Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center - Miller Children’s Hospital

Miller Children’s Hospital has partnered with Pediatric Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California (PGASC) to provide comprehensive expert care for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through our specialized Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. 

PGASC/Miller Children’s Hospital Pediatric IBD Center 1760 Termino Ave, #300 Long Beach, CA 90804 562-933-3009 562-933-8557 Fax

From initial evaluation and diagnosis through long-term disease management, our center strives to restore and maintain the quality of life that your child with IBD deserves. Although there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, we can offer effective and innovative treatments for your child.

Clinical services offered

• Comprehensive initial diagnostic evaluation for IBD
• Skilled and innovative endoscopy/colonoscopy procedures
• Nutritional evaluation
• Individualized treatment plans and follow-up
• Multidisciplinary team care approach
• Direct referrals to radiology, pediatric surgery, endocrinology and psychiatric specialists as needed
• On-going education and support for children and families
• Opportunity to participate in on-going clinical research including drug trials.

Parent/Patient information

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation in the digestive tract. As the name suggests, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon (large intestine). Although Crohn’s disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or the colon. IBD is a lifelong disease with periods of active disease alternating with periods of disease control (remission). IBD is sometimes confused with but is different from irritable bowel syndrome.

Who gets IBD?

IBD is generally a disease of young people because it most commonly develops between the ages of 10 and 30. There are more than 1 million people with IBD in the United States with new cases diagnosed at a rate of 10 cases per 100,000 people.

What are the symptoms of IBD?

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can present with similar symptoms that can include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Anemia
• Abnormal weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Rectal pain and bleeding

How is IBD diagnosed?

Your GI specialist will begin by obtaining a thorough medical history and physical exam. Evaluation will typically consist of several blood and stool laboratory tests as well as x-rays. If your child’s symptoms, exam, and laboratory tests raises suspicion for IBD, further definitive test may include endoscopy, which can include an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy (see the Procedure section for more information on these procedures).

How is IBD treated?

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the inflammation. Many types of medicine can reduce inflammation, including anti-inflammatory drugs such as sulfasalazine or mesalamine, corticosteroids such as prednisone, and immune system suppressors such as azathioprine and mercaptopurine. Your PGASC physician can offer the latest innovative treatment options. In addition, we can offer nutritional consultation and rehabilitation. If necessary, we have direct access to other specialists including surgery, endocrinology, radiology, and psychiatry that can offer additional assistance.

How can I get more information?

Crohns Information- English

Crohns Information- Spanish

Ulcerative Colitis Information- English

Ulcerative Colitis Information- Spanish

IBD and Nutritional Information- English

IBD and Nutritional Information- Spanish 

Contact us:
PGASC/Miller Children’s Hospital
Pediatric IBD Center
1760 Termino Ave, #300
Long Beach, CA 90804
562-933-3009
562-933-8557 Fax
Email Us