Eating & digestion
Headed by a consultant paediatric gastro-enterologist, our team caring for children's digestive problems also includes paediatricians who have a special experience with bowel disorders. Often a team approach is very effective. You may also see a child or family therapist, a nutritionist or complementary therapist while under your doctor's care.
Many issues may affect digestion, so we ensure your child receives a clear diagnosis. Problems range from tummy pains and reflux to constipation, diarrhoea and food intolerance. Treatment is then targeted towards the cause, whether it be allergy or food intolerance, infection, a structural problem with the gut, or emotional stress.
An appointment with a general paediatrician is usually the first step.
Referral to Dr Neil Shah, paediatric gastro-enterologist may be useful. He often works closely with our specialist paediatric allergist, Dr Adam Fox.
Diagnosis begins with the meeting between doctor and child, when the doctor will do an examination and build a picture of your child's life. We work closely with parents and carers.
Tests are not always needed but may include stool and blood analysis and ultrasound scans. Allergy testing is useful for food intolerance. Rarely CT or MRI scans and colonoscopy are needed to exclude inflammation in the bowel.
Medical treatment may include simple lifestyle advice and occasionally medication may be useful. Surgery is rarely necessary. Allergies may be treated with a desensitization program that is available at Viveka.
Nutritional therapy may be a core aspect to ensure your child is well nourished. Diet can be adjusted as treatment for the underlying condition progresses. Our nutritionists are also skilled in assisting with fussiness, anxiety and problematic eating patterns in a personal or family context.
Emotional support often proves helpful. The stomach is one of the body's emotional centres (root of our 'gut' feelings) and digestion is affected by hormones linked with emotions. Our 'Emo' team works with children and families; we span child psychology, family therapy, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.
Complementary therapies can assist optimal digestion. Cranial osteopathy, for example, may help to release muscle tension and improve bowel function, and can be used to reduce reflux. Homeopathy can be a very effective and safe way to improve digestion and reduce symptoms.
Did you know?
Relationships and social experiences in the family and at school are often of vital importance. Constipation, as an example, is caused by a structural problem in fewer than 25% of cases - more commonly it is linked to painful or unexpressed emotions. Our doctors are leaders in their fields and offer a combination of medical expertise and sensitivity, and are well supported by the wider Viveka team.
