In this episode of The Gut Whisperer Podcast, Dr. Nelson Spinetti explores one of the most common — and most overlooked — pediatric conditions: functional constipation.
Through the story of Camila, a 6-year-old girl whose fear of painful bowel movements spiraled into years of chronic constipation and social withdrawal, we unpack the emotional and physical toll this condition can take.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize the early behavioral signs of stool withholding

• Key risk factors, from diet to toilet training stress

• What distinguishes functional constipation from organic causes

• When to refer, how to treat, and how to prevent long-term complications

• A step-by-step approach to medical and lifestyle interventions that work

Whether you’re a provider, a parent, or part of a child’s support team, this episode gives you practical tools to break the cycle of chronic constipation — and help kids like Camila reclaim their confidence and health.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Gut Whisperer Podcast, Dr. Nelson Spinetti explores the often-overlooked early signs of Crohn’s disease in children — and why timely diagnosis is critical. Through the real-world case of Daniel, a 12-year-old boy whose symptoms were dismissed for years, Dr. Spinetti highlights key red flags such as growth failure, nocturnal pain, anemia, and perianal findings that should prompt deeper investigation.

Listeners will learn:

• The difference between functional and organic abdominal pain

• When to refer to pediatric GI

• How to use tools like calprotectin, labs, and imaging for early diagnosis

• Why delayed diagnosis leads to long-term complications

This episode also introduces the Pediatric GI Referral Toolkit, designed to help providers streamline referrals and improve outcomes.

Perfect for: Pediatricians, NPs, PAs, medical students, and families navigating digestive symptoms in children.

Welcome to "GI Whisper: Pediatric Digestive Health Explained", the podcast where medicine meets meaning—brought to you by the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic of South Texas in Edinburg. I’m your host, Dr. Nelson Spinetti, board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, storyteller, and father.

Today’s episode dives deep into a topic I see often in clinic: Crohn’s disease that goes undiagnosed for years—causing pain, uncertainty, and frustration. We'll uncover the early signs, systemic symptoms, and how you or your child can find answers sooner.

This podcast is also supported by Laguna, a captivating novel written by my son, Andrés Spinetti—a story of resilience and consistency, themes that mirror the strength of patients living with chronic conditions. Learn more at drspinettinelson.com.