St. Charles Hospital recently opened a Pediatric Gastroenterology Center. The Center,
under the direction of Mark Lowenheim, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist, offers
comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for children with gastrointestinal
disorders as well as state of the art diagnostic procedures.
A pediatric gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of
infants, children and teenagers with digestive, liver and nutritional disorders. They are
specialty trained and experienced in examining and treating children with gastrointestinal
(GI) problems. Since GI issues present in children differently than they present in adults,
pediatric gastroenterologists focus on issues specific to pediatric patients. These can
include growth, maturation and physical and emotional development.
Pediatric gastroenterologists generally provide treatment for the following:
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Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux or GERD)
Vomiting
Chronic constipation
Chronic diarrhea
Feeding disorders
Nutritional problems (including malnutrition, failure to thrive, and obesity)
Food allergies or intolerances
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Short bowel syndrome
Liver and gallbladder disease
Acute or chronic abdominal pain
Pancreatic insufficiency (including cystic fibrosis) and pancreatitis
Lactose intolerance
At St. Charles Hospital’s Pediatric Gastorenteroloy Center, Dr. Lowenheim can perform
advanced diagnostic tests of a child’s digestive system. These tests include upper and
lower endoscopy, both of which are performed in the hospital’s new Endoscopy Suite in
conjunction with board certified pediatric anesthesiologists.
If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric gastroenterologist, you can be
assured that your child will receive the best possible care at St. Charles Hospital’s
Pediatric Gastroenterology Center.
For more information on pediatric gastroenterology services, please call (631) 474-6797.