Pediatric GI Treatments
Trust pediatric specialists at University Health to find the right treatments for your child’s digestive health condition. Because every child is unique, treatment options can vary. Once we've diagnosed your child, we'll guide you through the best options to help your child feel better and thrive.
GI Treatment Options
Every child is unique, and the treatment options can vary. They can range from dietary changes to more complex treatments. Once we’ve diagnosed your child, our team will work closely with you to determine the best way to improve their health.
Dietary Changes
Adjusting your child’s diet can often make a significant difference. Strict dietary changes can feel overwhelming, but our doctors and dietitians are here to support your family. Our dietician can help your child and family make these changes manageable.
Feeding Support
If your child is experiencing failure to thrive (FTT), they may need feeding assistance. We can help them regain their health with options like intravenous (IV) therapy or feeding tube. We'll customize treatment options to fit your child's age, symptoms and specific needs.
When your child cannot eat or drink enough by mouth, your doctor may provide treatments to prevent malnutrition, such as:
- Enteral nutrition – Delivers nutrients to the digestive system through a tube when kids cannot eat normally
- Parenteral nutrition – Provides nutrients directly into the bloodstream via an IV line, bypassing the digestive system
Medication
Some digestive conditions prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. Certain medications for other health issues can also slow digestion. Your provider may prescribe medications that treat GI conditions and help relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve your nutrient absorption.
Always consult your child's doctor before giving any adult over-the-counter medications to improve digestion and appetite, cure infection, control inflamed GI and disease.
Surgery
Your child may need surgery to fix issues such as congenital abnormalities (present at birth), gallstones and hernias, or to place a gastrostomy (G) tube for long-term nutritional support. Whenever possible, your doctor will use minimally invasive surgery. It can reduce scarring and shorten your child’s recovery.
Transplantation
If your child with a serious liver disease needs a liver transplant, our skilled surgeons specializing in pediatric cases, are her to provide expert care for your family throughout the entire process.
