When the digestive system is in turmoil, it can unsettle the entire body. Too often, these disorders are overlooked and mismanaged, leading to worsening symptoms and consequences.
It’s important to understand the digestive system and how it can affect your body. Learn about common digestive disorders and how a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist can help you through diagnosis and treatment.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, is a digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate the esophageal lining, leading to discomfort. Other symptoms of GERD include:
- Persistent heartburn
- Acid regurgitation, resulting in a sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing and occasional chest pain
- Chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
What Causes GERD?
GERD happens when the muscle at the end of your esophagus doesn’t close properly, which lets stomach acid flow back up. Being overweight, eating certain foods, smoking, and even pregnancy can make GERD worse. It’s important to talk to a GI specialist if you have these symptoms often, so they can help you feel better and prevent more serious issues.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Living with IBS can be difficult and limiting, however, people can find effective ways to lead fulfilling lives with the help of a GI specialist. They can help you manage many IBS symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Presence of mucus in stool
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS isn’t completely understood. It’s thought to be a combination of factors like muscle contractions in the intestines, nervous system issues, inflammation, severe infections, and changes in gut bacteria. Stress and certain foods may trigger symptoms. It’s important to seek medical advice for management and relief, as IBS can significantly impact quality of life.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term primarily encompassing two chronic conditions. Both involve inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, but they affect different areas.
- Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, often deeply into the affected tissues.
- Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is usually confined to the colon and rectum, impacting only the innermost lining of the colon.
Common symptoms of these digestive disorders are:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
What Causes IBD?
The causes of IBD are not entirely clear but are believed to involve a combination of genetic factors, an abnormal immune response, and environmental triggers. Understanding these conditions is key to managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Liver Disease
Liver disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the liver, an organ crucial for digestion and detoxification. It manifests in various forms, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. If left undiagnosed and untreated, liver disease can lead to further damage and liver failure and consequently affect your kidneys, immune system, cardiovascular system, and more.
Common symptoms of liver disease include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swollen legs and ankles
- Dark urine color, bloody/tar-colored stool, or pale-colored stool
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
What Causes Liver Disease?
Liver disease can result from several factors, such as viral infections (like hepatitis), genetic predispositions, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to certain toxins or medications. Early detection and lifestyle adjustments play a significant role in management and treatment. Regular medical checkups are crucial for those at risk.
How a GI Specialist Can Help You
A gastroenterologist, or GI specialist, plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating various common digestive disorders. These specialists have extensive training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract – the path food travels through in the body.
Diagnosing Digestive Disorders
A GI specialist starts by reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms. This is followed by recommending diagnostic tests like blood tests, endoscopies, or colonoscopies. These tests help in accurately identifying the specific disorder.
Treatments a GI Specialist Can Recommend
Depending on your condition, your GI specialist can craft a treatment plan that fits your needs and symptoms. Here are some treatment recommendations that you can consider:
- Medications: GI specialists can prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, control acid reflux, or manage other specific symptoms.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: They often recommend dietary modifications and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, avoiding trigger foods, and managing stress.
- Advanced Therapies and Surgery: For more severe conditions, specialists may suggest advanced treatments. In cases where medical therapy isn’t effective, they may also refer you for surgical evaluation.
- Ongoing Management and Support: GI specialists can also provide ongoing care, monitor disease progression, and adjust treatments as necessary. This long-term management is crucial for chronic conditions.
GI Specialist for Digestive Disorders in New York
Each digestive disorder can affect your body and life differently. It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals for proper guidance and to tailor treatment plans to individual needs. Gastroenterologists are key in both the diagnosis and management of digestive disorders. Their expertise and comprehensive approach help ensure patients receive effective treatment strategies.
Looking for a GI Specialist? Upstate Medical University in New York is home to gastrointestinal specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating many digestive disorders. We offer comprehensive medical care from prevention, evaluation, treatment, and management, so you can live a comfortable life. We look forward to helping you with your digestive concerns.
You can directly contact the University Gastroenterology of the Department of Medicine at SUNY by calling (315) 464-1600.
