If you are like most people, you don’t like talking about your digestive problems. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Gastroenterology specialists today can provide significant relief for most, if not all, digestive disorders. Here is a list of 7 common digestive diseases and their treatments: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Caused by chronic… Read more »
Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, the long tube that takes food from the back of the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer can take the form of either squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the flat cells that line the esophagus; or adenocarcinoma, which affects the cells that secrete mucous. Anyone can get esophageal cancer, regardless of… Read more »
Dr Walker McDonald and Dr Neelima Reddy of Gastroenterology Associates are the only specialists to provide endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the Baton Rouge area. This minimally invasive procedure is extremely useful for evaluating and diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancers of the esophagus, lung, pancreas or stomach, colon, ampulla, and rectum. If you need an endoscopic ultrasound,… Read more »
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure whereby an endoscopic tube is inserted into the mouth (for an upper GI EUS) or the anus/rectum (for a lower GI EUS). The endoscopic tube is outfitted with an ultrasound device on the tip that provides imaging from the inside of a patient, as opposed to alternative… Read more »
Acid reflux and eosinophillic esophagitis (EE or EoE) are medical problems that affect a large number of Americans. Both children and adults suffer from these ailments, which can cause a large amount of discomfort when it comes time to eat and digest. Acid Reflux, or GERD, and eosinophilic esophagitis have similar symptoms and are EoE is commonly mistaken… Read more »
The symptoms of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are fairly similar, although they differ in their severity and persistence. Both conditions are caused by reflux of acid from the stomach into the lower portion of the esophagus. However, GERD is a chronic condition in which heartburn occurs two to three times a week or more, while having… Read more »
Acid reflux. Coughing. Difficulty swallowing. If you suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these symptoms are all too familiar. But how can you stop them? First, talk with a gastroesophageal expert. Over-reliance on medical web resources can lead to improper self-diagnosis and potentially harmful self-treatment. Many different diseases and disorders can present with the same… Read more »
Heartburn is very common and brings discomfort to millions. What causes heartburn? The condition is the result of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, and it can produce a burning sensation in the throat or chest. Other common symptoms include sore throat, coughing, hoarseness, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. How does your heartburn go away?… Read more »
Acid reflux is a common problem that knows no limits of age, gender, or other demographics. Unlike general ‘heartburn’, acid reflux symptoms are not just caused by something you eat. Acid Reflux Symptoms In order to determine if you should be tested for the possibility of having acid reflux, consider the following potential symptoms: • … Read more »
Acid reflux and heartburn are common complaints that we have all experienced at one time or another. Most understand that the burning sensation of reflux is a direct result of rising stomach acid. However, there are many other questions to which the answers are not so clear. Here are some of the most frequently asked… Read more »
A feeling of burning or tightness in the chest can often leave sufferers with the immediate assumption that what they are feeling are classic signs of heartburn or acid reflux. In most cases, this assumption is accurate. However, these same symptoms are also associated with other, potentially serious conditions. Therefore, they should never be ignored,… Read more »
When you are struggling with digestive difficulties or have reached an age when recommended screenings such as colonoscopies should begin, it’s time to include a gastroenterologist in your health care team. The training of a gastroenterologist is very specific and unique, including training in specialized gastrointestinal procedures. This allows them to provide high quality, comprehensive… Read more »
Tightness in the throat is a familiar sensation for some. It can be an uncomfortable, painful, and even frightening feeling. Sometimes, the tightness is short-lived and may be attributed to anxiety or an allergic reaction. However, persistent tightness that worsens over time may be the result of esophageal stricture. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)… Read more »
Tightness in your throat could be due to an esophageal stricture. An esophageal stricture is caused by damage to the esophagus that causes inflammation or swelling. When this occurs, the space in the esophagus becomes smaller, making it feel tighter and compromising function. Esophageal strictures cause symptoms such as: hoarseness difficulty swallowing heartburn regurgitation of… Read more »
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You may be diagnosed with GERD if you experience acid reflux more than twice a week. Proton pump inhibitors can help to reduce the symptoms of GERD and prevent complications from arising. What Is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does… Read more »
Most people have experienced the symptoms of heartburn at one time or another. Perhaps you ate too much just before bed and awoke to a burning sensation in your chest. You may have even had some regurgitation of stomach acid into your throat and mouth. While unpleasant, these symptoms are easily treated with antacids or home remedies… Read more »
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, causes both short-term symptoms and long-term effects. Taking steps to manage GERD can reduce the risk of long-term complications, as well as providing short-term relief from symptoms. If you are suffering from GERD, don’t try to ignore it: seek medical advice to prevent serious complications arising later. Short-Term Effects of GERD… Read more »
Understanding Acid Reflux, aka Heartburn Do you avoid certain foods because you know they will make you uncomfortable sometime later in the day? Perhaps you prop yourself up to sleep to avoid that burning sensation in the middle of the night. Or it could be that you rely on antacids to get you through the… Read more »
What Is Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux? Infant reflux, known as gastroesophageal reflux(GER), occurs when the stomach contents come back up into the infant’s food pipe or esophagus. The ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach normally relaxes to let milk pass from the esophagus into the stomach and then tightens again to keep the milk in… Read more »
Acid reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach flows up into the esophagus due to the esophageal sphincter being damaged or weakened. For those diagnosed with acid reflux, managing your diet is a good way to relieve symptoms. This includes monitoring the number of acidic foods you consume. Nutrition and stomach problems go hand… Read more »
