Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder affecting the large intestine. It is a condition characterized by abdominal distress linked with modified bowel movements. Although not considered a life-threatening condition, it is a chronic disorder that needs long-term management. IBS usually comes and goes throughout life, which may bring frustration and discomfort. Irritable bowel syndrome is different from inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It doesn't cause damage in your bowel ... [Read More]
Gastrointestinal
Common Upper GI Tract Conditions
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract comprises the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which is where the small intestine begins. Food follows this track on its way to be thoroughly digested, so that nutrients are processed and distributed through the body. The process of digestion begins with chewing. Saliva is produced in the mouth automatically as food is chewed, and this begins the breakdown of food that is digestion. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach, which breaks ... [Read More]
Common Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are pretty common, with an estimated 20% of the U.S. population having some form of it. Food sensitivity is a way to refer to a food allergy and can be life-threatening for many people. Even if your food sensitivity isn’t dangerous to your life, it can still become problematic because of uncomfortable symptoms it causes. It may be difficult to diagnose a food sensitivity at first because of the wide range of other causes that have overlapping symptoms with the condition. If ... [Read More]
Reasons to See a Gastroenterologist
Among the many different types of doctors that people commonly see are gastroenterologists. This type of physician is a specialist in the health and diseases of the stomach, esophagus, intestine, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and rectum. A gastroenterologist deals with a lot more health issues than you may think. Here are the some of the reasons you may need to see a gastroenterologist: Heartburn Heartburn is a burning sensation felt in the chest and/or throat. ... [Read More]
Diverticulitis Treatments
When it comes to gastroenterological issues, most people know about irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. However, not many people know about diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of pouches that can develop in your intestines. The pouches are called diverticula – if you have them, the condition is called diverticulosis. Diverticula can develop anywhere along the GI tract but are most common in the lower parts. They are vulnerable to ble ... [Read More]
When to Visit a Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is a digestive disease specialist. They are educated and trained to treat, diagnose, and prevent diseases and conditions of the digestive system, which includes the small intestine, colon, rectum, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, esophagus, and stomach. Your primary care doctor will most likely recommend you seek medical help from a gastroenterologist if you have chronic or severe digestive system issues. A gastroenterologist’s main duty is to help restore patients’ opt ... [Read More]
How Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a generalized term that refers to the inflammatory disorders that affect the digestive tract. IBD affects more than 3 million Americans. This digestive disease has two primary types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers in the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum, whereas Crohn’s disease is when the lining anywhere in the digestive tract is inflamed. Both conditions are accompanied by similar sym ... [Read More]
Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which results in the irritation and chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Unlike other gut-related illnesses, ulcerative colitis affects only the large colon and, in some cases, the rectum. This disease affects the innermost lining of both the colon and the rectum, often causing the formation of ulcers (also known as sores) which tend to bleed and excrete mucus or pus. It may also prompt frequent trips to the bathroom. There ... [Read More]
Common GI Problems
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has not experienced a gastrointestinal issue at some point in their life. While GI problems are extremely common, they are not normal. If you are experiencing digestive issues, seek the help of a qualified gastroenterologist who can examine you and order the appropriate tests to make sure that your GI symptoms are not due to life-threatening conditions. Here are the most common GI problems and how to treat them. Constipation If you are c ... [Read More]
Gallbladder Diseases
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped, sac-like organ in your abdomen under your liver. Its main purpose is to store bile from the liver and deliver it to the small intestine, helping to properly digest fats that have been consumed. Bile contains acids which are critical for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. When you eat high-fat or high-cholesterol foods, your gallbladder contracts and sends bile into your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine) via the common ... [Read More]
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