These are a few of the diseases we treat at our office
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - A condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and opens up and allows stomach acid to enter the esophagus causing inflammation and damage.
Hepatitis - Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver that can be cause by many things, such as viral infection (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C) or can be cause by environmental factors such as alcohol consumption.
Cirrhosis - This is a condition in which most of the healthy liver cells have been replaced by scar tissue due to chronic damage done to the liver for a period of time.
Fatty Liver Disease - Hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, is a growing condition that over time cause cause damage to the liver. Fatty liver is believe to be cause by an over consumption of alcohol, obesity, high triglycerides, diabetes and little physical activity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Is a disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause a number of symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, cramping and others.
Chron's Disease - Chron's disease is an Inflammatory bowel disease and it is a condition that causes inflammation in the GI or digestive tract that cause a number of symptoms and if not treated, may cause life-threatening condition in the future. With the help of a physician and making several life changes, patient may reduce the number of symptoms and may receive long term remission of the disease.
Ulcerative Colitis - Another inflammatory bowel disease which affects the inner most lining of the colon. Its a disease that causes inflammation and open sores called ulcers in the colon and if not treated will cause complications. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at an increase risk of developing colon cancer and should be screened regularly.
Clarence for surgery - Endoscopy and Colonoscopy screenings are usually mandatory for patients looking to get surgeries such as but not limited to: gallbladder surgery, weight loss surgery, nissen fundlipication surgery, kidney or liver transplant, hernia repair, colorectal surgery and others.
Polyps - A polyp is a small growth that can appear in numerous parts of the body. There are ceritain polyps which if left untreated, can become bigger and turn into cancer.
Gastritis - Inflammation of the gastric wall which may cause some discomfort or pain to the patient
Barrett's Esophagus - A condition in which the cells in the lining of the esophagus are changing from over exposure of acid reflux. Patients with Barrett's esophagus are at a greater risk for developing esophageal cancer and should work with your doctor and make lifestyle changes in order to heal the esophagus.
Esophageal Varices - Esophageal varices are veins in the abdomen that become swollen because blood flow to the liver is blocked. Esophageal varices are usually attributed with advance liver disease. Patients with esophageal varices are at a greater risk for a gastrointestinal bleed and will need to be monitored via endoscopy to monitor the condition. Patient should be aware of bloody vomiting and/or dark, tarry stools.
Hemorrhoids - A hemorrhoid is a common condition which may or may not cause symptoms for patient and usually gets better on its own. Patients with hemorrhoids that are experiencing symptoms can take several over the counter remedies which may relieve the symptoms but if the symptoms do not go away or become more severe are asked to seek medical attention, prescription medication or banding may be required.
Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis - Diverticulosis is a condition in which pockets form in the colon, but normally do not cause symptoms. Pressure from straining during bowel movements, causes weaker parts of the colon to expand and form a small pockets. It is advised for the patient to avoid constipation in order to prevent more diverticulum from forming throughout the colon. Patient are also requested to avoid eating nuts which do not get fully digested in the stomach and may get lodged in the pocket which may cause an infection of the diverticulum, known as diverticulitis.
Autoimmune Hepatitis - Autoimmune hepatitis is an autoimmune disorder which we do not yet fully understand. The body's immune system attacks healthy liver cells which cause inflammation of the liver and over time will cause scarring. No cure is available yet for this condition but with proper medication and lifestyle changes, the disease may be treated and the condition may go into remission.
Gallstones - Gallstones are tiny, crystalline masses that are formed from calcium salts, cholesterol and bile pigments in the gallbladder. Gallstones will not always present symptoms and many patients can live their lives without ever knowing about them, but in some patients gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain, inflammation of the gallbladder or blockage of the bile ducts. Surgical intervention may be necessary for treatment of gallstones.
Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) - H. Pylori is a bacterial infection that affects the stomach and if left untreated may cause ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. Although not fully understood where it comes from, treatments are available and are advised to be taken as directed. Missed doses or incomplete treatment may cause the bacteria to become resistant to treatment and more difficult to cure.