Kids and Tummies
Pediatric Gastroenterologists located in Gulfport, MS & Ocean Springs, MS
The board-certified team at Kids and Tummies in Gulfport and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, provides expert care for your child’s abdominal pain. They are skilled in diagnosing your child’s condition and have the expertise to provide successful treatment. To schedule an appointment, call the friendly practice today or book your appointment online.
Liver Disease Specialist
Liver Disease Q & A
What is liver disease?
Liver disease affects the liver, a large organ in the upper abdomen that plays a vital role in filtering your blood and aiding digestion.
Several liver diseases can affect children, including:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: A genetic disorder that causes liver damage
- Pediatric metabolic liver disease: A genetic disorder that affects your child’s metabolism
- Autoimmune hepatitis: Liver inflammation in children who have an overactive immune system
- Glycogen storage disease: A buildup of glycogen (stored sugar) in the liver
- Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A condition where fat collects in the liver
- Wilson’s disease: A genetic disorder that causes liver injuries and a buildup of copper in the liver
Pediatric liver cancer is another type of liver disease. Bacterial infections, exposure to toxins or certain medications, and trauma can also cause hepatitis (liver inflammation), but by far the most common cause of liver disease in children is viral hepatitis.
What is viral hepatitis?
Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A (HAV) is a liver disease your child could pick up from something they eat or drink, or touching objects that have traces of stool on them from someone who has the infection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a more severe disease than hepatitis A. It can cause liver cancer, permanent scarring of your child’s liver, and other potentially life-threatening complications. Hepatitis B (HBV) spreads through contact with blood or other body fluids. It can also pass between an infected mother and her unborn child.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) spreads in the same way as hepatitis B and causes similar complications. It’s the most serious type of hepatitis and a leading reason for adults to need liver transplants.
What symptoms do liver diseases cause?
Liver diseases like hepatitis often don’t cause any symptoms. However, if your child does have symptoms, they may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Bruising easily
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
One of the clearest symptoms of liver disease is jaundice, which makes the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellowish.
How are liver diseases treated?
Treatment for your child’s liver disease depends on the cause. The Kids and Tummies pediatric gastroenterologist is an expert in diagnosing liver diseases and using the most advanced treatment methods.
Hepatitis A and B are preventable through vaccination. Your pediatrician can advise you on the most effective immunization strategy for your child. There’s no vaccination for hepatitis C yet, but effective medications are available to treat the disease.
If your child has any liver disease symptoms or you’d like to discuss vaccination against hepatitis, call Kids and Tummies today or book an appointment online.
Accepting New Patients
Would you like to schedule a new patient appointment with Dr. Ulmer? If so, please click here for our New Patient Packet and for information about your first visit. Click here to Request an Appointment, and find information on our office hours and locations.
Primary Services
The team offers comprehensive evaluations and therapies, treating each young patient with personalized care. They include the entire family in the child’s treatment, making visits and treatments an all-inclusive experience. The personalized attention they give children to ensure their successful outcomes make them a standout practice.
To schedule an appointment, call Kids and Tummies today or book an appointment online.
Office
Office
Monday to Friday : 8am – 4pm