Pediatric Gastroenterology

When is it a stomachache and when is it something else? If your pediatrician has a question about your child’s esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver or pancreas, s/he may want to get a second opinion from our pediatric gastroenterologist. He knows what signs and symptoms to look for if your child’s pain is more serious.

Sometimes this specialty is called “GI care” (gastro-intestinal tract). The causes of GI problems in children can be quite different from adults: they can be due to a nutritional problem or a digestive system problem or even an emotional problem.

Using the latest methods and treatments, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and care for conditions from the common to the complex, such as…

• Appendicitis
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis
• Diverticulosis of the colon
• Unexplained weight loss/gain
• Feeding difficulties
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation or diarrhea and hemorrhoids
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Celiac Disease
• Hepatitis and liver diseases

What can I expect?

Your pediatric gastroenterologist will do a physical exam and look for any tenderness, organ enlargement or fullness beneath the skin.

He may ask you about

• your child’s diet
• family medical history (especially of IBD)
• uncontrolled weight loss
• vomiting or diarrhea
• late puberty
• fever

He could order tests such as a CT scan of the abdominal region, an ultrasound, MRI or endoscopy.

You might find these websites helpful to answer any questions:

GI Kids (help & hope for children with digestive disorders)

Just Like Me (for teens with IBD)

What’s a pediatric gastroenterologist?

Pediatric gastroenterologists are passionate about solving kids’ digestive orders and diseases. In addition to years of medical school, they undergo extensive training and specialize in the evaluation and treatment of children with issues affecting the G.I. tract and related organs. Dr. Ravi Berry is an expert pediatric gastroenterologist who completed his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He has also won multiple awards from parents for his compassionate care. You can feel confident that whatever the problem is, he’ll get to the bottom of it.

Berry, Ravi K., MD

(951) 782-3690