Is that normal? When it’s time to see a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Your child comes to you rubbing their stomach and not feeling well at all. Is that normal?
When your child complains of stomach discomfort, how do you know if it’s just a passing ache or something more serious? At times, it can be difficult to decipher what your kids are trying to tell you. However, having a pediatric gastroenterologist close to home and specialized in children and adolescent care can help you read between the lines. Knowing the difference in digestive patterns between children and adults is Dr. Bitar’s specialty. We sat down with Dr. Bitar to get his best advice on when it’s time to see a pediatric gastroenterology specialist and what you could expect.
What are the most common conditions you treat?
“The most common situations we deal with are failure to thrive (decelerated growth), reflux, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pains, gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.”
What are some signs to look out for if my child complains of a stomach ache?
“There are many red flags that can indicate something serious is going on. When the child isn’t gaining weight, when appetite is down, when there is blood in their vomit/stool or when they are waking up in pain during the night can all be signs of a deeper issue. If the pain is so intense, it’s affecting their daily activities, school or sleeping – it’s best to see a specialist.”
What makes a pediatric gastroenterologist better for my child?
“Kids' digestive patterns and organs are way different than adults and what can cause pain in a child, doesn’t cause pain in an adult and vice versa. You need someone who knows the common disorders in pediatrics so they can look and find the right answer in the easiest way possible. While primary care/ER doctors would perform general scans even when not needed, a pediatric gastroenterologist tries to be more specific without ordering unnecessary labs or imaging. A lot of parents/doctors may misinterpret symptoms, so it’s important you see someone who is trained with and understand pediatric patients to get the best care for the child.”
If you have concerns, ask your pediatrician or family doctor about a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist.
You can connect with Dr. Bitar’s office at 989.583.7076.
Posted Date: 12/22/2017