Digestive System

Articles In This Section

• When Your Child Needs a Liver Transplant

  If your child needs a liver transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo liver transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Tapeworm

  Tapeworms are usually more upsetting to think about than to deal with. Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States, and they're usually easy to treat.

• Hirschsprung Disease

  Children with Hirschsprung disease aren't able to pass a bowel movement, or do so with difficulty. Treatment almost always requires surgery.

• Pancreatitis

  Pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a stomach virus because symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually get better on their own, but sometimes treatment is needed.

• Celiac Disease

  Kids who have celiac disease, a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten, can't eat certain kinds of foods. Find out more - including what foods are safe and where to find them.

• Diarrhea

  Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.

• Lactose Intolerance

  Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

• Constipation

  Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go.

• Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition

  In addition to extra calories, kids with cystic fibrosis have some specific nutritional needs. Find out ways to help your child with CF grow healthy and strong.

• Soiling (Encopresis)

  If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences.

• Cystic Fibrosis

  Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that particularly affects the lungs and digestive system, makes kids who have it more vulnerable to repeated lung infections.

• Peptic Ulcers

  Many people think that spicy foods cause ulcers, but the truth is that bacteria are the main culprit. Learn more about peptic ulcers.

• Pyloric Stenosis

  Pyloric stenosis is a condition that can cause your baby to vomit forcefully and often and may cause other problems such as dehydration and salt and fluid imbalances.

• Intussusception

  This bowel problem is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. With timely treatment, kids recover quickly.

• Necrotizing Enterocolitis

  This gastrointestinal disease is the most common and serious intestinal disease among preemies. With medications and therapy, many babies can be cured.

• Intestinal Malrotation

  Malrotation is a type of obstruction caused by abnormal development of the intestines while a fetus is in the womb. Find out more about this condition and the complications it can cause.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux

  When symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion are frequent or can't be attributed to spicy ingredients, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And it can be a problem for kids - even newborns.