Digestive issues in children are quite common and require the expertise of an experienced doctor. The Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Clinic at Liaquat National Hospital provides exceptional care for children with gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases.
At LNH, we believe in a holistic approach to healthcare, which means we focus on more than just addressing immediate health concerns. We strive to promote long-term well-being and overall health for each child. Our team of skilled doctors offer a full spectrum of services, from accurate diagnosis to effective treatment and long-term management of chronic conditions.
Our paediatric gastroenterologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including dietitians and surgeons, to provide integrated care that meets all aspects of a child's health needs.
Our Clinical Expertise
The Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Clinic has expertise in the management of children and infants with:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
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Acute or Chronic Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common term used to describe loose/watery stools which occur three or more times within 24 hours. For diarrhea to be considered chronic, symptoms must continue for four or more weeks.
Consult a Paediatric Gastroenterologist if the patient experiences alarming symptoms, such as:
- Symptoms persisting beyond 48 hours
- Rectal bleeding or melena
- Nocturnal pain or diarrhea
- Progressive abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or other systemic symptoms
- Laboratory abnormalities like iron deficiency anemia, elevated ESR/CRP, elevated fecal calprotectin, or fecal occult blood
- Family history of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or chronic GI disorder
- Milk Protein Allergy
- Persistent or Recurrent Vomiting
- Celiac Disease ( wheat allergy)
- Abdominal Pain or epigastrium pain
-
Constipation (Altered bowel habits)
Chronic Constipation:
Constipation occurs when a child has infrequent bowel movements and passes hard stools, which is a common gastrointestinal issue. Several factors can contribute to its development:
- Consuming excessive amounts of high-fat, low-fiber foods like fast foods, junk foods, and soft drinks
- Inadequate intake of water and other fluids
- Changes in diet
- Lack of physical activity or exercise
- Stress due to school, social interactions, or family issues
Symptoms of chronic constipation include:
- Infrequent bowel movements for several days
- Passage of hard, dry stools
- Abdominal bloating, cramps, or pain
- Loss of appetite
- Behaviors indicating an attempt to withhold stool, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, or facial flushing
- Presence of small liquid or soft stool marks on a child's underwear
- Blood in the Vomiting or in stool
- Poor Weight Gain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Feeding Difficulties
- Foreign body ingestion
-
Acute or Chronic Liver Disease
Chronic Liver Disease:
Chronic liver diseases are a group of diseases that affect structural and functional alterations in the liver. These diseases can be caused by:
- Viral infection
- Drugs or toxins
- Hypoxia
- Immunological disorders
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Congenital malformations of the liver or biliary tree
Symptoms of chronic liver diseases include:
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Vomiting blood
- Presence of gallstones
- Persistent itching
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Hepatitis A, B, C, & E
- Unexplained hepatosplenomegaly
- Liver abscess
- Biliary Atresia (bile duct blockage)
- Gallbladder stone
- Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Frequently Asked Questions
A paediatric gastroenterologist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, and pancreas in infants, children, and adolescents.
Many different conditions can cause abdominal pain. The key is to know when to seek medical care. Any of the following may cause abdominal pain:
- Appendicitis
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Chronic constipation
- Excessive gas
- Food allergy
- Food poisoning
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Parasitic infections (Giardia)
- Viral gastroenteritis
You should see a Paediatric Gastroenterologist if you notice any of the following symptoms or issues:
- Bloating & Excess Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Problems with feeding
- Loss of Appetite
- Pale Skin
- Lethargic child
- Abdominal pain, Celiac disease, Colitis, Constipation, Crohn's disease, esophagitis, feeding problems, and food allergies
Your child is growing and it is up to you to provide the nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong. Start by stocking your home with healthy whole grains, lean meats, low fat and fat free milk and yogurt, healthy fats such as olive and canola oil, nuts, and seeds, and plenty of whole fruits and vegetables.
Signs that your child may not have a proper diet include:
- Being underweight, overweight, or obese
- Experiencing constipation or changes in bowel habits
- Appearing pale or lethargic
- Demonstrating poor physical growth
Constipation can cause issues with bowel movements in as many as 30% of children (Source: Mayo Clinic). However, understanding what's normal, depending on your child's age, may help you decide if it's time to seek help.
- Newborns — Expect four soft bowel movements daily
- First 3 months for children — expect two to three soft bowel movements daily
- 6 months–1 year — expect two bowel movements daily
- 1–3 years — expect one to two bowel movements daily
- 4 years and older — Expect one bowel movement daily
It can be expected for a breastfed infant to have as many as one bowel movement after each feeding to as little as one bowel movement every five to seven days.
Yes, chronic gastrointestinal problems can impact nutrition, growth, and development. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to managing these conditions and supporting healthy growth.
If your child develops jaundice, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Contact child's paediatrician if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, vomiting, or poor feeding as this could indicate a problem with the liver or bile ducts.
The symptoms of hepatitis in children can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Common symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Clay-colored stools
- Itchy skin
- Enlarged liver or spleen
Yes, hepatitis can be contagious in children, especially hepatitis A, B, and C. These viruses can be spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, contaminated food or water, or from mother to child during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Faculty
Contact
Please call us on 021-34412474.
