Pediatric Digestive Disorders - Maryland Health Today

Pediatric Digestive Disorders - Maryland Health Today
University of Maryland Medical System
27 min 48 sec - Mar 7, 2007

Dr. Steven Czinn, head of the University of Maryland Hospital for Children and Chief of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland Medical Center, discusses digestive problems in children, including newborns and teenagers. Dr. Czinn says reflux, or “spitting up” is normal for infants and he discusses some ways to reduce it. He also describes symptoms that signal more serious digestive problems in children, such as vomiting with blood, irritability and poor weight gain. Those may be the sign of GERD (gastroesphogeal reflux disease). The show covers GERD symptoms and treatments, which include diet/lifestyle changes as well as medications and surgery. The second half of the program focuses on celiac disease, an intolerance to the protein gluten found in wheat products and other grains, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, failure to gain weight and unexplained weight loss. Dr. Czinn also discusses the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and he describes why specialized health services for children are important.