Dr. Elizabeth Yen
Pediatric Gastroenterology
San Francisco, CA
21 years experience female
Locations
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
San Francisco, CA
Phone
About
Bio
I am a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, trained at Children's Hospital Boston. I have a special focus in allergic gastrointestinal diseases, and in cystic fibrosis. I also treat patients with general gastrointestinal problems.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Doctor Q&A
118 Answers
182 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Not exactly: Fast food tends to be high in fat. Fat requires more time to digest, and the stomach accommodates for this by releasing its contents into the intesti... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes, but be careful: Glycerin suppositories are effective for toddlers. However, administration of any rectal therapy in young children after infancy can be emotionally di... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Needs evaluation: Chronic or recurrent diarrhea along with fatigue could be signs of a significant GI disorder, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Viral: Consider adenovirus, enterovirus, influenza, and hepatitis a, b, and c. Follow liver enzymes and check pt and bili. Recommend no acetaminophen. Monito... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
See your doctor: While it may be as simple and benign as a small tear in the anus due to passage of large hard stool, it could also be a sign of something more serious... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Depends: Steatorrhea can have many causes. Pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where no enzymes to digest the food you eat are secreted by the pancreas, is ... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Regular doctor: Dark stools can sometimes be a sign of blood loss, but more commonly are a result of what your eat. Certain medications can also make your stool very... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Inflammatory: Crohn's is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. It is a chronic disease t... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Maybe: There can be genetic predisposition to constipation, as in "it runs in the family." however, the most common cause for recurrent fecal impaction is ch... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Depends: If the diarrhea is due to an infection by a virus, it will need to run its course. You can help things along by taking a probiotic (healthy bacteria s... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
The 5 S's help: The following cuddle recipe helps stop excessive crying: swaddle, hold baby on his side, shhhhhh baby for soothing sound, swing, and suck (pacifier), ... Read More
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes: Important to check that celiac is controlled on biopsy. Sometimes ibs symptoms improve on a gluten free diet. But sometimes they can worsen if the die... Read More
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Various: Much is being learned about irritable bowel syndrome and the best ways to treat it. There are fda approved drugs available to treat the symptoms, but ... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Possible: Lactose intolerance results from the inability to fully digest lactose. The sugar is then fermented by bacteria in the intestines which produce excess... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Varies: Mild CF can vary from recurrent sinus infections, recurrent pneumonia, pancreatitis, fertility problems. One may have no evidence of CF until adulthoo... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Prob virus: There are many viruses that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can last anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Seek medical attention if you cannot keep ... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Likely infectious: Acute diarrhea usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated promptly. Increasing clear liquid intake helps prevent dehydr... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
See your doctor: Hepatitis a is not a chronic infection, so likely is not the problem now. A full evaluation by your doctor will decipher the current problem.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Could be: Ibs is defined by abdominal pain and bloating that is improved by bowel movements. It also occurs with frequency and is chronic. Many symptoms of ibs ... Read More
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes: Lactose intolerance can develop in adulthood. It can be primary loss of lactase enzyme activity which is genetically programmed. It can also be second... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Pancreatitis: A viral infection by itself can cause pancreatitis. The severity is variable. Trauma to the upper abdomen can also cause pancreatitis.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Just rectum: Glycerin is an irritant stimulant. It only affects the area it comes in contact with. However, by relieving a blockage in the rectum, you may be able ... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Normal: Bile changes color as it travels through the intestine. The color generally goes from yellow to green to brown. Green stool usually is that way becaus... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Upper abdomen pain: Pain that is worse with eating is typical of ulcers. The pain is usually in the upper abdomen. It can be very severe. Persistent heartburn should be e... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Intestinal bacteria: The food you eat empties out of your stomach in about 2 hours. However, you have a very long segment of small intestine where digestion takes place. ... Read More
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Diet: Gas is produced by bacteria in your intestines as it consumes some of the food you eat. Certain foods result in greater gas production, and certain ba... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Run its course: As miserable as the stomach flu makes one feel, there is unfortunately no treatment for it. Hydration with clear liquids by mouth is paramount. If you... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Evaluate: Pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen has a variety of causes. If the pain is acute, appendicitis is a possibility and requires urgent atten... Read More
