Skip to main content

Conditions We Treat

Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program

Children can be born with a motility disorder or develop one later. Some motility disorders are caused by a problem with the child’s anatomy or by another medical condition. Others are caused by poor habits learned during potty training. 

The Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program team at Phoenix Children’s evaluates and treats children with a wide range of motility disorders and conditions that affect motility. These include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Achalasia
  • Anorectal malformations: Birth defects of the anus or rectum
  • Chronic constipation
  • Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
  • Esophageal atresia
  • Esophageal strictures: Abnormal narrowing of the passageway that connects the throat to the stomach
  • Fecal incontinence (“encopresis”): When a child who is past the age of toilet training leaks stool into their underwear
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
  • Gastroparesis: Delayed emptying of the stomach
  • Hirschsprung disease
  • Neurogenic bowel: Loss of normal bowel function
  • Intestinal pseudo-obstruction: When intestinal nerve or muscle problems prevent food, fluid and air from moving through the GI tract

We often partner with other Phoenix Children’s experts to care for children with motility problems. Specialties we work with include anesthesia, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), pain management, physical therapy, psychology, nutrition, radiology, speech therapy, surgery and urology.

Share this page