Dr. Anas Bitar M.D.
Gastroenterologist (Pediatric) | Pediatric Gastroenterology
9201 E MOUNTAIN VIEW RD STE 120 SCOTTSDALE AZ, 85258About
Dr. Anas Bitar is a pediatric gastroenterologist practicing in Saginaw, MI. Dr. Bitar specializes in the digestive system and its diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, which include organs from the mouth to the anus as well as liver disorders. Gastroenterology includes conditions such as hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, nutritional problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Bitar performs colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures and provides accurate and thorough care for patients suffering from digestive issues.
Education and Training
Oklahoma University GI fellowship 2013
Tulane University Pediatric Residency 2010
Board Certification
American Board of Pediatrics
Pediatric Gastroenterology (Pediatrics)
Provider Details
Dr. Anas Bitar M.D.'s Expert Contributions
Can kids really get heartburn?
Yes, they can. Kids with GERD and other esophageal disorders may complain of heartburn. READ MORE
Does my son have Crohn's?
It could be Crohn's Disease. It could be also Celiac Disease. I recommend his PCP make a referral to Pediatric Gastroenterologist. READ MORE
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Your son might have lactose intolerance. Patients with lactose intolerance may tolerate limited amount of lactose in their diet. If Lactose consumption exceeds certain limits, they will have symptoms. READ MORE
How long does lactose intolerance usually last in kids?
Lactose intolerance could be temporary secondary to gastroenteritis. It may take 3-4 weeks before it resolves. On the other hand, Lactose intolerance could be congenital or secondary to a other underlying gastrointestinal diseases. READ MORE
Are there any home remedies to treat diarrhea?
It really depends on the cause of diarrhea. If diarrhea is always associated with travel, then it might be infectious. READ MORE
What are the risk factors of celiac disease in children?
Celiac disease may present at any age after introducing gluten to the diet. A family history of celiac disease increases the risk of having the disease. When someone is diagnosed with celiac disease, it is reasonable to have all first-degree relatives get checked for celiac disease by obtaining serologic tests. READ MORE
Is a dairy allergy different from lactose intolerance?
Dairy allergy is related to the protein in the dairy. Patients who are allergic to dairy would have symptoms when exposed to any kind of dairy (cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and milk including lactaid milk). Lactose intolerance is related to the sugar in the dairy (Lactose). Patients with lactose intolerance would be OK with lactose free dairy. READ MORE
Are probiotics safe for kids?
Yes, you can. There are many OTC probiotics for children. I do not recommend Probiotics for long term (> 2 months) though. READ MORE
My daughter keeps having an upset stomach. What can I do to help her?
It is hard to answer your question without seeing and examining her. If physical exam and growth are normal, next step is to obtain labs, urine tests, stool tests and/or imaging. A referral to pediatric gastroenterology would be the next step. READ MORE
What causes colic pain in small kids?
The differential diagnosis for abdominal pain in pediatric patient is very wide. It is hard to answer your question without knowing all details related to the pain (period, frequency, location, etc). I recommend he sees his pediatrician who may obtain labs/X-Ray/Ultrasound and decide about referral to Pediatric Gastroenterology. READ MORE
My daughter has celiac disease, and is having trouble with the gluten-free diet. What do you recommend?
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org) and http://www.publix.com READ MORE
Can milk cause loose stool in kids?
This might be related to lactose intolerance. READ MORE
What can I give my child for acid reflux?
There are many treatment options for acid reflux. All drugs have side effects but the benefits, sometimes outweigh the risks. Before suggesting a treatment, we have to know your child’s age and history. We have to make sure that your child has reflux. Although GERD is common, many parents assume their children have reflux based on certain symptoms (e.g. heartburn, spitting up, difficulty swallowing, decreaed oral intake, vomiting, and abdominal pain) which could be related to other GI disorders. I suggest you counsel with a Pediatric Gastroenterology. Hope this helps! READ MORE
Why is my daughter passing black stools?
A dark/black stool could be related to certain food. An Upper GI bleeding (from esophagus or stomach) presents also with black stool. If this persists, I recommend contacting the PCP and get the poop tested for blood. READ MORE
If my child is lactose intolerant, will he be weak?
Lactose intolerance does not cause physical weakness. If he is on dairy-limited diet, this may results in low calcium. On the other side, many food items are fortified with calcium (e.g. orange juice, cereal). Furthermore, calcium exists in certain sea food and vegetables. READ MORE
Should children be given probiotics?
I am not aware of any recommendations or benefits related to probiotics in healthy children. READ MORE
Is constipation in children normal?
It is not normal to struggle with bowel movements but it is common for children to have constipation. Constipation could be functional or secondary to many underlying diseases. I recommend your son gets seen by a pediatric gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment. READ MORE
How can celiac disease be diagnosed?
In the absence of diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, or weight loss, it is hard to tell. Rash by itself in association with wheat consumption is not diagnostic of celiac disease. Rash associated with certain food consumption could be related to gluten or wheat allergy. Celiac disease can be diagnosed by obtaining celiac serologic markers and upper endoscopy with biopsies. The serologic markers can be ordered by the primary care physician. The upper endoscopy with biopsies can be performed by pediatric gastroenterologist. READ MORE
No peristalsis, floppy colon- what can help?
It is hard to answer your question without knowing the current pattern (frequency and consistency) of your bowel movements. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Assistant Professor Michigan University 2013 - 2017
- Assistant Professor Central Michigan University 2017 - 2018
Professional Memberships
- Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Member of NASPGHAN
Dr. Anas Bitar M.D.'s Practice location
SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258Get Direction
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