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
See doctor: Could be an infection, a swollen lymph node, a diverticulum. Please have this checked out by your health care provider.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Can be treated: Chronic hepatitis b can be treated with fda approved medications, but cure rates vary. Seek out the consultation of a liver specialist (hepatologist) ... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Not sure: What you describe sounds like abdominal cramping, and can be caused by many things. The most common cause is constipation. If this is a symptom that ... Read More
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes: A diet with high amounts of simple sugars can cause fluctuations in Insulin levels and lead to highs and lows of perceived energy and mood. Such a di... Read More
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Depends: Some viral infections last 24 hours, others 1 week. Sometimes the virus is cleared, but symptoms linger at a lower intensity and frequency for weeks t... Read More
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
See doctor : Persistent cyclic symptoms like these should be evaluated. It could be an infection or a periodic fever syndrome. See your doctor.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Dehydration: If the diarrhea is large volume, dehydration can quickly develop. Dehydration can cause one to feel lightheaded. Hydration with electrolyte containi... Read More
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
H. Pylori: Infection with h pylori can cause gastritis and ulcers. In both cases, pain in the upper abdomen is worse after eating. Other possibilities include ga... Read More
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
No test: There is no single diagnostic test for irritable bowel syndrome. Rather, the constellation of symptoms in the absence of any abnormal test finding is ... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Watch, maybe test: Because smoothies are made with fresh fruit and vegetables, if they are not properly cleaned prior to use in a smoothie, they can potentially be conta... Read More
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Low FODMAP diet: Certain foods contain sugars and carbohydrates that are relatively difficult for humans to digest, but easy for bacteria in the gut to digest. When t... Read More
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
See doctor: These symptoms are concerning for gastrointestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease. You should see your primary care doctor to start a wor... Read More
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Blood: Hepatitis b and c are both blood borne illnesses. They are transmitted from mother to child during birth. Sharing needles is the riskiest behavior for... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Constipation: Constipation is a common problem that can cause symptoms in some people in as little as 1 to 2 days of not passing a bowel movement. Excess and foul s... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Laundry list: Here is a laundry list for causes of chronic diarrhea: crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, lactose intolera... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
No: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease but is not strictly speaking autoimmune. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tube... Read More
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes: The short answer is yes. Below is a link from the american academy of pediatrics that discusses the introduction of solid foods for infants. The curr... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
No hep b: Hepatitis b surface antigen is present during an active infection with hepatitis b. When it is negative, it means that there is no hepatitis b virus p... Read More
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Possible: Lactose intolerance results from the inability to fully digest lactose. The sugar is then fermented by bacteria in the intestines which produce excess... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Antacids: A sense of gastric acidity, with pain in the upper abdomen, and a sour taste in the mouth, can be quickly alleviated with over the counter antacids th... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes: These vaccines are often given together.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
316
Thank you notes
Apr 15, 2014
I did my training with Dr. Yen at Boston Children's Hospital. She is very sharp, thorough, and hard working. She always puts patients and their families first and has a lot of empathy and good will. I...Read More
HealthTap member
Feb 21, 2013
Her answers are always precise, understandable and straight to the point.
Her answer to my hbv question not only was quick, but virtually saved my life.
Thank you Dr Yen...
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Yen is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you I actually have an appointment with a proctologist tomorrow so this helped
HealthTap member
Thanks Doc! I do have a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and fissure..but I am scared of going in for surgery
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks for giving actual possibilities instead of vagueness "
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, NY
Graduated 2001MD
Residency
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Awards
Top Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Second Place, National - Winter
2013
HealthTap Scholar
HealthTap ClubMD
Affiliations
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
American Gastroenterological Association
Publications
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
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