Brittany Lynn Klavens, DO

My background in psychology has shaped how I approach medicine. Many gastrointestinal conditions are closely linked to the mind-body connection, and I’m particularly interested in working with patients who benefit from a holistic approach that integrates both physiological and psychological factors in their care.

Another aspect that attracted me to this field is that it is one of the few pediatric specialties that combines longitudinal patient care with hands-on procedural work. I value the opportunity to both diagnose and directly treat conditions through procedures, which adds a meaningful technical dimension to patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Dr. Klaven's Clinical Interests?

My clinical interests in pediatric gastroenterology include the evaluation and management of a broad range of gastrointestinal disorders, with a particular focus on chronic disorders of gut-brain interaction. I find great professional fulfillment in caring for patients with these conditions, as they often require a thoughtful, patient-centered approach grounded in patience, understanding, and persistence—challenges that I actively welcome.

I am especially interested in caring for patients with conditions such as functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and cyclic vomiting syndrome. These patients often present with symptoms including chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, altered bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea), and significant impacts on daily functioning, such as school attendance and quality of life.

What conditions do you treat?

Disorders of gut brain interaction (irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraines, cyclic vomiting syndrome), esophageal disorders (GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis), gastric disorders (gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, peptic ulcer disease, gastroparesis), intestinal disorders (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease- ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, SIBO, malabsorptive disorders, short bowel syndrome), motility disorders (chronic constipation, encopresis, colonic dysmotility, anorectal dysfunction, pelvic floor dyssynergia, Hirschsprung disease), liver and pancreatic disease (NAFLD, autoimmune hepatitis, pancreatitis), malnutrition, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive).

When should my child see a pediatric gastroenterologist?

Your pediatrician might refer your child for issues like persistent stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, or poor weight gain. Other reasons include suspected food allergies, reflux that doesn't improve, or blood in the stool. If your child's digestive symptoms are affecting their daily life, a visit to a specialist is a good idea.

What procedures does Dr. Klaven perform?

Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and colonoscopy with biopsy, polypectomy, control of gastrointestinal bleeding, foreign body retrieval, anorectal manometry, and IB-Stim placement.