Digestive and liver disorders can have significant effects on the health of a child. A healthy digestive system processes the foods and liquids that we eat, replenishing vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are vital for the body to function properly. Occasional vomiting or diarrhea may lead to dehydration, however, long-term problems with the digestive system and/or liver can deplete these important nutrients, causing malnutrition that affects a child’s physical and mental growth and development.

Some digestive disorders, such as vomiting or diarrhea, may be effectively treated by your child’s physician. Other times, your child’s physician may refer you to a physician who specializes in children’s digestive and liver disorders. This specialist is known as a pediatric gastroenterologist.

For more information:

• The Digestive System - An Overview

• Common Children’s Digestive Problems

• Problems Affecting the Lower Digestive Tract

• Problems Affecting the Upper Digestive Tract

• Problems in Prenatal Development of the Digestive Tract

• Diagnostic Procedures

• Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders

• Liver Disorders

• Glossary

Pediatric Care at Rush

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for children of all ages, from newborns through young adults.

At Rush, physicians from more than 30 specialties address the full range of pediatric diseases and congenital problems, from the common to the complex. Rush pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nurses and other health professionals provide care that aims to fulfill community needs, empower parents and advance pediatric care.

For more information about the pediatric care at Rush visit the Rush Children’s Hospital home page.

Or phone (888) RUSH-KID or (888) 787-4543.

Looking for More Health Information?

• Visit our Health Information home page.
   
  or
  


• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.