GI Conditions & Disorders

Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus changes due to long-term acid reflux. It can increase the risk of esophageal cancer and often requires regular monitoring and treatment.

This includes a range of conditions affecting the esophagus, such as trouble swallowing, spasms, or strictures. Symptoms often include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or food getting stuck.

Esophageal cancer can cause difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, or unexplained weight loss. Early detection improves treatment outcomes, especially in patients with Barrett’s Esophagus or chronic reflux.

Stomach cancer may develop slowly and cause symptoms like indigestion, nausea, weight loss, or abdominal pain. Diagnosis usually involves upper endoscopy and biopsy.

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest discomfort, or coughing. It can lead to inflammation and long-term damage if untreated.
More About GERD

This happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. It’s often associated with acid reflux and may require lifestyle changes or surgery in severe cases.

A chronic allergic condition causing inflammation in the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and food getting stuck. Management usually involves diet changes and medication.

Ulcers are open sores that develop in the stomach lining, often due to H. pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs. They can cause pain, bloating, and sometimes bleeding.

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause indigestion, nausea, or stomach pain. It may result from infections, stress, alcohol, or medications.

Peptic ulcers are sores that occur in the lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. They are typically caused by H. pylori infection or excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

H. pylori is a bacteria that can live in the stomach and cause ulcers and gastritis. It is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications.

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can result from many digestive issues, infections, medications, or motion sickness. Chronic symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.

Abdominal pain can have many causes, from simple indigestion to more serious conditions like ulcers or gallstones. Careful evaluation helps find the cause and guide treatment.

Dysphagia refers to trouble swallowing food or liquids. It can feel like food is stuck in the throat or chest and may be caused by conditions affecting the esophagus or muscle function. Proper evaluation can help identify the cause and provide relief.

SIBO occurs when too many bacteria grow in the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and discomfort. It’s usually diagnosed with breath tests and treated with antibiotics or dietary changes.

IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing symptoms like cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation without clear physical causes. Management often includes diet changes, stress reduction, and medications.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in any part of the digestive tract, commonly the small intestine and colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Treatment involves medications and sometimes surgery.

Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers. It leads to symptoms like bloody stools, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, and often requires long-term management.

Both are very common symptoms that can arise from diet, lifestyle, infections, or chronic conditions. If persistent, they may require testing to find an underlying cause.

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall become inflamed or infected. It can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by eating gluten. It damages the small intestine and can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and malnutrition. Management requires a strict gluten-free diet.

Gas and bloating are common digestive complaints that can result from food intolerances, SIBO, IBS, or dietary habits. Persistent symptoms may warrant further evaluation.

Bleeding from the rectum may be caused by hemorrhoids, inflammation, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. It should always be evaluated to rule out more serious causes.

PBC is a slow-progressing autoimmune disease that damages the bile ducts inside the liver. Early symptoms include fatigue and itching, and treatment helps slow liver damage and prevent complications.

A viral infection that affects the liver and can become chronic if not treated. Hepatitis B may lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or cancer. Vaccination and antiviral therapy are available.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by a virus transmitted through blood. It can become chronic and lead to serious liver damage, but it is now curable in most people with modern medications.

Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in the liver. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver.

This includes a variety of liver problems, such as autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, or drug-induced liver injury. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, swelling, or abnormal liver tests.

These include diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder, such as pancreatitis, duct blockages, or tumors. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, jaundice, or digestive problems.

Pancreatic cancer can grow silently and spread quickly. Early symptoms may include jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, or digestive problems. Imaging and endoscopy are used for diagnosis.

EPI happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough enzymes to digest food. Symptoms include oily stools, weight loss, and bloating. It’s treated with enzyme replacement therapy taken with meals.

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and may cause pain after eating, nausea, or bloating. Gallbladder disease can be treated with medication or surgery if needed.

The gut microbiome is a collection of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract that supports digestion, immunity, and overall health. Probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (fibers that feed them) can help maintain a healthy balance.

Some foods can trigger immune reactions (allergies) or non-immune symptoms (sensitivities) like bloating, rashes, or fatigue. Identifying and managing these triggers can improve digestion and overall well-being.

Unexplained or unintentional weight loss can be a sign of digestive disorders like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or poor absorption. Evaluating the cause is important to restore healthy weight and nutrition.

Motility disorders affect how food moves through the digestive tract. These conditions can cause symptoms like bloating, constipation, nausea, or slow digestion, and may require testing and medication.

This testing measures how efficiently food moves through the digestive system. It helps diagnose conditions like gastroparesis or chronic constipation and guides appropriate treatment.

Chronic blood loss from the digestive tract or poor absorption of nutrients like iron and B12 can lead to anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, or dizziness and may require further testing and treatment.

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body has trouble digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens due to low levels of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. Common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps after consuming dairy. While not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable. Managing lactose intolerance usually involves reducing or avoiding dairy, using lactase supplements, or switching to lactose-free products.

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels inside the rectum that can cause painless rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements. They are common and often manageable with non-surgical treatments.

Hemorrhoid treatments may include lifestyle and dietary changes, topical medications, or in-office procedures like banding or infrared coagulation to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Infrared coagulation (IRC) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to shrink internal hemorrhoids. It is quick, virtually painless, and requires no downtime or anesthesia.

Screening tests such as colonoscopy help detect and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Regular screening is recommended starting at age 45 for most people to reduce colorectal cancer risk.

Colon cancer often develops silently from polyps in the colon. Symptoms can include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss. Early detection through screening significantly improves outcomes.