Conditions

This list of conditions is representative of illnesses and conditions that affect the GI tract. The information is for educational purposes and not intended to help you self-diagnose! Many conditions and illnesses involving the digestive tract share symptoms and should be diagnosed by a gastroenterologist.

In general, it is important to know what is "normal" for you, then if you have a change in your normal you can track that change and seek help if needed. The key is if a change is occasional or has become chronic. For example, everyone has occasional diarrhea but, if your diarrhea persists or begins to interfere with your daily life, it is time to get help. Never ignore blood in your stool. Blood may appear as bright red or dark, almost black, depending on the location of the source. Blood could be a sign of a hemorrhoid, fissure, or more serious diseases such as IBD or cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms which concern you, please contact our offices for an appointment.

Don't let embarrassment determine if you if you will reach out for help. Many people do not seek help because of the subject matter. Our staff will make you feel comfortable and work hard to help you get well. Don't decide to "live with it" out of fear or embarrassment.

Abdominal Adhesions

Abdominal adhesions are strands of fibrous scar tissue that cause internal organs to stick to each other or the abdominal wall. The most common...

Alagille Syndrome

Alagille syndrome is a genetic condition that results in various symptoms in different parts of the body, including the liver. A person with...

Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract

Anatomic problems are structural problems or abnormalities. The can be either congenital, meaning they are birth defects, or onset after birth due to...

Autoimmune Hepatitis

The immune system recognizes bacteria, viruses, or other foreign cells that could pose a potential threat to the health of the body. In the case of...

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a complication due to long-term heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The repeated exposure to stomach acid can...

Bleeding in the Digestive Tract

Finding blood somewhere it does not belong should never be ignored. Causes can range from mild gastritis and inflammation, to ulcers and even cancer....

Bloating or Gas

Burping and passing gas are very normal occurrences in day to day life. It’s estimated that the average person expels gas approximately 14 times per...

Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac eats gluten, there...

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is damage to the liver caused by chronic illness or abuse. Hepatitis and chronic abuse of alcohol are two common causes of cirrhosis. The...

Clostridium Difficile

Clostridium difficile, or C-diff, is a type of bacteria found in the intestines. Other bacteria in a healthy intestine normally keep the C-diff under...

Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in America among both men and women - excluding skin cancers. Luckily, it is also...

Colon Polyps

Colon Polyps are small growths on the lining of the colon. Most are benign, but some polyps called adenomas are precancerous. The best way to prevent...