Category Archives: Gastroenterologist

What is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurring and long-term (chronic) condition that affects your digestive tract. IBD causes inflammation of the stomach, small intestine, and colon. IBD is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which may have some similar symptoms,

but does not cause damage to the digestive tract. IBD is a progressive disease that can become worse over time and cause other damage if not properly diagnosed and treated.

Types of IBD:

Crohn’s disease: leads to inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. However, it commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (right colon). Crohn’s disease can also affect the entire thickness or alternating areas of the bowel wall.

Ulcerative colitis: causes inflammation in the large intestine or colon. This form of IBD inflames the innermost lining of the colon and creates tiny open sores (ulcers).

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are complex digestive tract disorders that require treatment. If left untreated, they can cause problems throughout the body such as anemia, arthritis, abdominal pain, liver inflammation, eye inflammation, and osteoporosis. IBD tends to be the result of a combination of conditions. The inflammation of your digestive tract may be due to your family medical history (genetics), your body’s reaction a perceived invasion (immunology), and environmental issues, such as bacteria, or an injury. While the exact cause is difficult to pinpoint, we do know that early treatment can minimize the effects of the disease.

Symptoms of IBD

Although Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are different conditions, IBD conditions have similar symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

It’s important to find out if you have IBD through diagnosis by a gastroenterologist

Symptoms of GI Cancer

Common symptoms of cancers that affect your digestive tract, do not necessarily indicate that you have cancer. It’s essential that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if you experience the following symptoms constantly over a period of time.

• Abdominal pain
• Fullness in the upper abdomen after eating a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting
• Weight loss that’s unexplained

Types of GI Cancer

Each part of the digestive tract may develop cancerous tissue that is unique to that part of your body, such as:

Anal cancer:

Signs include bleeding from the anus or rectum or a lump near

the anus. This is a relatively uncommon type of cancer, treated with chemotherapy and radiation. One preventive measure is avoiding the HPV virus through safe sex practices and the HPV vaccine.

Colorectal cancer:

Signs include changes in bowel movements and blood in the stool. This form of cancer may start in the colon or the rectum. Regular screening for colon cancer, a colonoscopy, is widely recommended. Its purpose is early intervention and treatment.

Esophageal cancer:

Signs include difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.

Considered a rare form of cancer, if you have Barrett’s esophagus, you will be

monitored and screened for esophageal cancer, which is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Gastric cancer:

Signs include severe persistent heartburn and stomach pain. A high-fiber diet and other healthy habits can help prevent this cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer:

Signs of pancreatic cancer depend on its type. Causes vary but may include smoking and obesity. Treatment is based on its type and stage.

Small bowel cancer:

Signs of this rare disease may include dark stool and severe diarrhea. Causes vary and Crohn’s disease may put you at risk. Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.