Digestive disorders affecting infants and children range from simple problems that most children experience from time to time, such as vomiting or diarrhea, to more serious (and possibly life-threatening) birth defects such as tracheoesophageal fistula, or illnesses such as appendicitis.

Digestive and liver disorders can have significant effects on the health of a child. A healthy digestive system processes the foods and liquids that we eat, replenishing vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are vital for the body to function properly. Occasional vomiting or diarrhea may lead to dehydration, however, long-term problems with the digestive system and/or liver can deplete these important nutrients, causing malnutrition that affects a child's physical and mental growth and development.

Some digestive disorders, such as vomiting or diarrhea, may be effectively treated by your child's physician. Other times, your child's physician may refer you to a physician who specializes in children's digestive and liver disorders. This specialist is known as a pediatric gastroenterologist.

This web provides an overview of the digestive system and liver, how they work, and problems that can occur in these body systems.

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