Digestive Health
Your child's digestive system plays a crucial role in their ability to grow and develop. Explore these resources to learn about conditions, treatments, and ways to keep your child's digestive system healthy.
Explore digestive health
Causes
Digestive health issues can arise due to various factors, such as poor diet, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
Definition
Learn the basic digestive system parts and functions to increase your digestive health knowledge.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing digestive health issues may involve medical history assessment, physical examination and testing.
Management
Managing your digestive health may include anything from simple lifestyle changes to surgical intervention.
Prevention
Preventing digestive health issues involves maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle practices.
Recovery
Recovering from a digestive health issue requires appropriate treatment and time for the body to heal.
Related Conditions
Various internal conditions can have a large impact on digestive health in a many different of ways.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a digestive health issue may include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease
Types
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children
Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. IBS can cause abdominal pain or cramping, and a change in bowel habits.
Types
Crohn's Disease in Children
Crohn's disease is when there is redness, swelling (inflammation), and sores along the digestive tract.
Diagnosing digestive issues
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Diagnosis
When Your Child Needs a Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test that lets a health care provider look inside the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy is a shorter form of this test. Read on for details.
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Diagnosis
When Your Child Needs an Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to take pictures of abdominal organs. It's painless and noninvasive. It's often used to assess abdominal pain or to find problems like enlarged organs.
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Diagnosis
When Your Child Needs an Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is a test that shows the inside of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The healthcare provider can do a biopsy, check for problems, or remove objects. The test normally takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
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Diagnosis
Lab Tests to Diagnose Digestive Diseases in Children
Read on for details about common lab tests used to diagnose problems with the digestive system in children.
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Diagnosis
Meckel’s Scan (Child)
A Meckel's scan is an imaging test used to detect a Meckel's diverticulum. This is a small, abnormal pocket in the wall of a child's small intestine. Learn about what it means for your child to have a Meckel's scan.
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Diagnosis
Liver Disease Testing in Children
This sheet describes common tests that may be done for liver problems. Your child's health care provider will tell you which of these tests your child needs.
