Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Nutritional Approaches

Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are among the most common reasons for pediatric office and emergency department visits. From functional abdominal pain and reflux to acute gastroenteritis and chronic diarrhea, a wide range of GI disorders in children can mimic one another and present diagnostic challenges. Clinicians must be equipped to differentiate between benign and severe pathology while providing safe, evidence-based care that incorporates both medical and nutritional management.

This CME/CE course provides a comprehensive review of common pediatric GI disorders, with practical approaches to diagnosis and treatment in both outpatient and acute care settings. It is designed to support pediatricians, family medicine physicians, emergency medicine providers, and advanced practice professionals in improving their understanding of pediatric digestive health.

The course begins with a deep dive into functional abdominal pain, one of the most prevalent GI complaints in children. Learners will explore red flags that differentiate functional disorders from inflammatory, infectious, or surgical causes. Clinical decision tools and history-taking strategies are provided to guide accurate diagnosis.

Participants will also learn to identify when reflux, vomiting, or emesis may be a sign of more serious issues such as malrotation, eosinophilic esophagitis, GERD, or increased intracranial pressure. Diarrhea management is addressed with a focus on distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious causes, hydration strategies, and indications for diagnostic testing or pharmacologic therapy.

A critical component of the course is the integration of nutritional approaches in pediatric GI care. From lactose intolerance and celiac disease to inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syndrome, nutrition plays a pivotal role in symptom management and growth optimization. Learners will gain practical knowledge on dietary modifications, feeding plans, and when to involve dietitians or GI specialists.

By the end of this course, clinicians will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to deliver holistic, guideline-informed care for a range of pediatric GI disorders, leading to improved outcomes and greater caregiver satisfaction.

Educational Objectives

• Identify the common causes of functional abdominal pain in pediatric patients and distinguish them from organic causes.
• Describe clinical scenarios in which reflux, vomiting, or emesis may indicate severe gastrointestinal or systemic pathology.
• List strategies for evaluating and managing acute and chronic diarrhea in children, including when treatment is necessary.
• Explain how nutritional interventions can be tailored to manage specific pediatric GI disorders such as celiac disease or IBD.
• Develop a comprehensive care plan that includes diet, education, and when to refer to a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Who Should Do This Course?

This course is intended for:

• Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners managing common GI complaints in children.
• Emergency Medicine Physicians and Urgent Care Providers treating pediatric vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Family Medicine and Primary Care Physicians encountering GI disorders in general practice.
• Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses in pediatric care settings or school health programs.
• Providers in collaboration with pediatric gastroenterologists or dietitians.

This course is beneficial for those providing care in underserved or resource-limited settings where specialist access may be delayed.

Did You Know?

• Functional abdominal pain affects up to 20% of school-aged children. (Pediatrics in Review, 2019)
• Vomiting is the most common symptom leading to pediatric ED visits for GI issues. (AAP, 2022)
• Infectious diarrhea remains a leading cause of pediatric mortality worldwide, despite being largely preventable. (WHO, 2023)
• Celiac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 children, yet remains underdiagnosed. (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 2020)
• Nutritional management can reduce hospitalizations and symptom burden in children with inflammatory bowel disease. (JPGN, 2021)