Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal Launches Exclusive Pediatric Gastroenterology Services

BANGALORE, July 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Services Will Include Evaluation and Treatment of Gastrointestinal, Liver, and Nutritional Disorders for Children and Adolescents

In order to address common and difficult digestive system related problems among parents and provide specialized services for all children requiring elective or emergency gastroenterology services, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal (CAHH) launched a comprehensive Pediatric Gastroenterology service. The department will consist of a team of trained and experienced consultants including a pediatric gastroenterologist, pediatric surgeon, pediatric allergy specialists, and dietician and paramedic support staff. The hospital will also offer Ph studies to diagnose troublesome reflux which is only offered at few centers in India.

Children are not small adults. The digestive system in children is unique, compared to adults, so does their digestive problems. Any part of the digestive system can get affected - from the oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach to the small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder or pancreas.

Feeding disorders are complex and do cause a lot of concern among parents. If they are severe, then they can cause weight and growth problems. Children often have specific aversions to different types of foods, but it is important to distinguish the picky eater from children with genuine medical problems like reflux, food allergies etc.

Often parents and doctors confuse babies' food allergy with other common symptoms leading to a different diagnosis. "It is important that a pediatric gastroenterologist evaluates the underlying problem. At Columbia Asia Hospital - Hebbal, we will provide a caring environment and advanced clinical and diagnostic facilities," says Dr. Dinesh Banur, Consultant Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal.

In fact in a recent case, a four month old baby weighing just 1.8 kgs was brought to the hospital in a very critical condition. This baby had developed severe allergy against cow's milk protein and was suffering from significant weight loss and diarrhea. The team was able to identify the issue and the child benefitted from the same.

"We are pleased to launch this dedicated service and expand our healthcare facilities to niche segments like pediatric gastroenterology. This department will offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with disorders of the digestive system, and will be one of the few centers towards dedicated pediatric gastroenterology in the country," added Dr. Prashanth, General Manager, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal.

"Gastrointestinal disease is one of the most common ailments affecting the health of infants and children worldwide. It exerts many adverse effects, not only on the function of the child's health, but also on their growth and development. We will not only provide the required medical care to the patients but will also ensure that the family is involved in all steps of the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan," added Dr. Banur.

The services include:

- Feeding clinic - A specialized unit which evaluates and treats children with fussy feeding, feed refusal and faltering weight. It also include pediatric endoscopy services

- Pediatric food allergy clinic - This unit will diagnose and treat severe food allergies and atopy (hypersensitivity) in children from ages 0-16

- Clinics for children with evacuation problems - The clinic focuses on constipation, fetal & urinary incontinence and toilet training issues

- Evaluation and management of digestive system emergencies like blood in the vomit and motion, removal of swallowed foreign body e.g. coin, battery, sharp objects etc.

About Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.

Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. is one of the first healthcare companies to enter the country through 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) route.

About Columbia Asia Group of Companies

The Columbia Asia Group is owned by more than 150 private equity companies, fund management organizations and individual investors. The group currently operates seven multi-specialty community hospitals, one referral hospital and one clinic in India. The company also operates hospitals in Malaysia (10), Vietnam (3), and Indonesia (1). The Indian management operations are managed from its office in Bangalore. For more information visit http://www.columbiaasia.com.

Primary Media Contact: Kanchana Prasad, [email protected], 91-80-40211000