difficile (or C. diff), which may be treated with a fecal microbiota transplant
Helicobacter pylori infection, which can cause ulcers
Necrotizing enterocolitis

Pediatric patient Drew Mastrino and his mom, Kristina Mastrino of Naperville, Il, on January 16, 2013. Drew is treated at Comer Children's Hospital by pediatric gastroenterologist TImothy Sentongo, MD, for an allergic condition called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Diagnostic Services

Our pediatric GI specialists work together to diagnose your child's specific condition and create a tailored treatment plan. We partner with experts in pediatric surgery, pathology, radiology, nutrition, allergy and more.

Stefano Guandalini (MD), patient Sofia Rocca, and Bana Jabri (MD, PhD) pose for a photo together at the Celiac Disease Center's research labs in the Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery

Ongoing Pediatric GI Research

Our team is researching new treatment options for children suffering from all types of gastrointestinal diseases. We are investigating ways to personalize medicine for each child, providing therapies that are more effective with fewer side effects.

Adult Care for Digestive Diseases

Learn about top-ranked adult GI care with our team of experts at the University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center.

Our Pediatric Gastroenterology Locations in Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

You can also schedule an appointment instantly for in-person and video visits through our online scheduling portal.

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