Archive for gastroenterology
What’s it like to have an endoscopy?
If your child has symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or celiac disease, has been diagnosed with esophageal atresia, or has another condition that affects their upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, their clinician may recommend an upper endoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor passes a long, thin, flexible tube with a light on the end through your child’s ... Read More about What’s it like to have an endoscopy?
A trip to Boston for FMT helps Isaac regain his health
For Isaac Flaming, a course of antibiotics prescribed to treat a simple ear infection led to Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a serious intestinal infection that causes diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, and fever. After four months of dealing with an array of debilitating symptoms, the 7-year-old traveled from his home in Oklahoma to Boston Children’s Hospital ... Read More about A trip to Boston for FMT helps Isaac regain his health
New research sheds light on risk of gluten exposure in the kitchen and classroom
Parents and teachers typically go to great lengths in the kitchen and in the classroom to ensure children with Celiac disease avoid gluten contact. But up until recently, little data has existed to quantify the risk that exists in a variety of scenarios. Now, new research suggests that while vigilance is key, people may be ... Read More about New research sheds light on risk of gluten exposure in the kitchen and classroom
Dietitian Tara McCarthy cooks up a meaningful New Year’s resolution
For many people, the new year offers an opportunity to embrace fresh starts and self-improvement goals. But for Tara McCarthy, a clinical nutrition specialist at the Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, her New Year’s resolution is unique. Every January, she commits to four weeks of eating the same restrictive diet followed by the ... Read More about Dietitian Tara McCarthy cooks up a meaningful New Year’s resolution
Identifying specific markers in blood may improve diagnosis of IBD in children
New research may lead to improved methods to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children. This could be especially beneficial for those experiencing malnutrition and impaired growth as a result of this condition, since it could shorten their wait time to access needed treatments. Identifying a common gene in blood and colon tissue samples Scientists from Boston ... Read More about Identifying specific markers in blood may improve diagnosis of IBD in children
Beware probiotics in ICU patients
It’s become common for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), both children and adults, to receive probiotics. Often, they are started at home to counteract diarrhea caused by antibiotics. There is also interest in using probiotics proactively in the ICU. A large multicenter clinical trial in Canada is testing whether probiotics would prevent ventilator-associated ... Read More about Beware probiotics in ICU patients
Four ways to manage the impact of cystic fibrosis on the GI system
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs, used to be considered a childhood disease with a very high mortality rate. But today, thanks to improvements in screenings, diagnosis, and treatments, as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of managing nutritional status, people with cystic fibrosis are living into ... Read More about Four ways to manage the impact of cystic fibrosis on the GI system
Feeding and growth difficulties in children: When to refer
Parents are bombarded with so much online information about the best ways to feed their children the nutrients they need to ensure they grow to the best of their potential. As we know, not everything they read is helpful or even accurate. The best thing you can do for your patient families is regularly plot ... Read More about Feeding and growth difficulties in children: When to refer
Pioneering microbiome findings shed light on aspiration
When children have respiratory infections, clinicians tend to blame gastroesophageal reflux, based on the assumption that bacteria-laden stomach contents rise into the mouth and are then aspirated. As a result, clinicians often recommend a type of anti-reflux surgery called fundoplication to treat these infections. Yet, despite undergoing this procedure, many patients don’t improve. A new ... Read More about Pioneering microbiome findings shed light on aspiration
Rylan’s story: A fixed and full tummy
Our sweet son Rylan cried all of the time as a baby. We were told by our local pediatrician in Texas that he had acid reflux. For the first year of his life, we sat in a rocking chair and rocked him nonstop while he cried. One night, I fell asleep with him on the couch ... Read More about Rylan’s story: A fixed and full tummy