Stomach & Digestion (GI)

Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix (a narrow, finger-like pouch that branches off the large intestine).

Biliary atresia is a chronic, progressive liver problem that becomes evident shortly after birth. 

Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food.

Constipation is defined as a decrease in frequency of bowel movements, compared to a child's usual pattern (some health care providers define constipation as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week).

Crohn disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a chronic condition that may recur at various times over a lifetime. It usually involves the small intestine, most often the lower part called the ileum.

Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency (or both) when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.

Dysphagia is a term that means "difficulty swallowing." It is the inability of food or liquids to pass easily from the mouth, into the throat and down into the esophagus to the stomach during the process of swallowing.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disorder that is caused by the abnormal flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

The cause of a growth problem depends on the type of growth disorder in question. Some growth problems are genetic, while others may be caused by hormonal disorders or poor absorption of food.

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion) damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers.