Our pediatric gastroenterology team helps children with digestive, liver and nutritional concerns feel better and grow stronger through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment and kid-focused care.

When your child is facing digestive or liver issues, our team is here to answer your questions and address your concerns. At MU Health Care, our pediatric gastroenterologists provide expert care for a wide range of conditions, from common tummy troubles to rare and complex disorders.

Our team uses child-friendly testing and the latest techniques to make your child as comfortable as possible and to give your family a clear path forward.

Our Approach to Pediatric Gastroenterology

At MU Health Care, your child’s well-being guides everything we do. Our pediatric gastroenterology team collaborates with experts across specialties — including pediatric pulmonologists, surgeons and ENT doctors — to provide seamless care for complex digestive needs such as swallowing or motility disorders. We also work with allergy and immunology specialists when food sensitivities may be a factor.

Together, we’ll partner with you to create a care plan tailored to your child and focused on long-term health.

Conditions We Treat

• Celiac disease
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Crohn’s disease
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Failure to thrive
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• GI-related food allergies
• Liver disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Gastroenterology Tests and Treatments

We use gentle, noninvasive techniques to test and treat pediatric gastrointestinal issues whenever possible and can explore other options when needed. 

Our tools and procedures include:

• Allergy and food intolerance testing
• Biopsy
• Blood and stool sample tests
• Breath testing for sugar intolerance
• Capsule endoscopy (pill cam)
• Endoscopy and colonoscopy
• Esophageal pH monitoring
• Lifestyle changes
• Liver function panels
• Medication
• Motility studies for esophagus and intestines
• Nutrition and feeding therapy

Your child’s care plan may include one or more of these tests or treatments, depending on their diagnosis. For chronic gastrointestinal conditions, we offer long-term monitoring and proactive follow-up.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Pediatric Gastroenterology

• Capsule endoscopy that sees the full GI tract: This advanced tool gives us a complete view of your child’s digestive system — without any discomfort or sedation.
• Team-based care: Our Aerodigestive Program brings ENT, pulmonology and GI specialists together for children with airway or swallowing concerns. We work side-by-side with other MU Health Care pediatric specialists, as well, so care is streamlined and fully coordinated.
• Kid-friendly tests and treatments: Our care teams are specially trained to keep your child calm, safe and comfortable during all procedures. We combine advanced GI care with a personal approach that makes your family feel supported.
• Accessible, expert care: As the region’s only children’s hospital, families drive from across Missouri for our high-level services — without the stress of a major city hospital. Since all of our specialists work under one roof, we can help minimize trips to the clinic and get your child the care they need in fewer visits.