Digestive System

• Hirschsprung Disease

  Children with Hirschsprung disease aren’t able to pass a bowel movement, or do so with difficulty. Treatment almost always requires surgery.

• How Can I Tell if My Baby Is Constipated?

  A baby probably isn’t constipated if their stool (poop) is soft, no matter how often the bowel movements happen or if the baby strains to pass them.

• Imperforate Anus

  In an imperforate anus, the anal sphincter (a group of muscles in the anus that controls the release of poop) usually forms in the right place but without the normal opening.

• Indigestion

  Indigestion is an upset stomach that most often happens because someone eats too much or too fast, or has foods that don’t agree with them.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences.

• Inguinal Hernias

  An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines pushes through an opening in the lower part of the abdomen. Doctors fix these hernias with surgery.

• Intestinal Malrotation

  Malrotation is a type of obstruction caused by abnormal development of the intestines while a fetus is in the womb. Find out more about this condition and the complications it can cause.

• Intussusception

  Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. Quick treatment can help them recover without lasting problems.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal problem that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Certain foods can trigger these problems. So can anxiety, stress, and infections.

• Lactose Intolerance

  Many kids have lactose intolerance – trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products – which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas.