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6 Times When You Should See a Gastroenterologist

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:24:47 GMT

6 Times When You Should See a Gastroenterologist

Many Americans are not familiar with the services provided by a gastroenterologist. But this specialty medical field can help you at a variety of times in your life. How? Here are a few times when you should work with a gastroenterologist to protect your health.

1. For a Routine Screening

Most Americans should have regular screenings. These can be done through several methods, but the most common is a colonoscopy or CT colonoscopy. In a colonoscopy, the doctor will use an exploratory tool with a camera to inspect the interior of your colon (or part of it), looking for polyps and other abnormal growths. With a CT colonoscopy, a virtual image is produced through CT technology.

Most people of average risk should begin having colonoscopies as a screening tool at age 50. You may need earlier screening if you have certain risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer, African American ethnicity, or inflammatory intestinal conditions.

2. When You Get Intestinal Symptoms

Are you suddenly experiencing one or more intestinal troubles on a semi-regular basis? This could include vomiting, excessive gas, cramping, abdominal pain, or bloating.

While a person will likely have one of these symptoms sporadically at times, having several of them or having them consistently is an indicator of digestive problems. You don't have to live with them, and your doctor can do tests to find the root causes and formulate a treatment plan.

3. When You Have Heartburn

Many people don't give heartburn the attention that it deserves. They may put up with the burning sensations for years before seeking help. Consistent heartburn is more than just a mild inconvenience; it can cause damage to the esophagus and stomach lining and make other respiratory and digestive problems worse. A gastroenterologist can treat you for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) to prevent more injury.

4. When Intestinal Troubles Become Worse

Have you been diagnosed with intestinal difficulties, like constipation, bloating, or inflammatory bowel disease? Then you already have a daily challenge that you may use a variety of ways to treat. But if your symptoms get worse rather than better, it's time to meet with a specialist. Your symptoms could be indicative of something larger that needs to be addressed, such as Crohn's Disease or celiac disease.

5. When You Experience Unexpected Weight Changes

Everyone's weight fluctuates over their lifetime, but it's usually accompanied by an identifiable reason why. For example, if you lose weight fast, you’ve probably recently changed your diet or started getting more exercise. If you gain weight, you usually know you've been eating more poorly than you normally do or you've been sedentary over winter.

However, if you suddenly experience weight gain or weight loss that's not attributable to changes in your routine, you may have intestinal changes. Causes vary widely and could be anything from digestive issues to gallstones to colon cancer.

6. If You See Blood in Your Stool

Blood in your stool — or black stool, colored by blood within — isn't a normal event for most people, and it should never be ignored. Bloody stools could occur for several reasons, including hemorrhoids or anal fissures. More serious causes might include colon polyps, diverticulitis, or colitis.

Get checked out if you notice any rectal bleeding, particularly if it occurs on more than one occasion. A gastroenterologist specializes in finding the root cause for this potentially serious symptom.

Whether you're looking for a routine screening or you have questions about unusual symptoms, the experts at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center can help. Call today to make an appointment and to learn more.

Your Pregnancy And Gastroenterological Symptoms — What To Expect

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:23:41 GMT

Your Pregnancy And Gastroenterological Symptoms — What To Expect

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes — both temporary and permanent. Symptoms of these changes and their treatments vary from woman to woman, so you need to be aware of what to look for and when to seek medical care.

Your gastrointestinal system often experiences changes and new challenges during and after pregnancy. However, many women aren't aware of what's normal and what changes may not be so common. What should you look for? And how should you react to new gastrointestinal (GI) issues that creep up? Here are a few answers.

Vomiting

Few people would be surprised to know that nausea and vomiting are the most common intestinal issues when pregnant. You're most likely to have nausea and throw up during the first few weeks after becoming pregnant, but some people experience it for much longer. Hormones cause large changes in your system, often leading to discomfort. Fortunately, this usually minimizes over time.

There are many safe over-the-counter aids for nausea, but you should see your doctor if it fails to resolve itself after time. Serious vomiting can be dangerous if you lose important nutrients and electrolytes or if you lose the weight that you need to stay healthy with your little one. If this keeps happening, seek help from a qualified doctor.

Diarrhea or Constipation

Changes in your bowel system are common during pregnancy — and aren't surprising, given all the changes your system is dealing with. The necessary hormone progesterone is also a major cause of bowel changes. You can often reduce constipation by adding more fiber to your diet and by using over-the-counter stool softeners.

Diarrhea can be more dangerous because, as with vomiting, it can rob your body of hydration and needed nutrients. If you suffer prolonged bouts of diarrhea, try to replenish your electrolytes and consult with a gastroenterologist with experience helping pregnant women find safe diarrhea cures.

Acid Reflux

Heartburn happens to most people at some point, and it's often exacerbated by physical changes as the uterus grows. There are a variety of home treatments you can pursue, ranging from antacids to avoiding certain foods. If you suffer from a new problem with acid reflux, keep a food diary to determine if a pattern exists. A gastroenterologist can also help identify the best way to reduce esophageal irritation.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are unpleasant, but they are generally not overly dangerous. Many women experience them as a result of other factors, such as constipation. If you get this discomfort and irritation from hemorrhoids, start with a safe home treatment like soaking in a warm bath or using Epsom salts. If these don't do the trick, ask your doctor which over the counter treatment creams would be safest for you and your baby.

Gallstones

The gall bladder isn't directly affected by a growing pregnancy, but changes in hormones can affect levels of cholesterol in your body. This, in turn, changes the bile produced within the gallbladder and can even create stones within this small organ.

Gallstones are generally recognizable by symptoms like pain in your upper abdomen, pain in the right shoulder, or pain within your shoulder blades. Gallbladder attacks can also be mistaken for normal nausea and vomiting symptoms of pregnancy. Modern surgical techniques can treat or even remove the gallbladder with minimal invasion.

Most GI issues that affect women during this time can be treated with safe and time-tested practices. If you have concerns about any of your own symptoms, meet with an experienced gastroenterologist at your earliest convenience. At Kentuckiana Gastroenterology , our providers help you find the right ways to reduce symptoms and protect the health of both mother and child. Call today to make an appointment.

What Do You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids?

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:22:45 GMT

What Do You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). If you suspect

hemorrhoids are the source of your pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms, take a look at the top questions patients have about this common condition.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

The first step to healing your hemorrhoid pain is understanding the problem. Unless you've had hemorrhoids previously or have a doctor's diagnosis, you might not even know you have the condition.

Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels that bulge in or around the anus or lower rectal area. It's possible to have external hemorrhoids near the outside of the anus or internal hemorrhoids that form inside the anal opening. In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can prolapse(slide) to the exterior.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

The severity of hemorrhoid symptoms ranges from minimal to severe, depending on the size and placement. Common signs include:

Pain. Patients often experience some level of discomfort in the anal area. If you feel constant pain (especially when coupled with other symptoms), a doctor's visit is typically necessary.
Swelling. You may have visible swelling near the anus with an external hemorrhoid.
Itching. Along with pain, some patients experience itching in the area.
Bleeding. Some patients experience bleeding during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are not the only cause of this symptom. It's important to contact your medical provider as soon as possible if you see blood in your bowel movements.

If you're not sure whether your otherwise unexplained symptoms are hemorrhoids or another issue, a healthcare provider is needed to make a diagnosis.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Some patients prefer to see the doctor immediately after any level of discomfort starts, and others are more reluctant to do so. If your symptoms worsen or don't resolve on their own, make an appointment with your doctor. If your symptoms get in the way of daily life(causing you to miss work, school, or other obligations), seethe doctor immediately.

Again, blood in bowel movements is another reason to call the doctor right away. The sight of blood in your stool can cause understandable anxiety. Instead of worrying about the problem, visit the doctor for a full exam and diagnostic tests.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Understanding the cause of your hemorrhoids may help you to prevent a repeat occurrence. Common causes include pregnancy, constipation (straining to have a bowel movement), overuse of laxatives or enemas, chronic diarrhea, or aging.

Heredity may also play a role in developing this condition. This, along with some other causes (such as aging) are often unavoidable issues. If you have a genetic predisposition toward developing hemorrhoids, then avoid straining during bowel movements, overdoing it with laxatives or fiber, and other preventable risks.

How Do You Treat Hemorrhoids?

While there are at-home hemorrhoid treatments, a first-time sufferer needs to visit a doctor fora diagnosis. Not every treatment works for every patient. If you don't know what type of hemorrhoid you have or which treatment option will work the best for your individual needs, don't waste time and money on over-the-counter cures.

A severe hemorrhoid or one that forms a clot may require surgery. The doctor may remove the hemorrhoid surgically, use rubber band to cut off the blood supply, or shrink internal hemorrhoids with staples. The specific surgical strategy the doctor chooses depends on your hemorrhoid and your overall health.

If surgical treatment isn't needed, the doctor may recommend life style changes (such a seating a more nutritious diet), adding fiber to your diet, drinking more water, or taking sitz baths.

Do you have a hemorrhoid? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology&Paramount Surgery Center for more information.

Debunking 4 Hemorrhoid Myths

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:21:45 GMT

Debunking 4 Hemorrhoid Myths

Hemorrhoids may not be the most pleasant topic of conversation, but understanding these swollen veins in the anus and rectum is important. Although not technically dangerous, hemorrhoids can cause enormous discomfort. You may experience inflammation, pain, itchiness, and bleeding. If the hemorrhoid bursts, the bleeding can last up to 10 minutes, which can be frustrating and overwhelming.

Fortunately, proper understanding is key if you have hemorrhoids. This guide and your doctor will help you learn the truth about a few common hemorrhoid myths.

1. Hemorrhoids Affect Older People Only

One common myth many people believe is that hemorrhoids affect older individuals only. While the risk does increase with age, hemorrhoids can affect people of all ages.

Half of all people will develop hemorrhoids by the time they are 50 years of age. Also, hemorrhoids affect both men and women regardless of their age.

Because of the excess pressure and strain placed on the pelvic and rectal areas during pregnancy and childbirth, many pregnant women develop hemorrhoids, too.

Finally, if you suffer from chronic constipation or diarrhea or do a lot of heavy lifting, you will have a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids — no matter what your age is.

2. Hemorrhoids Are a Sign of Cancer

Another myth people believe is that hemorrhoids are a sign of different colon or rectal cancers. Because bleeding from the rectum is the most common sign of both rectal cancer and hemorrhoids, you can see why so many believe this myth. Thankfully, symptoms of rectal cancer exist that are not also symptoms of hemorrhoids, so knowing the differences is smart.

Patients who experience bleeding from the rectum in addition to unexplained weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and bowel obstruction should see a doctor immediately because these are all symptoms of rectal cancer and not hemorrhoids.

Therefore, if you experience bleeding from the rectum, discomfort, and itchiness only, you may have hemorrhoids and should consult your doctor for treatment.

3. Hemorrhoids Are Contagious

Many people also believe that hemorrhoids are contagious. Fortunately, they are not transferable from one person to another.

Remember that hemorrhoids are veins that have become enlarged and swollen due to pressure and strain. Hemorrhoids are not parasites or viruses, so they cannot go from one person to another.

Rest easy in knowing hemorrhoids are not contagious.

4. Hemorrhoids Only Require OTC Treatments

If you visit your local drug store or discount retailer, you will most likely find a variety of over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments. These treatments include creams, ointments, special wipes, and even diet changes to include more fiber-rich foods to help ease hemorrhoids. However, instances exist where a more involved treatment will be necessary.

For example, if you do not see any improvement in pain after using OTC methods, doctors may recommend a minimally invasive treatment or surgical procedure for your hemorrhoids. If you have prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids, rubber-band litigation may be recommendable.

Rubber-band litigation involves placing tight bands around the hemorrhoids to restrict blood flow. After a period of time, the hemorrhoids will fall off, reducing any pain or discomfort you experienced. This treatment can be an effective option for many patients.

In more severe instances, a surgical procedure will be best. A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids under general anesthesia. Although more invasive, a hemorrhoidectomy offers an estimated 95 percent success rate.

Living with hemorrhoids is possible, but help is available if you are tired of living with the symptoms of this uncomfortable condition. For more information about hemorrhoids, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center today. We are always happy to answer your questions and concerns about this condition and any others we treat.

What Every Person With Heartburn Should Know About Acid Reflux

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:20:43 GMT

What Every Person With Heartburn Should Know About Acid Reflux

For many adults, heartburn is a frequent concern. Many people feel heartburn creeping in when they least expect it, and the pain can leave them distracted for hours. If this sounds familiar, you might be suffering from acid reflux, a condition that includes heartburn. Concerned? Read on to learn more.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

One of the biggest symptoms of acid reflux is a burning near the bottom of the chest, typically within short proximity to a meal. The sensation is known as heartburn. Other symptoms include painful spasms, during which individuals may experience problems swallowing. Individuals may even experience food that comes back up the esophagus and into the mouth.

For many people, these symptoms worsen at night. For some patients, the chest pain is so intense that it causes them to wake up in the middle of the night. In fact, sometimes the pain is so intense that people wonder if they are in the middle of a heart attack.

Some symptoms are more subtle than others. You may also experience bloating, dark stools, hiccups, nausea, wheezing, coughing, and the feeling that you have a lump of food stuck in your throat. In some cases, the symptoms are specific to the types of foods you eat.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when acid in the stomach flows back up into the esophagus. At the top of your stomach sits a muscle that opens and closes to allow food to enter. Unfortunately, the sphincter does not always work correctly. It may allow acid to enter your esophagus as a result.

Some people are more likely to experience the side effects of acid reflux compared to others. For example, people who are pregnant or considered obese are more likely to experience heartburn than the general population. People with hernias and certain tissue disorders may also experience the symptoms.

Should You Treat Acid Reflux Disease?

While many people perceive heartburn as painful but just a nuisance, the truth is that it can lead to more serious health conditions over time. As a result, you should seek to address the symptoms as early as possible.

One of the reasons you should treat acid reflux disease is to avoid esophagitis caused by exposure to acid. Esophagitis is the inflammation of the lining in the esophagus, which can leads to ulcers, discomfort, and bleeding. The condition may come with an increased risk of cancer. A condition known as Barrett's esophagus may also lead to the development of cancer cells.

Stomach acid also causes the development of scars in the body known as strictures. This condition can trap food as it moves down the esophagus.

What Should You Do About Acid Reflux?

Lifestyle modifications can help you avoid acid reflux. For example, to limit acid reflux, you should avoid some food and drink items, including coffee, greasy foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, and alcohol. You should stop smoking and avoid eating in the hours before you lie down. Your doctor may also recommend you lose some weight to avoid the symptoms. You should also decrease the size of your meals.

For many people, an over-the-counter medication works fine to relieve the symptoms, but in some cases the condition develops into a more frequent occurrence. At that point, the condition may be called gastroesophageal reflux diease, or GERD, which may require more serious efforts to rectify.

Acid reflux is a common health concern, but that does not mean you have to accept living with it. Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center may offer the assistance you need. Call our office today to discuss your acid reflux with our team and establish the best treatment plan for your pains.

What Is IBS, and Do You Have It?

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:19:25 GMT

What Is IBS, and Do You Have It?

The term IBS gets tossed around a lot. Many people who claim they have IBS have never had a formal diagnosis, and many people have had IBS symptoms for years without seeking a diagnosis. Put simply, many people have a misunderstanding in terms of what IBS is, how it is diagnosed, and how it is managed. Hopefully, this article clears up some of those misconceptions for you.

What Is IBS?

IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. A syndrome, by definition, is a collection of symptoms. With IBS, these symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Three main types of IBS exist. Patients who have IBS-C struggle mostly with constipation and hard stools. Those with IBS-D struggle mostly with diarrhea or loose stools. Those with IBS-M struggle with constipation and diarrhea relatively equally.

IBS does not cause and is not caused by damage to the digestive tract. Rather, it seems to be a disorder of communication between your brain and intestines. Your brain improperly communicates with the muscles in your intestines, causing them to over or under-contract, leading to the symptoms described above.

Why Should You Never Ignore IBS Symptoms?

IBS is more bothersome than dangerous, but that does not mean you should just ignore these symptoms or assume they are due to IBS without undergoing proper testing and diagnosis. Other, more serious digestive ailments can cause similar symptoms to IBS and have serious consequences if left untreated.

Some patients who assume they have IBS may actually suffer from gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Continuing to eat foods that contain gluten could cause serious and lasting damage to their digestive tract. Other patients may actually have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, or anxiety.

How Do You Diagnose IBS?

No single test exists that your doctor can use to diagnose IBS. Rather, your gastroenterology specialist will run a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. These tests may include a colonoscopy, CT scans, lactose intolerance tests, and breath tests to detect bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.

Once your specialist rules out all other possible ailments, including Crohn's disease and colon cancer, you'll likely receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

How Common Is IBS?

Researchers estimate that about 12 percent of Americans have IBS. Anyone can develop IBS at any point in their life, but it is most common in women, those under the age of 50, and people with a family history of the syndrome. You have no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk to your doctor about symptoms you think may indicate IBS. This is a very common ailment, and you are not alone.

How Do You Treat IBS?

Another reason to seek proper diagnosis for your digestive symptoms is so that if you do have IBS, you can treat it effectively. Your doctor can work with you to find an individualized strategy that keeps your symptoms under control. Common treatments and management strategies include:

Taking fiber supplements to alleviate constipation
Relying on anti-diarrhea medications during bouts of loose stools
Taking anticholinergic medications, such as dicyclomine, to relieve intestinal spasms
Avoiding foods that cause gas, such as raw fruits, carbonated beverages, and cruciferous vegetables

Also, a number of medications are specifically for the management of IBS. Eluxadoline is one example, as it helps relieve muscle contractions in the intestine and improve muscle tone in the rectum.

If you suffer from diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramping, do not just assume you have IBS. A more serious condition may be at play, and if you do have IBS, your doctor can prescribe a myriad of treatments to reduce your symptoms and improve your life.

Reach out to the doctors at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Rectal Bleeding? Discover These 5 Possible Causes

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:18:25 GMT

Rectal Bleeding? Discover These 5 Possible Causes

Finding blood in your stool may be alarming, especially if you have no other symptoms. Blood in the stool, or rectal bleeding, may be from one of several factors, ranging from minor to very serious. If you notice blood in your stool, see your physician or gastroenterologist for a proper diagnosis. Meanwhile, you might want to be aware of the following non-cancerous causes of rectal bleeding.

1. Hemorrhoids

When veins in the lower rectum or anus swell, the condition is referred to as hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside of the rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus. In any case, the swollen veins often lead to intense itching, swelling, and minor pain. In some cases, minor rectal bleeding or spots of blood might be in the stool.

In most cases, hemorrhoids are not considered to be serious and are easily treatable. You may treat your condition with over-the-counter creams or ointments. However, if your condition does not respond to home treatment, you might need an evaluation from your doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, you may be able to control your symptoms by keeping your weight in check if you are overweight and by avoiding constipation. Either of the above may worsen hemorrhoids.

2. Anal Fissure

When pressure is exerted, such as when straining to have a bowel movement, a small cut or tear around the anus may occur. Anal tears are known as fissures. An anal fissure may be painful and cause bleeding from the rectum and, consequently, may lead to blood in the stool. The pain and bleeding is often at its worse during a bowel movement.

If you believe your rectal bleeding is due to an anal fissure, your gastroenterologist can provide a positive diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe a high-fiber diet to provide extra bulk that will prevent constipation and straining.

3. Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis (Diverticular Disease)

Diverticulosis is a condition affecting the walls of the digestive tract. Diverticulosis occurs when the lining of the digestive tract forms small pockets. In some cases, individuals with diverticulosis may experience complications such as rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

When inflammation or infection is present, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are both forms of diverticular disease.

If you believe you may have diverticulosis or diverticulitis, err on the side of caution. The best course of action is to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Once diagnosed with diverticular disease, your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan and best course of action to take.

4. Food Poisoning

You might not think of food poisoning as a cause of your bloody stool, but this is a possibility. While some cases of food poisoning are mild, other cases may be severe and cause more than frequent bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Severe symptoms of food poisoning may cause a high fever and blood in the stool. When accompanied by dehydration, bloody stools may make you feel weak or dizzy.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek emergency medical treatment at once.

5. Peptic Ulcer

Sores in the lining of the stomach or intestinal tract are often referred to as peptic ulcers. If you develop a peptic ulcer due to certain medications or a bacterial infection, you may experience rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. See your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

In conclusion, if you experience any degree of rectal bleeding that is ongoing or recurrent, schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist . We will help you understand the cause of your rectal bleeding and your treatment options.

Understanding Esophageal Stricture

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:16:32 GMT

Understanding Esophageal Stricture

Do you suffer from frequent heartburn and indigestion? Do you sometimes regurgitate food or liquids? Have you lost weight without trying? Do you have trouble swallowing when you are eating and sometimes feel as though food has gotten stuck in your chest? Are you increasingly fearful of eating?

If these symptoms describe you, you could have an esophageal stricture. Here is what you need to know about this potentially dangerous condition.

What Is an Esophageal Stricture?

The esophagus is the muscular tube, about 8 inches in length, which connects the throat to the stomach. An esophageal stricture occurs when the esophagus becomes narrower at a certain point or points. This narrowing leads to difficulty swallowing, eating, and drinking. It can also make a person more likely to choke. The stricture may become so severe it eventually causes a complete obstruction.

What Causes an Esophageal Stricture?

While a malignant, or cancerous, growth may be the cause of esophageal stricture, more often, an esophageal stricture is benign, or noncancerous. An esophageal stricture occurs when the esophagus is damaged and scar tissue results.

The most common cause of esophageal stricture is acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.)

Near where the esophagus and stomach join, there is a bundle of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter is a shutoff valve of sorts. When working properly, it opens for a second when you swallow and then closes again to keep food, liquids, and stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.

When the lower esophageal sphincter doesn't work as it should, the acid from the stomach backs up and causes heartburn. The stomach can handle acid, but your esophagus cannot. Over time, repeated, chronic exposure to stomach acid will damage the esophagus, which causes the scar tissue that leads to the narrowing, or stricture.

Other causes of esophageal strictures include:

Enlarged veins in the esophagus, which can burst and result in severe bleeding.
Scar tissue caused by an endoscopy, the procedure doctors use to look at your digestive tract.
Esophagitis, an immune disorder that causes chronic inflammation.
Scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder that may affect the lining of the esophagus.
Radiation therapy to the neck or chest.
Tube feedings done via the nose.
Accidental ingestion of a corrosive liquid, such as household cleaners.
Esophageal cancer.

How Is an Esophageal Stricture Diagnosed?

An esophageal stricture is diagnosed via an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or another diagnostic tool, such as a CT scan. Your doctor will order one of these tests if you present symptoms indicative of a stricture or GERD.

Occasionally, a stricture is found by a physician as a result of a trip to the emergency room when a mass of food becomes lodged in the lower esophagus, causing severe chest pain, drooling, gagging, and spitting up liquid. Doctors call this "steakhouse syndrome" as meat is the most common culprit.

If a doctor suspects you have this condition, they may have you drink a carbonated beverage to see if it will dislodge the food. Another option is a glucagon injection, which relaxes the esophagus. If these things do not work, they will perform an endoscopy and use tiny tools to manually remove the food or push it through.

How Is an Esophageal Stricture Treated?

An esophageal stricture is often treated with a dilation procedure. An endoscopy is performed with a special balloon that is inflated to gently stretch the esophagus, widening it again. A person may have to have this procedure done repeatedly.

In more severe cases, a stent, or tube, may be put in, or the doctor may recommend other surgical procedures. If a person has GERD, they may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes as well as prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid.

If you have trouble swallowing, have excess heartburn, or often get the sensation food is stuck in your throat, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center today to schedule an appointment.

What You Need to Know About Diverticulosis

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:15:30 GMT

What You Need to Know About Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a medical condition that happens when small pouches called diverticula form in the lining of the digestive tract due to the inner layer pressing against weak spots in the outer layer. The condition is extremely common, affecting half of people over 60 and almost everyone over 80, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy .

Symptoms

Oftentimes, those afflicted with diverticulosis don't even realize it. Some people with diverticulosis experience abdominal cramps, bloating, and constipation, but since these symptoms are present with many other medical conditions, their presence doesn't necessarily indicate diverticulosis.

Diagnosis

Since diverticula often form in the lower part of the large intestine, or colon, doctors typically diagnose the condition when a patient comes in for a routine test or screening for colon polyps or colon cancer.

If you're experiencing common diverticulosis symptoms and you don't have another medical condition that could be causing them, your doctor might refer you to a gastroenterologist for testing and diagnosis.

Gastroenterologists often diagnose diverticulosis through a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures use small cameras attached to a flexible tube inserted through the rectum to examine the colon and other parts of the large intestine.

Treatment

Because many people who have diverticulosis don't experience any symptoms, treatment isn't always necessary.

Patients who experience pain, bloating, or other unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms can often manage their symptoms by including more fiber in their diets from whole fruits, vegetables, and grains or from supplements made from methylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium.

Your doctor might also prescribe medication to help stop abdominal cramping. Some patients also respond well to the antibiotics, though this is not usually the first treatment your physician will try.

Potential Complications

Most people live full lives without any major complications from diverticulosis. Diverticulitis is the most common complication from diverticulosis — it happens when the pouches in the intestines get inflamed or infected.

People who have diverticulitis have more severe symptoms than those who have diverticula that aren't inflamed. These symptoms include fever, chills, abdominal pain and tenderness, nausea, and constipation. Most cases of diverticulitis can be cleared up with oral antibiotics.

It's important to seek prompt treatment if you experience diverticulitis symptoms, especially if you've already been diagnosed with diverticulosis. If you don't treat the infection, it could lead to an abscess on the wall of your colon. This condition is called peritonitis and usually requires IV antibiotics or surgical draining of the pus from the abscess.

If you have a particularly severe case of diverticulitis or if the infection keeps coming back, your gastroenterologist might suggest surgery to remove the part of the colon where the infection keeps occurring.

Prevention

Doctors aren't entirely sure what causes diverticulosis. The condition is far less prevalent in countries where people typically eat a diet high in fiber, however. Fiber helps keep bowel movements regular and prevents constipation.

Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements puts more pressure on the walls and lining of the digestive tract and over many years, this pushing, along with straining during bowel movements, can create diverticula.

One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from diverticulosis is to eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables or take fiber supplements to help you stay regular. If you have another gastrointestinal condition that causes constipation, such as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), seek appropriate treatment to minimize your risk of developing diverticula.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with diverticulosis or are experiencing diverticulosis symptoms, the experienced specialists at the Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center in Louisville, Kentucky can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Barrett's Esophagus | Kentuckiana Gastroenterology

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:14:35 GMT

Barrett's Esophagus | Kentuckiana Gastroenterology

After years of dealing with a number of gastroenterological symptoms, you've decided to visit a gastroenterologist to determine the cause and find some relief. One of the potential diagnoses is a condition called Barrett's esophagus.

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions you might have about Barrett's esophagus.

What Exactly Is Barrett's Esophagus?

The esophagus is the long tube that carries food to your stomach and is lined with specialized cells called squamous mucosa. When a person living with chronic heartburn or GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, suffers constant damage to this squamous mucosa, the cellular structure of the lining changes and the squamous mucosa begins to resemble the lining of the small intestines.

This change is known as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett's esophagus occurs over several years of exposure to stomach acids moving up from the stomach and into the esophagus.

Individuals with GERD or a hiatal hernia are at a higher risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. Other risk factors for developing Barrett's esophagus include:

Smoking
Obesity
Age

Although rare, Barrett's esophagus places a patient at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Barrett's Esophagus?

The symptoms of Barrett's esophagus develop over several years, and often, they are mistaken for other common gastrointestinal issues, such as chronic acid reflux or GERD. Here are a few of the most common symptoms associated with Barrett's esophagus:

Frequent heartburn. In addition to a burning feeling in the chest, frequent heartburn sufferers might also experience a metallic taste in their mouth and bad breath.
Chest pains. The pain is typically caused by severe acid reflux or GERD. However, if you experience shortness of breath and dizziness in addition to chest pains, contact your doctor immediately.
Trouble swallowing. Otherwise known as dysphagia, issues with swallowing occur when stomach acid damages the throat. The resulting scar tissue narrows the opening to the esophagus, which in turn makes swallowing difficult.

Unfortunately, many patients with Barrett's esophagus will have no symptoms and will treat their acid reflux, not realizing that severe damage is being done to their esophagus, which in turn makes their undiagnosed Barrett's esophagus even worse.

How Will My Doctor Diagnose Barrett's Esophagus?

After taking a thorough medical history, your gastroenterologist will perform an upper endoscopy and biopsy to diagnose Barrett's esophagus. Before an endoscopy, the doctor will numb your throat and give you a mild sedative to help you relax. An upper endoscopy involves placing a long, thin, flexible tube down the throat and into the esophagus.

The tube is fitted at the end with a small camera, which allows the doctor to navigate the esophagus, take a closer look at the lining of the esophagus, and take pictures and video of the affected area.

A biopsy of the affected tissue is taken and analyzed to determine if the cellular structure has changed. The tissue will be graded as having no dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, or high-grade dysplasia. A dysplasia grading helps doctor determine if the cells in your esophagus are in danger of mutating and becoming cancerous.

How Will My Doctor Treat Barrett's Esophagus?

Treatment for Barrett's esophagus is dependent upon the severity of the symptoms and condition. For example, people with no dysplasia will treat any underlying conditions that led to the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, including GERD.

A patient diagnosed with low-grade dysplasia or high-grade dysplasia will also work with their doctor to control chronic acid reflux and might undergo additional procedures to remove any affected esophageal cells. For example, the gastroenterologist might recommend an endoscopic resection, which involves using a specialized endoscope to remove the affected esophageal tissue.

Barrett's esophagus is a common illness that should be monitored closely by a gastroenterologist. If you have any further questions, contact the professionals at  Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center .

Why Do You Need a Colonoscopy?

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:13:40 GMT

Why Do You Need a Colonoscopy?

Do you need a colonoscopy? While it's completely normal to feel nervous about this procedure, you have nothing to fear. Take a look at the answers to the top questions patients have about their first colonoscopy.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in American adults. Luckily, a test (the colonoscopy) exists to detect colon cancer in its early stages.

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic tool specialists use to visualize cancer and other problems in the colon and rectum. The doctor inserts a long scope into the rectum (while you're sedated) and gently threads it through the colon. This provides a view of the colon's interior and allows the doctor to detect (and remove, if necessary) potentially cancerous or pre-cancerous polyps.

While colon cancer detection is a primary use for the colonoscopy, it isn't the only reason to schedule this diagnostic test. Read on for more information on why you may need a colonoscopy and how to prepare for one.

Why Is a Colonoscopy Necessary?

The answer to this question depends on the patient and their individual needs. In general, the most common reasons to have a colonoscopy include:

Age. While previous guidelines recommended the test for patients with no more than an average risk for colon cancer at age 50, in 2018 the American Cancer Society expanded its guidelines for people age 45 and up.
Family history. If a parent, sibling, or other close family member has had colorectal cancer, it's likely you'll need a screening.
History of abdominal radiation. You may also need this screening if you've had abdominal radiation therapy for another type of cancer.
Bowel symptoms. While a virus or a once in a while bout of diarrhea doesn't necessitate a colonoscopy, constant GI symptoms, weight loss, bleeding, or other unexplained intestinal issues may warrant a colonoscopy.
Suspicion of an inflammatory bowel disease. If the doctor thinks you may have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need a colonoscopy to diagnose the condition.

If you have concerns about the necessity of this diagnostic procedure, talk to your doctor. The medical provider will help you to better understand how this test meets your needs and why it's an important part of your overall healthcare.

How Do You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Now that you better understand why you need this procedure, it's time to move on to the prep. To get the best results possible and prevent the need for an immediate repeat procedure, always follow the doctor's preparation directions exactly.

While the type of prep varies slightly by doctor or physician's practice, most patients will need to:

Eat a low-fiber diet. Reduce your fiber intake a few days to a week before the colonoscopy. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Stick to clear liquids the day before. Only consume clear liquids for the entire day before your procedure. Soup broth, gelatin, popsicles, clear juices, clear sports drinks, and water are acceptable. Avoid anything with red, purple, or orange coloring.
Drink the bowel prep. The doctor will prescribe a bowel prep cleanse to drink the day before the procedure. Follow the directions precisely. The cleanse has an extreme laxative effect. Take time off from work and plan to stay near your bathroom.
Fast on the day of the procedure. Keep your bowel clear and avoid foods and beverages directly before your procedure.

Do you take medications regularly? Ask your doctor what you can or can't continue as you prep for the procedure.

Have you scheduled your colonoscopy? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information.

The Top Hemorrhoid Diagnosis and Treatment Questions Answered

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:12:38 GMT

The Top Hemorrhoid Diagnosis and Treatment Questions Answered

Do you have hemorrhoids? You aren't alone. According to the Harvard Medical School, over half of Americans experience hemorrhoid symptoms by age 50. If this is your first experience with hemorrhoids, take a look at some of the most common questions patients have about diagnosing and treating this often-irritating issue.

Are There Different Types of Hemorrhoids?

Not all hemorrhoids are the same. Your doctor will classify your hemorrhoids by the location on your body. The two primary types of hemorrhoid are internal and external.

Like the name implies, internal hemorrhoids are inside of your body. More specifically, these strained veins are located inside of your rectum. You won't see or feel them unless they prolapse (fall or push through) the anal opening.

External hemorrhoids, like the internal variety, are also named for the body location where they're found. These swollen veins develop under the exterior anal skin. The exterior location means you can see, and typically feel, these hemorrhoids.

Do Hemorrhoids Hurt?

There's no easy, or universal, answer to this question. Many patients with internal hemorrhoids experience little to no pain. While some people do feel a sense of fullness or mild discomfort, pain may signal a more serious issue or a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

External hemorrhoids are often more painful than the internal variety. Along with pain or discomfort in the anal area, external hemorrhoids may lead to swelling, bleeding, itching, and irritation.

Do All Hemorrhoids Bleed?

While bleeding is a possible sign of hemorrhoids (either internal or external), it isn't always present. If you strain during bowel movements or have diarrhea, you may notice bright red blood from internal hemorrhoids. Even though this may seem strange or scary, when associated with hemorrhoids, bleeding doesn't necessarily signal a serious problem.

Like internal hemorrhoids, the external type may also bleed — especially if the anal area is irritated during or after bowel movements.

Even though hemorrhoid-associated bleeding isn't typically a major problem, other conditions and diseases of the colon, rectum, or anus can also cause unexplained bleeding. Never assume blood is related to hemorrhoids. Instead, contact your doctor for a rectal examination. Only a qualified medical provider can evaluate and diagnose anal bleeding.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose a Hemorrhoid?

The medical provider will take a health history, listen to your physical symptoms, and examine the area to determine whether you have internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or another issue. The exam may include a digital rectal exam to feel the area or the use of an anoscope (a thin, lighted tube) to see inside the anal area.

Does Hemorrhoid Diagnosing Hurt?

A rectal exam isn't one of the most comfortable trips to the doctor's office. But that doesn't mean it will hurt. While you might experience some pressure and discomfort (especially if you're nervous and tense the surrounding muscles) you shouldn't feel pain. The doctor will gently examine the area and do everything they can to minimize discomfort and ease anxiety.

What Treatments Are Available?

After the medical provider diagnoses your hemorrhoids, they'll help you to feel better with a treatment plan. The specific treatment depends on whether you have internal or external hemorrhoids. There are a variety of options, including both surgical and non-surgical strategies.

Smaller hemorrhoids that cause little discomfort may go away on their own. The doctor may recommend a high-fiber diet, increased water intake, or increase physical activity to reduce symptoms and prevent a reoccurrence.

If lifestyle changes don't help, the doctor may suggest over-the-counter ointments or pads (for external hemorrhoids) or prescription suppositories (for internal hemorrhoids). Internal hemorrhoids that don't respond to conservative treatments, are prolapsed, or cause pain may require rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or surgical removal.

Do you need something more than an over the counter hemorrhoid treatment? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information.

4 FAQ About Ulcerative Colitis

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:11:47 GMT

4 FAQ About Ulcerative Colitis

An inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis is often chronic and affects an estimated 750,000 people in the United States. The condition can include ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis is debilitating for some, while for others, it can cause life-threatening complications.

If you would like to know more about this digestive disease, discover the answers to four frequently asked questions about ulcerative colitis.

1. What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

One of the first symptoms of ulcerative colitis is diarrhea. The diarrhea might be bloody or contain mucous. As stools become looser, the diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal cramps. Besides diarrhea and abdominal cramps, other common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, dehydration, loss of appetite, and a constant urge to pass stools.

Symptoms may also depend on the type of ulcerative colitis. The four main kinds of ulcerative colitis include:

Ulcerative proctitis. This affects the end of the colon. Symptoms include rectal bleeding and pain.
Proctosigmoiditis. This affects the rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Left-sided colitis. This affects the rectum and left side of the sigmoid colon. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss.
Pancolitis. This affects the entire colon. Symptoms include occasional bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and considerable weight loss.

One more type of ulcerative colitis is fulminant colitis, also known as acute severe ulcerative colitis. This rare type of ulcerative colitis comes on suddenly and affects the entire colon. Symptoms include severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. Fulminant colitis is also very painful, and the person who has this condition can go into shock from the pain.

2. What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

No one knows the cause of ulcerative colitis. However, certain risk factors can increase a person's chances of getting this digestive disease. One risk factor is genetics. In fact, one-fifth of those with ulcerative colitis has a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the disease.

Some people with ulcerative colitis, however, don't have any family members with ulcerative colitis. Age is another risk factor, as ulcerative colitis is more common for those between the ages of 15 and 30 years old. Caucasians and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are known to have a higher risk of getting the digestive disease.

Some believe that ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the digestive tract.

3. What Are Possible Complications of Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the large intestine, as well as other parts of the body, especially the joints. About half of those with ulcerative colitis also has arthritis. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience bone loss from prescribed steroids. They might also have ulcers on the skin and eye inflammation.

Some life-threatening complications of ulcerative colitis include:

Blood clots
Colon cancer
Liver disease
Severe bleeding
Dehydration

One more life-threatening complication is toxic megacolon. This occurs when the colon blows up like a balloon because it has stopped working. The colon can perforate, causing bacteria to go into other parts of the body. Only about three percent of people with ulcerative colitis experience toxic megacolon.

4. What Treatment Options Are Available for Ulcerative Colitis?

No treatment exists for ulcerative colitis. Those who have the disease focus on managing their symptoms. Aminosalicylates and steroids are often prescribed to treat inflammation. Some people may also be prescribed anti-diarrheal medications. Surgery, such as a colectomy or an ileostomy, may be necessary for those who can't manage their symptoms with medications.

If you live in the Louisville area and think you may have ulcerative colitis or any other type of digestive disorder, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center. Our gastroenterologist will listen to your concerns and will respond with the best treatment option for you.

Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:10:53 GMT

Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The human digestive system is a complicated, multifaceted structure. It begins with your mouth, travels down the throat and esophagus into the stomach, then moves through the small intestine to the large intestine — or colon — and finally, ends at the rectum and anus. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder also play a role in digestion.

Problems can occur at any point along the approximate  30 feet  from beginning to end. One common issue is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which affects about  20 percent  of adults. This chronic condition often goes unrecognized, however, until it causes considerable trouble. Discover what you should know.

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

In between where the esophagus ends and the stomach begins sits a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle is normally in a closed position, but it relaxes when we eat to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach.

Sometimes, this valve doesn't function properly. When this occurs, stomach contents and the acids that break down food flow back into the esophagus. When this backup repeatedly occurs, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease results.

What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

While no single known cause of GERD exists, certain factors often contribute to the condition. Obesity is a primary lifestyle factor in the development of GERD. Excess belly fat puts pressure on the stomach and other organs, compressing them in the abdominal cavity.

Another possible cause is the lower esophageal sphincter muscle may be weaker than it should be. This may be genetic, or the muscle may be damaged. Corrosive stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus can further damage the organ.

Smoking can also contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease.  Studies  show that tobacco smoking changes the chemical makeup of saliva, which is normally rich in bicarbonate and offers protection against acid in the esophagus. Alcohol consumption may also play a role in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Research shows alcohol damages the inner lining of the esophagus, called the mucosa.

A hiatal hernia may also occur in conjunction with GERD. This is where part of the stomach protrudes through a gap in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that houses the esophagus in the chest and separates it from the stomach in the abdomen. A hiatal hernia reduces the functionality of the lower esophageal sphincter.

This condition usually doesn't cause symptoms on its own, but symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease often occur in conjunction with a hiatal hernia.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Heartburn is probably the most common symptom of GERD, but almost everyone gets heartburn occasionally. For example, laying down too soon after eating can cause acid reflux, but this doesn't necessarily indicate chronic disease.

Too much acid in the stomach and overeating may also lead to GERD. Not everyone with GERD experiences heartburn. Nausea, indigestion, difficulty or pain when swallowing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may also occur with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What Are the Potential Complications of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Without treatment, GERD can cause inflammation of the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also lead to a stricture. This is a narrowing of the esophagus from scar tissue that makes it difficult to swallow or pass food.

Changes to the cells of the esophagus is another possibility, which, in rare cases, can result in esophageal cancer. Respiratory problems can also occur with inhaled stomach acid.

If you regularly experience heartburn or other symptoms that point to GERD,  contact us  today to schedule an appointment. We use different tests to diagnose gastrointestinal issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications.

A Patients’ Guide to Peptic Ulcers

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:09:55 GMT

A Patients’ Guide to Peptic Ulcers

If you struggle with excruciating stomach pain and other alarming digestive issues, you may have developed a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers plague an estimated 4.6 million Americans every year, with causes ranging from medications and lifestyle choices to bacterial infections. Serious, untreated ulcers can produce fatal complications.

Fortunately, you can have a suspected ulcer diagnosed and treated while also taking simple steps to avoid future ulcer attacks. The following key points will help you understand peptic ulcers and their treatment.

Peptic Ulcer Causes

The painful, slow-healing sores known as ulcers can occur in various parts of the body, from the intestines to the feet, mouth, or genitals. Peptic ulcers fall into three categories. Gastric ulcers form in the stomach, esophageal ulcers develop in the esophagus, and duodenal ulcers form in the duodenum of the small intestine.

Peptic ulcers form when the stomach makes insufficient mucus to protect itself against the ravages of digestive acids. The acids then have an opportunity to erode the vulnerable tissues, producing open sores.

The majority of peptic ulcers seem related to infection by a bacterial strain called Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori). H. pylori may also cause some cases of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach's sensitive lining) or stomach cancer. However, many people live with H. pylori without experiencing these problems.

Certain lifestyle factors can increase your peptic ulcer risk, with or without the involvement of H. pylori. Examples include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stomach cancer, radiation therapy treatments, and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms

A burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen may herald the development of a peptic ulcer. This pain may feel more intense or last longer if you haven't eaten in several hours. Nausea, chest pain, and vomiting may also occur. You may lose your appetite, which in turn causes you to lose weight.

A bleeding peptic ulcer can affect your bowel movements. If unusually dark or dark-red stools accompany stomach pain, suspect a bleeding ulcer. In some people, the loss of blood can also cause fatigue and other symptoms of anemia. You should seek immediate medical help for any condition that causes internal bleeding.

Peptic Ulcer Diagnosis

X-ray imaging can often reveal the presence and position of a peptic ulcer. In a procedure known as a barium swallow, patients will swallow a small amount of a fluid that contains barium. This fluid makes ulcers more visible on the X-rays.

Endoscopic examination allows gastroenterologists to get a more direct view of peptic ulcers. An elongated, flexible tube equipped with a special miniaturized lens extends down through the esophagus and stomach to the duodenum. The same tube also allows the specialist to take tissue samples for examination.

You may undergo laboratory tests to see whether you have an H. pylori infection. A breath test can usually confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Peptic Ulcer Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for peptic ulcers revolves around getting rid of the underlying conditions that produced the ulcers in the first place. For instance, you many need antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori from your gastrointestinal system. You may also take drugs that reduce your production of stomach acid until the ulcer heals.

Occasionally, a serious ulcer condition may require surgery. If your ulcer has perforated the tissue, has left scar tissue that prevents normal passage of food, or poses an urgent threat due to bleeding, your gastroenterologist may decide to remove the damaged tissue.

You may need to make certain lifestyle changes to avoid peptic ulcers in the future. A probiotic diet and careful washing of food (and hands) before eating can help keep H. pylori under control. Moderate alcohol intake, smoking cessation, and avoidance of NSAIDs can also help your digestive system free of peptic ulcers.

If you worry that you might have a peptic ulcer, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center. Our clinic can evaluate your condition and administer the proper care.

4 Gastrointestinal Complications Associated With Diabetes

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:08:56 GMT

4 Gastrointestinal Complications Associated With Diabetes

Gastrointestinal problems are embarrassing, but they may also indicate major problems, including uncontrolled diabetes. For this reason, take any gastrointestinal problem seriously. If you have experienced tummy troubles or you have diabetes, check out these four common gastrointestinal complications associated with diabetes.

1. Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach is unable to properly empty its contents in a regular fashion. As a result, food stays stuck in your stomach, which leads to heartburn, nausea, vomiting undigested food, bloating, and poor appetite. When food finally does leave the stomach, it can cause your blood sugar levels to suddenly increase.

Gastroparesis is typically caused by some kind of damage to the vagus nerve, which prevents it from sending signals to the stomach to contract to digest the food.

Treatment for gastroparesis may include diet changes (avoiding hard-to-digest foods like apple skins and fatty foods), medications to help stimulate the stomach and surgery. Without treatment, you may experience blood sugar spikes, bacteria growth from fermented food in the stomach, a bezoar, dehydration, and malnutrition.

2. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is from an overproduction of yeast in your mouth. There are many causes, but if you have uncontrolled diabetes, you likely have a weak immune system and high blood sugar levels: the perfect combination for the fungus that causes thrush (Candida albicans) to thrive. If you have taken antibiotics for another infection, or if you do not have many probiotics in your system, your risk of thrush increases.

Oral thrush can be passed to another person if you kiss them while affected. Luckily, the treatment for thrush is simple: medication. Your doctor may prescribe one or more antifungal medications to kill the infection. During treatment, be careful when brushing your teeth so you do not scrape the bumps from thrush. Once your thrush has been treated, make sure to get a new toothbrush.

3. Ulcer Disease

Your stomach's digestive juices are powerful enough to break down the lining of your stomach. However, a mucus membrane usually serves as protection. Many people with terrible diets and who suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, however, may start to develop peptic ulcers as the mucus layer thins, exposing the sensitive stomach lining.

These can result in severe burning pain in the stomach, and they can bleed. Since diabetes impacts your body's ability to clot blood, these ulcers commonly bleed and bleed often, which can lead to anemia and other complications. Treatment often involves medications to help reduce the acid level in your stomach, but if treatment does not work, untreated ulcers can often lead to stomach cancer.

4. Diarrhea

Although researchers are not completely clear regarding the connection between diabetes and diarrhea, many diabetic-related factors increase the risk of diarrhea. For the most part, however, diabetes causes chronic diarrhea because of nerve damage. High levels of blood sugar damages nerves, including the nerves that control your gastrointestinal tract.

One or two bouts of diarrhea may not pose a problem, but chronic diarrhea can lead to major dehydration. Treatments include medications, antibiotics (if bacteria overgrowth is part of the problem), probiotics, and dietary changes (avoiding foods high in fat and sticking with foods high in potassium).

Diabetes affects every part of your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. At the very least, it can lead to occasional diarrhea, but in more severe cases, patients have trouble digesting and processing their food.

If you would like to know more about diabetes and how it affects your stomach and intestines, or if you are ready to start talking about treatment, contact us at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiatal Hernias

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:08:08 GMT

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiatal Hernias

Anyone can suffer the occasional stomachache or other digestive complaint. However, these discomforts may point to a structural weakness in the digestive system itself. If you have a common condition known as a hiatal hernia, you may experience heartburn-like symptoms or even run the risk of a serious medical emergency.

If you suspect that you might have a hiatal hernia, you'll want to arm yourself with some basic knowledge. Learn the answers to some frequently asked hiatal hernia questions.

Why Do Hiatal Hernias Develop?

