Gastrointestinal Conditions/Diseases

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Are you experiencing gastrointestinal issues and aren’t sure what’s wrong? Feeling symptoms with seemingly no explanation? The truth is that gastrointestinal conditions come in many forms, and some conditions can have overlapping symptoms, leaving you with unclear answers on what is actually afflicting you.

Here at Advanced Gastroenterology and Hepatology (AGH) of Greater Washington, we help diagnose various gastrointestinal diseases. We then offer exceptional care, quality, and comfort in our comprehensive digestive healthcare services.

Anemia

Anemia is another common condition in the United States. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. This can result from blood loss or dysfunctioning of the cells themselves. With a lack of healthy red blood cells, the body is not obtaining enough oxygen to help power the organs. People with anemia often experience fatigue, dizziness, and overall lack of strength. Anemia can also be a symptom of underlying causes, so it is important to visit a medical professional for any diagnosis.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that is usually experienced by people afflicted with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When repeated exposure to stomach acid occurs, the esophagus can become damaged, creating Barrett’s Esophagus. While this may cause heartburn more frequently in addition to chest pains, some patients may not show any symptoms. It is important to monitor a condition such as this because there is a fine line between feeling well and needing emergency care.

GI Cancers

Gastrointestinal cancer (GI Cancer) is a term for the group of cancers that can affect any or all regions of the intestinal system. This can include cancer in various regions of the esophagus, gallbladder, liver, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, bowels (large intestine, colon, rectum), and the anus. Symptoms of GI cancer is usually noticeable and severe, leading to an immediate need to seek diagnosis and treatment. If you feel a variety of symptoms (poor appetite, weight loss, pain, nausea, or vomiting with blood) it is important to seek proper medical care.

Gas

Intestinal gas, more specifically excessive gas, is often a symptom that can nod to simple one-time conditions (such as food intolerance), but can also notion to a more severe underlying cause. These conditions are typically chronic, meaning that they are recurring symptoms that can affect the daily life of patients. Some of these conditions include diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. If you have been experiencing consistent intestinal gas, it is important to visit a medical specialist to see if you have underlying causes.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is defined as an inflammation of the liver. There are several forms of hepatitis, all brought on from various instigators. The most common form of hepatitis is from the introduction of a virus. These viruses each have their own type of hepatitis (A, B, C), each with its own varying symptoms and treatments. Hepatitis can also come from prolonged substance abuse, mainly charting from alcohol abuse. Some forms of hepatitis can be prevented with vaccines, but the majority of other hepatitis strains can be prevented with proactive lifestyle and healthcare. If you believe you may be afflicted from a form of hepatitis, seeking medical professional help can enhance your chances or treatment or cure.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS for short) is a semi-common disorder that affects numerous patients throughout the United States. IBS affects the large intestine and produces cramps, pain, bloating, gas, and excrement disorders (diarrhea, constipation, or both). While this condition can be treated with changes to diet and lifestyle, there is currently no cure for IBS. Medication and counseling can also assist in the management of the syndrome, so if you feel you may be suffering from IBS, consult a medical professional for advice.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (shortened to IBD) is an ongoing inflammation of all or part of the digestive tract. As an umbrella term, IBD comes in several forms, with the most popular being Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These conditions affect the lining and inflammation of the digestive tract, often creating sores (ulcers) in the innermost layer of the digestive tract. Consulting a doctor for medical advice is important in order to understand what is afflicting you, and the options available to you for treatment.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance is a disorder in the digestive system that affects the ability to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a very common case in the United States, with millions of patients affected each year. It typically comes from the lack of an enzyme known as lactase, which helps break down the presence of lactose in the body. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. While there is no cure to this condition, there are palliative treatments that can assist in maintaining the comfort of daily life. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, it is important to cut out dairy products and consult with a medical professional to learn the next steps of treatment.

Liver Disease

Liver Disease is another umbrella term used to describe various afflictions that are impacting the liver region. Because the liver is the largest true organ in your body, maintaining its health is crucial for survival. While there are many kinds of liver diseases, some of the common forms include Hepatitis (C, B, and A), cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver disease (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), and hemochromatosis. These liver diseases all come with their own symptoms and treatments, though they can sometimes overlap. If you have experienced common symptoms (including yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, swelling of the legs, vomiting, along with others) it is important to seek medical attention from a trusted medical provider.

Minor Rectal Bleeding

Minor rectal bleeding is often a symptom of other issues, but many don’t seem to cause the need for much worry. It is commonly caused by constipation and passing hard stools, with other causes including diarrhea and anal inflammation. While minor bleeding is not typically detrimental, anal fissures can cause pain when passing stool. This pain can continue after the stool has been passed. If you are frequently experiencing minor rectal bleeding, or this bleeding increases in intensity or duration, consult a medical professional to see what options are available for treatment/comfort.

Pancreatic Disease

Pancreatic disease includes conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and it plays a role in both types of diabetes. The most common form, however, is pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas swells up with inflammation. This can come in acute and chronic forms, both of which cause pain. Pancreatitis is brought about when the digestive enzymes are activated before releasing into the small intestines, attacking the pancreas on site. Pancreatitis instigates abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment involves hospitalization, so if you are experiencing severe symptoms it is important to visit emergency care.

Polyps

Colorectal polyps are a form of polyps that occur in the colon and rectum. They are a growth of tissue on the inner lining of the colon, and they can project into the intestines as well. While most of these polyps are harmless, avoiding treatment of them can lead to colon cancer. Polyps are completely treatable by a medical professional and can take up to a few months to be resolved. Seek out medical attention if you have noticed changes, or believe you are at risk of developing polyps or colon cancer.

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Gastroenterology Articles

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Lately, you’ve been feeling a little off. It isn’t noticeable to the outside world, but you are noticing it personally throughout daily activities. Because this has been going on for a long time, …Read More
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What is flexible sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large intestine) by inserting a flexible tube about the thickness o…Read More
Understanding Colon Polyps and Their Treatment

What is a colon polyp? Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms) involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most co…Read More

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Gastrointestinal Conditions/Diseases

Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal Pain

Acid Reflux & GERD

Anemia

Barrett’s Esophagus

Diverticulosis

GI Cancers

Gas

Hepatitis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Lactose Intolerance

Liver Disease

Minor Rectal Bleeding

Pancreatic Disease

Polyps

Other Conditions/Disorders

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Have questions? Fill out the form below!

Gastroenterology Articles

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Understanding Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Understanding Colon Polyps and Their Treatment