For Clinicians
High-yield pediatric GI triage, red flags, and practical algorithms (quick links).
Triage: High-risk presentations (do not miss)
Vomiting
- Bilious vomiting in any infant/child → treat as possible obstruction until proven otherwise
- Newborn vomiting + lethargy/poor feeding/fever → consider sepsis evaluation and hydration
Swallowing complaints
- Food bolus with inability to handle secretions (drooling/spitting) → urgent endoscopic capability
- Button battery / magnets / sharp objects → emergent pathways
GI bleeding
- Large hematochezia, melena, shock, or systemic illness → urgent resuscitation + targeted evaluation
- Infant hematochezia: consider allergic proctocolitis vs infection vs surgical etiologies depending on presentation
Algorithms (Quick Reference)
Recurrent Abdominal Pain: Functional vs Organic
Red flags, constipation as a driver, and when to test for celiac/IBD.
Open →
Abdominal Pain Master Guide (Triage + Constipation Algorithm)
Age-based differential and testing triggers.
Open →
Swallowing Complaints: Choking vs Dysphagia vs Globus
Practical differentiation and urgent signs.
Open →
Food Bolus / “Can’t Swallow After Hard Food”
Emergency guidance and when to suspect EoE/stricture.
Open →
Dysphagia: “Food Stuck in the Chest”
EoE clues, evaluation overview, and red flags.
Open →
Post-choking Food Refusal (Fear-Based Avoidance)
Practical stepwise re-introduction + when to refer.
Open →
Suggested “minimum workup” reminders (symptom-driven)
Recurrent abdominal pain (no red flags)
- Prioritize constipation management and functional framework
- Consider selective testing when risk factors exist (family history, growth decline, anemia)
Suspected celiac disease
- Test while on gluten
- Consider risk groups (type 1 diabetes, first-degree relative)
Suspected IBD
- Evaluate for anemia/inflammation and stool blood
- Escalate with growth faltering, nocturnal symptoms, or persistent hematochezia
Clinical education notes (planned)
- Short clinician one-pagers (PDF):
- Constipation pathway
- GI bleeding by age
- Dysphagia/EoE screening questions
- Vomiting by age triage