Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract, requiring specialised diagnosis and ongoing management.
Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract, requiring specialised care and ongoing management.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Blood tests and stool tests to look for infection and the presence of inflammation (stool calprotectin) can be helpful. The diagnosis will be made with further tests such as a gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Specialised Treatment
With a compassionate approach and personalised treatment plans, we aim to make every visit a positive experience, ensuring both you and your child feel supported and well-cared-for.
Chronic Condition
Long-term management
Specialised Care
Comprehensive evaluation
Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Understanding the different types of IBD helps guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammation of the colon and rectum
Crohn's Disease
Inflammation throughout the digestive tract
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of inflammatory bowel disease in children is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Diarrhoea
Frequent, loose stools that may contain blood or mucous.
Abdominal Pain
Cramping, discomfort, or pain in the abdomen.
Blood in Stools
Visible blood or mucous in bowel movements.
Poor Growth
Failure to thrive or delayed growth and development.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
Other Symptoms
Swollen joints, mouth ulcers, or other non-gastrointestinal signs.
Treatment Approaches
Comprehensive treatment strategies tailored to your child's specific type of IBD and symptoms.
Medication Therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biologic therapies to control inflammation.
Dietary Management
Nutritional support and dietary modifications to support healing and growth.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up care, monitoring of inflammation markers, and growth assessment.
Related Services
Explore other diagnostic and treatment services that may be relevant to your child's care.
Warning Signs of IBD in Children
Inflammatory bowel disease can be difficult to diagnose in children. Seek specialist evaluation if your child has:
- ✓Chronic diarrhoea lasting more than 4 weeks
- ✓Blood or mucus in the stool
- ✓Unexplained weight loss or poor growth
- ✓Persistent abdominal cramping or pain
- ✓Fever with gastrointestinal symptoms
- ✓Mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers)
- ✓Delayed puberty or growth faltering
- ✓Perianal skin tags, fissures, or fistulas
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- →Comprehensive symptom, growth, and family history
- →Physical examination including perianal assessment
- →Blood tests: FBC, CRP, ESR, albumin, iron studies
- →Stool tests including faecal calprotectin
- →Colonoscopy and gastroscopy with biopsies for definitive diagnosis
- →MRI enterography to assess the small bowel
- →Ongoing monitoring and medication management after diagnosis
Referral & Medicare: A current GP or paediatrician referral is required for Medicare rebates. Please bring your referral and any prior test results.