Arik Alper, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics (GI)Cards
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Overview
Your gut—and more specifically what you eat—is directly connected to your overall health, says Arik Alper, MD. A pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Alper specializes in feeding disorders and aerodigestive problems (combined airway and digestive problems).
“I don’t only treat the gut, but gut problems that are often connected to it. Gut microbes rule the world and are now linked to various medical conditions such as behavioral and liver problems,” explains Dr. Alper, who researches the topic. “I believe that there is a clear gut-brain axis and that your gut microbes affect various clinical conditions. Manipulation of the gut microbiome could be a great treatment to many medical problems, and the research in this field is promising.”
When meeting new patients, Dr. Alper says his first priority is to thank them for choosing him to be part of their team. “I promise to do my best to find out what's causing their problem and do anything possible to make them feel better,” he says. “In our Pediatric Aerodigestive Program, patients meet with me, a feeding therapist, nutritionist, pulmonologist and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. We then meet to discuss each patient and come up with a plan. This holistic approach fits with my belief that a broad point of view is needed to solve a patient’s problem.”
Medical treatment, Dr. Alper says, is not the only option for feeding and aerodigestive disorders. “After discussing a diagnosis with a family, I usually discuss three to four treatment options, including diet changes, natural remedies, probiotics and medical treatment,” he says. “Often, simple diet modifications can solve the problem. I like to tailor treatment according to the family's personal lifestyle and beliefs.”
Dr. Alper is also an assistant professor of pediatric gastroenterology at Yale School of Medicine.
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Pediatric Crohn's Disease
Learn More on Yale MedicinePediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Learn More on Yale MedicineCeliac Disease (in Children)
Learn More on Yale MedicineGastroenteritis
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Yale Medicine News
News
News
- May 02, 2024
56 Yale Pediatricians Recognized by Connecticut Magazine's 2024 “Top Doctors” List
- February 06, 2024
Arik Alper, MD Named Interim Chair of Pediatrics at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital
- January 23, 2024Source: The Skimm
How Do Antibiotics *Really* Impact Your Immune System?
- July 11, 2023Source: Yahoo News!
Yale New Haven Children's Hospital opens pediatric center in New London