Gastroenterology

Digestive System

Every child gets a tummy ache or the flu once in awhile, but ongoing symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or poor growth may be cause for concern. Unlike adults, children are still growing, so it’s important to see someone with special training and expertise in pediatric digestive problems.

Care from a Specialist

A pediatric gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in digestive system disorders affecting infants, children, and adolescents. University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is home to the most comprehensive gastroenterology service in Eastern Iowa and offers expert diagnosis and care for children with stomach, intestinal, and liver disorders.

UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is nationally recognized as an approved NPF Center by the National Pancreas Foundation—one of only 11 official pediatric centers in the country. An approved NPF Center has expert physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support, and more. NPF support helps promote research and education for children and adults diagnosed with pancreatitis.

• Abdominal pain
• Celiac disease
• Complications related to cystic fibrosis
• Crohn's disease
• Congenital bowel dysfunction
• Congenital liver disorders
• Constipation and soiling
• Diarrhea
• Feeding, growth and nutritional problems
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Indigestion
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hepatitis
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic ulcers
• Ulcerative colitis
• Vomiting

We believe parents and family members know their children best, so at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, you’re an equal partner on the pediatric health care team. We listen to you and your child so that we can work together to improve your child’s health and well-being.