Feeding problems

Common in infants and toddlers. Can be associated with gastroenterological problems such as gastro-oesophageal reflux, food allergies, or other gastroenterological problems; with other paediatric conditions; or can be a sign of disturbed feeding pattern.

Certain types of eating disorders

The role of the paediatric gastroenterologist is to recognise, diagnose, and manage treatable gastroenterological conditions, such as eosinophilic oesophagitis, food allergies, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastroenterological infections and inflammation, functional gastro-intestinal disorders, etc. 

The gut-brain axis is a potent bidirectional path to deliver signals from the digestive system to the brain and vice versa. Therefore, there can often be a co-existence of gastroenterological issues with other problems in the body and mind, and it is important to identify and address them comprehensively.

There is good medical evidence that the outcome of managing these interactions is better, if the diagnostic work-up and management in gastroenterology and beyond is supported by identification and approach to other co-existing problems such as anxieties, bullying, depression, attention deficit disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, and other; some of them will benefit from or require input from a child psychologist or professional from local CAMHS teams.