Pediatric Gastroenterology in New Jersey
The Digestive Health & Nutrition Center has two convenient locations in Lawrenceville and Princeton, New Jersey where your child can receive the exceptional care he or she deserves. Angela Merlo, MD is an expert Gastroenterologist with special training at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Merlo has over 20-years of experience in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders in children.
Does My Child Need a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
Most digestive ailments in children are of short duration and are commonly treated by the Pediatrician. But, recurrent digestive problems may require a specialist for resolution. Dr. Merlo specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders in children, disorders that can interfere with daily activities and even comprise growth. Referrals are not required by the Digestive Health & Nutrition Center unless dictated by your insurance.
What Disorders are Best Treated by a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
Digestive disorders in children need to be resolved quickly to prevent unnecessary loss of school and social activities. Chronic digestive issues can affect your child’s academic performance, produce adverse emotional side effects, and retard growth and development. Some specific digestive disorders in children commonly evaluated at the Digestive Health & Nutrition Center are:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stool
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic constipation
- Diarrhea
- Food allergies
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Growth retardation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Obesity
What Tests are Available with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
Dr. Merlo will first take a detailed history so she will know all of your child’s problems. Your child’s symptoms provide Dr. Merlo with the clues that guide her investigation. Dr. Merlo may order specific blood tests to aid in diagnosis. Interventional procedures such as endoscopy (LINK) and colonoscopy (LINK) are occasionally necessary for an accurate diagnosis but those situations are not common. Dr. Merlo utilizes non-invasive tests such as breath hydrogen tests (LINK) whenever possible. Dr. Merlo is renowned for her success in diagnosing and resolving the vast majority of digestive problems in children with non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques.
If your child has recurrent digestive problems or you seek a proper evaluation by a pediatric Gastroenterology specialist, contact the Digestive Health & Nutrition Center for an appointment with Dr. Merlo.
