Paediatric Gastroenterology

Our paediatric gastroenterology teams look after children with digestive, liver and feeding problems. We run dedicated children's services at hospitals across the UAE. Our specialists carry out paediatric endoscopy in a child-friendly setting. They help families manage conditions such as reflux, constipation and coeliac disease, and they support children who aren't growing well.

What is paediatric gastroenterology?

Paediatric gastroenterology is the care of the digestive system, liver and nutrition in children of every age. Paediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and treat problems such as reflux, food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease. Much of the work is following how a child feeds, grows and gains weight over time. Their training is separate from adult gastroenterology, and it goes further than a GP or general paediatrician. As a young person grows up, care moves across to an adult team.

When should you see a paediatric gastroenterologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Reflux or frequent vomiting that does not settle
• Ongoing tummy pain
• Constipation or diarrhoea that keeps coming back
• Poor weight gain or slow growth
• Blood in your child's poo or vomit
• Difficulty feeding or refusing food

If your child vomits blood, passes blood or shows signs of serious dehydration, seek emergency care straight away.

Not every reason to see us starts with a symptom. Some children come to us because a coeliac screen or a growth check needs a closer look, or because a long-term condition needs ongoing care. Many children are referred by their GP or general paediatrician, often when symptoms last longer than expected or affect how a child feeds and grows. You can also arrange an appointment yourself if you're worried about your child.

What to expect

At the first appointment, we'll ask about your child's symptoms, feeding, growth and family history, and we'll examine your child gently. We'll usually plot height and weight on a growth chart to see how your child is developing. Depending on what we find, we may suggest simple tests such as stool tests or blood tests, and sometimes an endoscopy, a camera test carried out under paediatric care.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. For many children it starts with changes to diet or feeding, such as a gluten-free diet, and sometimes medicines to ease symptoms. We work closely with you and paediatric dietitians, and we keep an eye on growth and symptoms over time. Your child's specialist will talk you through the options and agree the next step with you.

Paediatric gastroenterology at Mediclinic

We provide paediatric gastroenterology and hepatology care for children in child-friendly departments led by paediatric specialists. We care for children from infancy through to their teenage years. Our teams carry out endoscopy and use stool and blood tests to find the cause of a child's symptoms. When a child needs help with feeding, we place feeding tubes and provide nutrition support. Our departments offer outpatient clinics and inpatient care when a child needs to stay with us. In Dubai, these services are available at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital and Mediclinic City Hospital. In Abu Dhabi, paediatric gastroenterology is offered at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital. In Al Ain, children are seen at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital.