Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center, Synphaet Children’s Hospital (Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center)

Comprehensive gastrointestinal care for your child by pediatric gastroenterologists and hepatologists.

Bloating, fussiness, refusal to feed, abnormal stools, or chronic abdominal pain may seem common in childhood. However, the gastrointestinal tract is the cornerstone of nutrient absorption and immune system development. If a child’s digestive system has problems, it can directly and unpredictably affect their overall physical growth and developmental milestones.

Synphaet Children’s Hospital understands every parent’s concern. Our Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center provides comprehensive care delivered by specialized pediatric gastroenterologists and hepatologists, backed by modern diagnostic tools and multidisciplinary teams. We ensure that every child receives targeted treatment for root causes, recovers quickly, and grows up strong and healthy.

When Should You Take Your Child to a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?

• Frequent, chronic abdominal pain or pain that disrupts daily activities
• Frequent vomiting or inability to keep food down
• Difficulty swallowing or frequent choking
• Diarrhea or constipation lasting longer than 2 weeks
• Stools with mucus or blood, or pale/clay-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Conditions Treated and Diagnostic Services

We care for and manage disorders of the digestive tract, liver, and biliary system from newborn infants to older children and adolescents.

Symptoms and Disease Groups Managed by the Center

• Infants and Toddlers: Colic, inconsolable crying, bloating, excessive gas, frequent spitting up, projectile or chronic vomiting, feeding refusal, and pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Older Children: Chronic or acute abdominal pain, pain during defecation, esophagitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Celiac Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Bowel Movement Disorders: Chronic constipation, hard stools, acute and chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding/bloody stools, and fecal incontinence (encopresis).
• Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreatic Diseases: Neonatal jaundice, biliary atresia, pediatric hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children, gallbladder disorders, and pancreatitis.
• Feeding and Malabsorption Disorders: Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), food allergies, malabsorption syndromes, malnutrition, failure to thrive/underweight, and picky eating.

Specialized Diagnostic and Treatment Services

• Detailed medical history taking and physical examination by pediatric gastroenterology specialists
• Diagnostic imaging: Abdominal ultrasound and gastrointestinal X-ray studies
• Pediatric Endoscopy: Upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, mucosal biopsy, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) testing
• Nutritional planning and behavioral management: Food allergy and malabsorption assessments, nutritional counseling, dietary and toilet training modifications, and long-term growth and weight monitoring

Why Choose the Pediatric Gastroenterology Center at Synphaet Children’s Hospital?

• ✓ Dedicated Pediatric Specialists: Cared for specifically by subspecialists in pediatric gastroenterology and pediatric hepatology.
• ✓ 24/7 Peace of Mind: On-duty pediatricians ready to manage midnight emergencies without having to wait until morning.
• ✓ Advanced Diagnostic Technology: Fully equipped for both routine screening and specialized pediatric endoscopy to accurately pinpoint disease causes.
• ✓ Holistic Care: Beyond pharmacotherapy, we integrate nutritional therapy, behavioral adjustments, and continuous growth tracking for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: My baby spits up milk frequently, has a bloated belly, and cries a lot in the evening. Is this normal?

A: Mild gas and occasional spitting up are common in infants. However, if crying is persistent and inconsolable, vomiting is projectile, weight gain is below standard, or stools contain blood/mucus, consult a pediatric gastroenterologist to screen for GERD or cow’s milk protein allergy.

Q: My child is constipated, refuses to poop, and cries from hard stools. How can this be resolved?

A: Initially, increase dietary fiber, encourage more water intake, and establish a regular toilet routine. If symptoms persist, a physician may prescribe child-safe laxatives alongside behavioral toilet training.

Q: What causes frequent periumbilical (around the belly button) abdominal pain in children?

A: Abdominal pain in children can stem from diverse factors such as gastritis, functional dyspepsia, constipation, psychological stress, or irritable bowel syndrome.

Q: Is pediatric endoscopy safe for children?

A: Yes, pediatric endoscopy is a very safe procedure. It is performed by pediatric specialists working alongside pediatric anesthesiologists for continuous monitoring, allowing direct visualization of the stomach and intestines to guide precise treatment.

Q: My child eats very little and is not gaining weight. What tests should be done?

A: The physician will evaluate growth curves, check for nutrient malabsorption, and rule out underlying gastrointestinal or systemic conditions to formulate an effective treatment plan.