Dr. Elizabeth Yen
Pediatric Gastroenterology
San Francisco, CA
22 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 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Right away: Having yellow skin, or jaundice, is a sign of liver malfunction (like from hepatitis) or blockage of the bile ducts. The combination of jaundice and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Yes: Even trace amounts of gluten in the environment can cause an immune reaction in a patient with celiac disease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Depends: The colon naturally produces mucus. With colitis, the colon is infected, inflamed, or irritated and can produce excess mucus to protect itself. Someti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
No specific: All nsaids can cause damage to the GI tract. If you require long-term use of nsaids, then discuss with your prescribing doctor how to best protect you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Vague: Nausea is a nonspecific symptom that can be triggered by many things, including pregnancy, ulcer disease, reflux, and central nervous system problems.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Diet and reflux: The following foods worsen gastroesophageal reflux: caffeine, alcohol, mint, chocolate. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and juices and tomatoes, e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Yes: Viral infections of the GI tract can alter motility for several weeks following resolution of the acute illness. Over the counter acid reflux medicati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Depends: Difficulty swallowing can be caused by a variety of issues from the mouth to the stomach. Best bet is to start with your primary care doctor who will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Blocked bile flow: If the grey colored stools are associated with yellowing of the eyes or skin, abdominal pain, or vomiting, this should be evaluated promptly for possi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
GI and Lungs: Common presentations if not detected by newborn screening include: poor weight gain, diarrhea, recurrent respiratory infections, meconium ileus (at bi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
No: There is no cure for crohn's that you can take for some defined period of time and completely eliminate the disease. The condition is life-long, but ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Soon: Fatigue and steatorrhea can be a sign of an intestinal disorder such as celiac or crohn's disease. Pancreatic insufficiency is also a possible cause a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Possible: Many things can cause a slight elevation in alt. A repeat level should be done to monitor for trend. If continues abnormal then workup is indicated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Stool softeners: Occasional constipation can be managed at home with stool softeners, such as docusate and polyethylene glycol 3350. A stimulant laxative, such as sen... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Onset and duration: Food poisoning refers to ingestion of a preformed bacterial toxin in food. Symptoms occur within hours. A bacterial infection results when a large bac... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Probably virus: 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Pancreas: The two diseases you mention involve damage to the pancreas, but are otherwise fundamentally different.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Different: An anal fissure is superficial and wholly contained in the anus. A fistula is a tract that can connect the bowel to an adjacent organ, to the skin, or... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Bacterial infection: E. Coli is a bacteria normally found in the intestines. Certain strains of e. Coli are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease, such as colitis (bl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Antibody: Hepatitis a is a virus that is transmitted through contaminated water sources. It infects the liver and causes liver damage. The body is usually able ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Yes: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease, but it requires two faulty genes to be expressed as a disease. A healthy person can carry one defective CF... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Depends: Cystic fibrosis (CF) can affect many organs. The pancreas and lungs are the most commonly and severely affected. It is a rare disease that requires t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Blockage: The passage of contents through the intestinal tube is blocked. This can be caused by twisting of the intestine, adhesions from prior surgeries, grow... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Evaluate: Pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen has a variety of causes. If the pain is acute, appendicitis, ovarian cyst, ovarian torsion are all pos... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Normal: Breastfeeding infant stool can be yellow, green or brown, runny or oatmeal consistency, and zero to several times per day. Seek medical care if there ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Prob viral: Acute diarrhea along with fatigue and nausea can be symptoms of a viral gastroenteritis. Diarrhea that lasts two weeks or longer accompanied with fati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Virus: Sudden onset of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort is most often the result of a viral infection. Food intoxication can also be very acute and self lim... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Yes: Even with all the recent concerns raised about medications like nexium, (esomeprazole) they remain among the safest medications available today. Consu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
No: Lactate in the blood is an acid, not a sugar. It does not become food for bacteria in your gut. It will not cause symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Right treatment: You are on the right medication to treat your c diff infection. You should feel better within 1 week of starting the treatment. If you are still losin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Suggestive: Peptic ulcer can be inferred based on your symptoms and h. Pylori infection. The definitive test for diagnosis is an upper endoscopy. H. Pylori is the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Slow recovery: Post-viral gastroparesis can take a long time to resolve. A gastroenterologist can offer medications and procedures to alleviate the symptoms.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Possibly: It depends on the cause, but this can be lifelong. Eosinophilic GI diseases are associated with food allergies, but it can be difficult to discern whi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Test: White threads in stool could be food remnants, mucus from the colon, or worms. A good place to start is to test the stool for worms and parasites. It ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Yes: Food that is strongly pigmented, like beets and blueberries, can add color to your stool.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
See doctor: This constellation of symptoms is concerning. Please see your doctor very soon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Blood test, scope : Screening blood tests can be ordered by your health care provider: tissue transglutaminase IgA and total iga. If positive, consultation with a GI spec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Dysphagia : Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can be caused by gerd, a stricture, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia. Your pcp can start the work up then ref... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Possible allergy: Nasal congestion is not a typical symptom for lactose intolerance. Rather, it fits better with an allergic reaction to milk protein. Lactose intoleran... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Fatty liver: The ultrasound is suggestive of fat in the liver. This finding can have several causes, and requires evaluation by a hepatologist or gastroenterologis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Sweat test: Cystic fibrosis is diagnosed by an abnormal sweat test and clinical symptoms that match the diagnosis. Genetic tests can also be done to determine if ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 77-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Primary care doc: A pcp will work up the diarrhea for infection. If it is not infectious and persists beyond 2 weeks, a referral to a gastroenterologist is needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 years experience
Not likely: Studies in adult patients have not shown an improvement in gerd after treatment for h. Pylori. In fact, in some cases the reflux may worsen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:
Dr. Elizabeth Yenanswered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 22 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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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
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