My Specialties & Services

 

General Gastroenterology (GI)

Colon Cancer Screening

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Colon cancer screening is a medical process used to detect the presence of colon cancer or precancerous growths in the colon. It involves different types of tests, such as colonoscopies, stool tests, and imaging tests, that can identify abnormal growths in the colon. The purpose of colon cancer screening is to catch the disease early, when it is most treatable, and to prevent it from developing in the first place by removing precancerous polyps. Regular colon cancer screening is recommended for individuals at average risk of developing the disease starting at age 45 or earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors.

GERD

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GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It is a chronic digestive disorder in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and damage to the lining of the esophagus. Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. GERD can be caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, or by a hiatal hernia, in which part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and elevating the head of the bed, can help alleviate GERD symptoms. In some cases, medications or surgery may be necessary to treat severe cases of GERD.

Difficult Swallowing

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Difficult swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is a medical condition characterized by difficulty or discomfort when swallowing food or liquids. Dysphagia can occur in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as neurological disorders, muscular disorders, or structural abnormalities. Symptoms of dysphagia may include coughing or choking when eating, a feeling of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, or regurgitation of food. Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, medications, or surgery.

Abdominal pain

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Abdominal pain is a common medical complaint that can be caused by a variety of factors, including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, infections, or structural abnormalities. Abdominal pain can be described as sharp, dull, crampy, or colicky, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Depending on the underlying cause, abdominal pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating pain. Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical intervention. It is important to seek medical attention if abdominal pain is severe or persistent, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Rectal Bleeding (blood in stool)

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Rectal bleeding, also known as blood in the stool, is a common medical condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or cancer. Symptoms of rectal bleeding may include blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl, as well as abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Treatment for rectal bleeding depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical intervention. It is important to seek medical attention if rectal bleeding is persistent or severe, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as weight loss or anemia.

Indigestion

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Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common medical condition that is characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of factors, including overeating, eating too quickly, consuming fatty or spicy foods, stress, or gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis or peptic ulcers. Symptoms of indigestion may include bloating, nausea, belching, or a burning sensation in the stomach or chest. Treatment for indigestion depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, or antibiotics if there is an infection. In some cases, lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction techniques or weight loss may also be recommended. It is important to seek medical attention if indigestion is persistent or severe, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or vomiting.

Anemia

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Anemia is a common medical condition that occurs when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic diseases such as kidney disease or cancer, or blood loss due to injury or menstruation. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, or blood transfusions. It is important to seek medical attention if anemia is persistent or severe, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain or rapid heartbeat.

IBS

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. IBS is characterized by a group of symptoms that can include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of these symptoms. The exact cause of IBS is not known, but it is thought to be related to abnormalities in the way the muscles in the intestine contract or relax, as well as changes in the gut microbiome or nervous system. Treatment for IBS depends on the individual and may include dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques, medications to relieve symptoms such as antispasmodics or laxatives, or counseling to address the psychological and emotional impact of the condition. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of IBS are persistent or severe, or if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding or unintended weight loss.

IBD (Crohn's diseases, Ulcerative Colitis)

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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that affect the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal lining, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. The exact cause of IBD is not known, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Treatment for IBD depends on the individual and may include medications to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, dietary modifications, or surgery in severe cases. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of IBD are persistent or severe, or if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever or severe abdominal pain.

Diarrhea

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Diarrhea is a common digestive disorder that is characterized by frequent loose, watery bowel movements. It can be caused by a variety of factors including viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of diarrhea can also include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Treatment for diarrhea depends on the underlying cause and may include medications to control symptoms, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or dietary modifications to address food intolerances. It is important to seek medical attention if diarrhea is persistent or severe, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as blood in the stool or fever.

Constipation

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Constipation is a common digestive disorder that is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. It can be caused by a variety of factors including inadequate fluid or fiber intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or hypothyroidism. Symptoms of constipation can also include bloating, abdominal discomfort, and straining during bowel movements. Treatment for constipation depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary modifications, increased physical activity, over-the-counter laxatives, or prescription medications. It is important to seek medical attention if constipation is persistent or severe, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding or unintended weight loss.

Pancreatic Diseases

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Pancreatic diseases refer to a range of conditions that affect the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes to aid in digestion and hormones to regulate blood sugar. Examples of pancreatic diseases include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. Symptoms of pancreatic diseases can vary depending on the specific condition, but may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment for pancreatic diseases depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or other therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of pancreatic disease are persistent or severe, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Gallstone

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A gallstone is a hardened deposit that forms in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones can be caused by a buildup of cholesterol or bilirubin in the gallbladder, or by an imbalance in the chemicals that make up bile. Symptoms of gallstones can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Treatment for gallstones depends on the size and location of the stones, as well as the severity of symptoms. Options may include medications to dissolve the stones, minimally invasive procedures to remove them, or surgery to remove the gallbladder altogether. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of gallstones are persistent or severe, as untreated gallstones can lead to complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder or blockage of the bile ducts.

About General Gastroenterology

General gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of disorders affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Common conditions that are evaluated and treated in general gastroenterology include acid reflux, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallstones, pancreatitis, and liver disease, among others.

Gastroenterologists are trained to perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to evaluate and manage these conditions. Some examples of procedures that are commonly performed in general gastroenterology include upper endoscopy (EGD) to examine the upper digestive tract, colonoscopy to evaluate the large intestine, and capsule endoscopy to visualize the small intestine.

In addition to performing procedures, gastroenterologists also work closely with other medical professionals, including primary care physicians, surgeons, and radiologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with digestive disorders. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific condition and may include medication management, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

Overall, the goal of general gastroenterology is to provide patients with the highest quality of care and to help them manage their digestive disorders in a way that minimizes symptoms and optimizes their overall health and well-being.