Paediatric Gastroenterologist Perth
What to expect when seeing a gastroenterologist with your child?
- Author: Dr Alicia Lim
- First published:
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
Paediatric Gastroenterologist Perth
Why see a paediatric gastroenterologist?
A paediatric gastroenterologist looks after the digestive health of babies, children, and teens. Childrens’ digestive systems are still growing, and their symptoms can be quite different to what adults experience. Paediatric gastroenterologists understand both the medical and emotional needs of young patients.
Typical reasons for a visit
Parents might bring their child to a paediatric gastroenterologist for a variety of reasons, including:
- Ongoing stomach pain or discomfort
- Diarrhoea or constipation that keeps coming back
- Slow growth or trouble gaining weight
- Blood in the stool
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Reflux or feeding issues in babies
- Conditions like Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, or IBS
Paediatric appointment at Westside Gastro
What to expect during your child’s visit
Preparing for the appointment
It helps to come prepared. Please bring:
- A list of your child’s symptoms and when they started
- Any growth or weight records, if you have them
- Notes about their eating habits or food preferences
- Any previous test results or letters from your GP or paediatrician
During the appointment
We’ll start by discussing your child’s health and symptoms. This might include:
- What your child eats and drinks
- Their bowel habits
- Any family history of gut or immune conditions
We make sure the check-up is gentle and child-friendly.
- Depending on your child’s symptoms, we may recommend:
Blood or stool tests to check for inflammation or allergies - An ultrasound to look inside the tummy
- In some cases, a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, though these aren’t usually done at the first visit
How it differs from an adult visit
The key differences are:
- Comfortable space: We keep things calm with a child-friendly setting
- Parents involved: You’re part of the process every step of the way
- Focus on growth: We look closely at how your child is growing and developing
- Reducing stress: We explain things simply and gently to help ease any worries
After the appointment
You’ll get a clear plan which may include changes to diet, medicine, or further tests. Follow-up is often important to make sure your child continues to grow and feel well. At Westside Gastro, we’re here to support your child with kind, thorough care.
When might a child need a colonoscopy?
We may suggest a colonoscopy if your child has:
- Long-lasting diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood in the stool with no clear reason
- Ongoing tummy pain that hasn’t been explained
- Signs of gut inflammation, like with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Growth problems that might be linked to gut issues
What happens during a colonoscopy for a child?
- Comfort first: Children are always given sedation or general anaesthetic so they stay relaxed and unaware
- Getting ready: Preparation involves a special drink and diet changes, with options designed to be gentle
- The procedure: A small, flexible camera checks the large intestine carefully; it’s done with a lot of care
Is endoscopy safe for children?
Yes. When done by a trained paediatric gastroenterologist, endoscopies are very safe. The risks are low and it helps us get the right answers to treat your child properly.
Do all children with gut issues need an endoscopy?
No. Many gut symptoms in children can be worked out with simpler tests like stool or blood tests, or an ultrasound. A colonoscopy is only suggested if it’s really needed. If we do recommend it, we’ll explain why and make sure you feel comfortable with the decision.
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Paeditaric Gastroenterology Perth
Why choose Westside Gastro for your child?
At Westside Gastroenterology, we’re proud to have Dr Alicia Lim on our team. Dr Lim is an experienced paediatric gastroenterologist who is also trained to do colonoscopies and gastroscopies for children. She takes a warm, caring approach to help both kids and parents feel supported from start to finish.
Whether it’s your child or yourself experiencing gut symptoms, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with us today to take the first step towards feeling better.
