Diverticulitis is characterized by the inflammation of small pouches which have formed in the intestine – usually in the large intestine (colon) – and these pouches are known as diverticula. Someone who has diverticulitis can experience relief or a worsening of the symptoms due to the food they eat, and the symptoms can range from nausea to abdominal pain to fever to changes in bowel habits. One of the major causes of diverticulitis in the first place is chronic constipation and straining. As ... [Read More]
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Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a blanket term for conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining (mucosa), whereas ulcerative colitis is marked by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the superficial lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by the following ... [Read More]
Important Things to Know Before Undergoing Diverticulitis Treatment
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula – pouches that form in your intestinal lining – swell or become infected. Diverticula normally don't pose a problem. On the contrary, if they become infected or swollen, they can cause nausea, abdominal pain, or a noticeable change in bowel movements. When you visit our gastroenterology practice, Carlisle Digestive Associates, our doctors will provide treatment based on the severity of your case. However, before you come in for a visit, you may want to ... [Read More]
What to Expect at Your First Gastroenterologist Visit
If you are having symptoms of a digestive problem—such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation—you will greatly benefit from the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Also known as a GI doctor, a gastroenterologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the digestive system. While a visit to a gastroenterologist is very important for your health, it can make you feel anxious, especially if this is your first time and you don’t know what to ... [Read More]
Treatment for Rectal Bleeding Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Rectal bleeding can be alarming – you might see blood on the toilet paper or on the stool itself. Regardless of where it appears or how it looks, rectal bleeding is usually a sign of a larger problem: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Let’s talk about inflammatory bowel disease and how it can lead to rectal bleeding, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment by an experienced gastroenterologist. What Does Rectal Bleeding Mean? Inflammatory bowel disease is a generic term for two ... [Read More]
Foods to Avoid During Your Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a generic term that describes both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. You may have symptoms including abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Depending on how severe your condition is and whether you’re responding well to medication, your gastroenterologist may recommend continued prescription drug therapy or surgery to combat the problem. Your gastroenterologist will also recommend that you avoid eating certain foods. These dietary ... [Read More]
Acid Reflux: It’s More Than Just Heartburn
If you’ve felt a painful and burning sensation from your upper abdomen to your chest or throat, that’s acid reflux. Acid reflux usually occurs after meals, at nighttime, or when you are lying down – especially after having a big or greasy dinner. Acid reflux is a common digestive problem, and its most common symptom is heartburn, accompanied by a bitter or sour taste in your mouth. If left untreated, the condition can become chronic and develop into GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ... [Read More]
What Is My Doctor Looking for During an Endoscopy?
If you’ve been feeling unwell but have no apparent symptoms, or your symptoms point to several conditions, your doctor may request special diagnostic tests. One example of a diagnostic test is an endoscopy, which allows your doctor to look into your inner tissues and organs. In particular, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy lets your doctor examine your gastrointestinal tract. Let’s talk about the procedure and what your doctor can see during an endoscopy. An Overview of ... [Read More]
Conquering Constipation: Tips From Your Gastroenterologist
Constipation is a complicated and awkward topic for some. However, you have nothing to be ashamed of, because it is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. In fact, according to research, 2.5 million Americans consult their doctors about being constipated every year. If you need help conquering constipation, here are some tips from gut experts. What Causes Constipation? Medications, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common ... [Read More]
What is H. Pylori?
H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can live in the stomach because it is highly compatible with its acidic environment. The ability of H. pylori bacteria to penetrate your stomach lining makes it difficult for the body’s immune cells to reach them. H. pylori can live protected in the stomach for years with the person infected unaware that they have it. A reason why most people who have it are unaware of is that it is possible to not get sick from it. H. ... [Read More]
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