Gastroenterology
Our gut is one of our most important organs. These days a lot of emphasis is placed on the preservation of our gut microbiome.
This starts from as early as birth and continues during the various stages of development, from breastfeeding and introduction of solids to trying to maintain the microbiome during illness.
Conditions covered by this field are:
Gastroenteritis
Food allergies
Malabsorption syndromes
Constipation
Failure to thrive
Recurrent abdominal pain
Coeliac disease
Liver problems
Inflammatory bowel disease
Toddlers Diarrhoea
Colic
The Fussy Feeder
Most of the conditions listed can be managed as an outpatient if diagnosed timeously.
Important signs of dehydration:
- lethargy/unconsciousness/severe listlessness
- deeply sunken eyes
- unable to drink or drinks poorly
- persistent vomiting
- not passing and urine/ no wet nappies
- sunken fontanel (soft spot on top of head) in small babies
Digestive problems we treat. Tests can include:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
- CT scan
Management may include:
- Nutrition counselling and dietary changes
- Medication
- Surgery
- Swallowing therapy
Good quality foods in infancy and childhood promotes optimum growth and development, and also play a role in helping to prevent obesity and some diseases of adulthood, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Knowledge about formulas, special feeds and diets are paramount to managing many of the disorders listed above.
Signs and symptoms of digestive disorders can include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Bleeding
- Problems with appetite