Why choose Geisinger for pediatric gastroenterology?
You know your child better than anyone. And when they need gastrointestinal (GI) or nutritional care, you want a team you can trust. Our pediatric gastroenterologists (GI doctors) diagnose and treat a range of GI and nutritional conditions in children, from common tummy troubles to more complex disorders.
No matter where your child is in their journey, we’ll explain the entire process so you know they’re getting the care and attention they need. A team of pediatric GI specialists and nurse navigators will be with you every step of the way, advocating for your child (and you!) and letting you take an active role in their care.
And because health is a priority for everyone in your family, we offer wraparound care — from programs to community support and resources — for all of you.
Treatments and services we offer
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Conditions we treat
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FAQs
What is pediatric gastroenterology?
What conditions does a pediatric gastroenterologist treat?
Our pediatric gastroenterologists treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal and nutritional conditions in children, including:
- Abdominal pain and ulcers
- Allergic GI disease (eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Celiac disease
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Enteral and parenteral nutrition
- Heartburn and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Malnutrition/malabsorption
- Motility disorders
- Pancreatitis
- Ulcers and polyps
- Vomiting
How do you diagnose pediatric GI conditions?
Our pediatric gastrointestinal specialists use several tests to diagnose GI conditions, including:
- Endoscopy: We’ll use an endoscope — a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end — to get a clear view of the digestive tract. We use special child-sized endoscopes.
- X-ray: X-rays let us see the condition of the stomach and esophagus.
- Motility test: This test checks how well food and waste move through the digestive system.
- Hydrogen breath test: This can diagnose lactose or other food intolerances. After drinking a special liquid, your child will blow into a machine that measures hydrogen gas produced by bacteria.
- 24-hour impedance probe: To determine how much acid is backing up into your child’s throat and how often, we may examine their esophagus using a transmitter attached to a thin, flexible tube. The transmitter will take regular readings over a 24-hour period, which we’ll review when the test is complete.
Pediatric gastroenterology care at Geisinger
Here, your child will get innovative treatments and personalized care that puts them at the center. We offer:
- Personalized, compassionate care for children: From maintaining your child’s health and well-being to providing more advanced treatment, our pediatric GI doctors tailor care to your child’s unique needs.
- Nutrition support and obesity prevention and management: Our Weight of Life program aims to help build healthy habits that last through nutrition consultations and obesity prevention.
- Care close to home: With Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville and pediatric offices across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, your child's care team is never far away.