Advanced Gastroenterology

Remember, cancer can strike at any time, regardless of your age or overall health level. It’s important to schedule an appointment right away after experiencing possible disorder signs, even if you think you’re too young to be sick.

To improve your digestive health, and maybe even lose weight if that is your goal, you should focus on limiting foods that are high in fat. These foods tend to slow down the digestive process, which can make you more prone to constipation.

Who is most likely to have gallstones develop? Gastroenterologists say more women than men have gallstones. It can be connected to pregnancy or being overweight, and gallstones have already been linked to diets low in fiber and high in fat and cholesterol.

Digestive and intestinal disorders can not only cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms, but they can also affect how well the body is able to absorb nutrients from food. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to reduce symptoms and improve overall health.

Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal issue that affects some 40 to 50 million Americans and, when serious enough, can require treatment by a gastroenterologist. If you have lactose intolerance, it means that you have trouble digesting milk products, which can lead to such symptoms as gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

Diverticulitis is a common gastrointestinal issue that affects nearly 3 in 5 Americans who have abnormal intestinal bulges in the wall of their intestinal tract. These bulges can lead to inflammation, tearing, or abscessing in the intestines.

Gastroesphageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common condition that affects many people to a greater or lesser degree. It's caused by the malfunction of the valve that usually stops stomach acid traveling back up into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include frequent heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is more commonly known as GERD and occurs when acid from your stomach or bile backs up into the esophagus. Unlike acid reflux, GERD is more of a chronic condition that reappears until treated by a doctor.

Would you believe that an estimated 50 million Americans have lactose intolerance? Although certain racial and ethnic populations are more affected than others are, it still crosses all socioeconomic borders. Symptoms of this condition include cramps, gas, bloating, or diarrhea within 15 minutes to three hours after consuming milk products.

On the surface, unexplained weigh loss can be a blessing for some people. Unfortunately, when it’s caused by a digestive disorder, your body may not be getting the nutrition it needs to function.

Many of our patients suffer from chronic constipation, which can be caused by not having enough fiber in the diet, some medications or even a change in routine. Constipation is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition.

Remember, we can deal with issues associated with any part of your digestive track. Regardless of what we were originally seeing you for, we’re always here to help if a new issue comes up.

When your gastroenterologist is performing an endoscopic procedure, you will be consciously sedated. This means you will have a combination of drugs that block the pain and relax you, but you may or may not stay awake. Many patients have no memory of what occurred during the procedure.

One set of gastrointestinal disorders is called functional disorders. These disorders are ones in which the bowels look normal, but they don’t function normally. Disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and constipation are included in this set.

I’ve been having occasional stomach pain lately, though it goes away quickly. If the pain is unusual or persistent, check with your gastroenterologist. Catching any condition in its early stages greatly enhances the prospects of a complete recovery. And knowing whether that pain signals something more serious or not will give you peace of mind.

Common symptoms that may prompt your usual doctor to send you to a gastroenterologist include diarrhea, heartburn, dramatic weight loss, abdominal pain, and trouble swallowing. Any of these symptoms (or a combination of several) can indicate problems with the function or structure of your gastrointestinal tract.

Almost 1 percent of the American population has Celiac disease, a gastrointestinal disease that is related to autoimmunity issues. If your gastroenterology doctor has diagnosed you with Celiac disease, then you will be best served by a gluten-free diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is the most common functional (as opposed to structural) gastrointestinal disorder. This condition causes bloating and discomfort and affects men, women, and children. A gastroenterologist can help you manage your IBS symptoms so you can lead a full life.