Episode 18: When Should Kids See a GI Specialist? Growth, Feeding & Digestive Issues Explained

Dr. Lindsey Waldman hosts pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Natalie Sikka to discuss where gastroenterology and endocrinology overlap in children, especially around growth and nutrition. They explain that “normal” weight gain means tracking along an individual child’s growth curve, with concern raised by rapid increases or decreases, plateaus, or drops in weight or height percentiles, while considering genetics and dietary intake. Dr. Sikka outlines an evaluation for poor weight gain, including detailed diet history and assessing for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, swallowing issues, or malabsorption, with stepwise testing such as blood work, stool studies, imaging, and endoscopy/colonoscopy when indicated. They cover picky eating strategies emphasizing nutritious foods modeled by parents, the gut-brain connection and anxiety-related symptoms, practical constipation guidance, moderating sweets, and red flags warranting GI referral (night pain, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, blood in stool, anemia, unexplained weight loss, and growth changes).00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:32 Why Pediatric GI03:34 What Normal Growth Means05:09 Genetics Weight and Nutrition06:52 Workup for Poor Weight Gain09:03 Picky Eating Red Flags10:27 Healthy Habits for Selective Eaters13:22 Gut Brain Connection14:30 Testing and Stepwise Evaluation16:39 Constipation Practical Advice19:10 Sweets and Junk Food Rules21:01 When to See a GI21:59 Myths Communication and Wrap Up23:30 How to Book and ClosingMedical Disclaimer:The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.