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Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program

Our Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program provides comprehensive care for children living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBD is a blanket term for several chronic diseases that can result when the low-level inflammatory response that helps maintain healthy bacterial levels in the intestines rages out of control. This can cause diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain and weight loss. Types of IBD include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis.

Here at UCSF, we know that IBD can have a serious negative impact on a child’s quality of life. So we're committed to using all the knowledge, technologies and support resources we have to help your child live as happily and actively as possible.

Our program takes a collaborative approach to caring for kids with IBD. Our team includes pediatric gastroenterologists specializing in IBD, pediatric surgeons, nutritionists, pathologists, pharmacists, social workers and child life specialists. We also work closely with pediatric specialists in psychiatry and psychology, radiology, infectious diseases, endocrinology and urology.

In a very real sense, your family and child are also members of our team. We work closely with you to understand and manage what might be causing the condition and aggravating your child's symptoms. Genetics, environmental triggers and your child's unique immune system can all be factors. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, surgery, nutritional management and other supportive therapies designed to achieve remission or reduce symptoms.

Our locations (8)

    Related conditions

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    • One of the nation's best in gastroenterology & GI surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (1)

    Primary Immune Regulatory Disorder (PIRD) Clinic

    Primary Immune Regulatory Disorder (PIRD) Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    After hospitalization, we help kids return to school by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

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      UCSF Division of Pediatric GI, Hepatology & Nutrition Research

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