A hiatal hernia involves a malfunction or abnormality in the hiatus, a space in the diaphragm muscle that allows food to pass from the esophagus above to the stomach below. It occurs when the top part of the stomach bulges upward and enters the hiatus, permitting food, gases, and stomach acids to back up into the esophagus.

Hiatal hernias can have numerous causes, including congenital ones. In some cases, individuals may simply have an abnormally large hiatus. Age-related weakening of the abdominal muscles often plays a role, which explains why up to 60 percent of the population has a hiatal hernia by the age of 60.

Other risk factors that affect hiatus function include smoking (which appears to relax the lower esophageal sphincter), injuries, and excessive abdominal pressure due to heavy lifting or other strain. Obesity and pregnancy may also increase abdominal pressure and elevate hiatal hernia risk.

What Symptoms Do Hiatal Hernias Cause?

Many hiatal hernias cause no symptoms at all. Others may trigger the classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These symptoms include chest pain, burping, regurgitation, a bitter taste in the mouth, sore throat, and breathlessness. Bear in mind, however, that you can develop GERD without having a hernia.

The severity and frequency of your symptoms may depend on whether you have a sliding hiatal hernia (in which the stomach moves in and out of the hiatus) or a fixed hiatal hernia (in which the stomach becomes permanently lodged in the hiatus). The latter condition can cut off the blood supply or movement of food to the stomach.

How Do Gastroenterologists Diagnose Hiatal Hernias?

Gastroenterologists may use various imaging techniques to view and confirm a suspected hiatal hernia. One common approach involves X-ray technology. You may need to swallow a fluid containing barium, which then appears on an X-ray to help the gastroenterologist see the hernia.

Your gastroenterologist can also insert a tube down your throat as part of the diagnostic process. A camera-equipped tube called an endoscope allows the doctor to view the inside of the esophagus and stomach. Another kind of tube can measure pressure inside the esophagus.

What Treatment Options Can Relieve a Hiatal Hernia?

With luck, conservative methods can successfully treat your hiatal hernia symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may encourage you to try these methods before considering surgery. Helpful medications include antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 receptor blockers. Smoking cessation, weight loss, and dietary changes may also help.

If you have severe symptoms that don't respond to conservative care, or if you have a fixed hernia that threatens serious complications, you may need surgery. In many cases, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can repair a hiatal hernia completely and efficiently. A severe or urgent case may require traditional open surgery.

Another type of surgery focuses on reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter so that it can perform its job more normally. In this technique, known as a Nissen fundoplication, the surgeon secures the upper stomach around the esophagus to lend this area extra support.

Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center can evaluate your symptoms, confirm a hiatal hernia, and provide whatever treatment you may need to address your condition. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance, and Wheat Allergies: A Comparison

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:07:02 GMT

Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance, and Wheat Allergies: A Comparison

Celiac disease not only damages your digestive system, but it also affects your whole body. Gluten intolerance and wheat allergies can also cause some of the same symptoms, but with less permanent damage. Discover more information about these three conditions, how they affect your intestinal tract, and how to get diagnosed and treated.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a condition where the breakdown of gluten causes an abnormal autoimmune response in the small intestines where nutrients are absorbed. Gluten is a protein common in wheat, barley, and rye.

Most people's intestinal tracts break down gluten into usable proteins with no problem. With celiac disease, the immune system sees gliadin, the protein that forms when gluten breaks down, as a threat. The immune system attacks the gliadin and the lining of the small intestines in the process.

How Are Gluten Intolerance and Wheat Allergies Similar?

Gluten intolerance and wheat allergy also invoke an immune response and produce many of the same symptoms of celiac disease. These conditions cause irritation and inflammation in the intestinal tract. The main difference between those conditions and celiac disease is the damage is usually not permanent. However, some reactions are life-threatening.

How Does Celiac Disease Affect the Intestines?

When the immune system attacks the intestinal lining, the villi are destroyed. These villi help the body absorb and transport important nutrients from food. When the villi are destroyed, the small intestine no longer efficiently absorbs nutrients. This process occurs over time with each gluten exposure. The results are nutritional imbalances as well as bone loss, anemia, and fatigue.

What Are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

Celiac disease symptoms vary and are often mistaken for other gastrointestinal problems. Many people with celiac disease show symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. These symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and serious abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include mouth sores, irregular menstrual cycles, and loss of teeth enamel.

How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

Because celiac disease symptoms mimic other gastrointestinal problems, you cannot rely on the symptoms for an accurate diagnosis. Celiac disease is more definitively diagnosed through a blood test. This blood test looks for certain antibody reactions to gluten. People with gluten intolerance and wheat allergy will test negative to this test.

The doctor may also want to take a biopsy of your small intestine. This procedure happens with an endoscope placed through your throat and stomach to your small intestines. The sample passes through the tube and is checked in a laboratory. A biopsy will show the extent of damage to the villi.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

The only tried and true way to treat celiac disease and help your intestines heal is to avoid gluten. Be aware that many foods have hidden sources of gluten, so you should work with a nutritionist who will help you learn how to identify them. The nutritionist will also show you how to modify your diet so you get all the nutrients needed.

If you have gluten intolerance or a wheat allergy, you may still be able to consume wheat but only up to a certain level. If you are extremely sensitive, then you might have to give up gluten entirely as well. The doctor may also suggest you follow a low FODMAP diet to reduce intestinal problems. Wheat allergy is sometimes treatable with antihistamines. For life-threatening wheat allergies, an EpiPen is also necessary.

Celiac disease is often genetic but often goes unnoticed until serious problems develop. If you have celiac disease, then early diagnosis is important. If you ignore the symptoms too long, then you could permanently damage your small intestine. If gluten intolerance and allergies are a problem, then you may be able to improve your digestive health through diet and medication.

If you have chronic digestive system problems or pain, Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center can help. We can determine if celiac disease or another condition is the cause of your digestive distress. Contact us for an appointment.

What Your Digestive System Says About Your Eating Habits

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:05:59 GMT

What Your Digestive System Says About Your Eating Habits

Your digestive system starts at the mouth and ends in the bathroom. Sometimes while your body breaks down food for nutrient absorption and the manufacture of energy, the digestive process might not function as smoothly as it should. You may experience constipation, diarrhea, gas, and heartburn. Or worse, you develop ulcers, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, or other conditions that hamper your ability to digest food properly.

A healthy digestive system is a dynamic structure reliant on you and your diet fare. If your digestive tract could speak your language, what would it tell you? Discover a few possible things your stomach, intestines, and colon may wish to say to you with regards to your eating habits.

You Don't Consume Enough Fiber

Fiber — the roughage from plants your body cannot absorb — is an important part of your diet because it helps maintain an ideal body weight, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol. Take a moment to focus on what fiber does for your digestive system too:

Fiber controls bowel movements and increases the weight and size of stool as it softens them. This phenomenon translates to less chance of constipation.
Fiber helps decrease the likelihood of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease.

Your body may need more fiber if you experience frequent constipation or hemorrhoids. Not sure what foods to look for? Your gut wants more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Opt for fresh rather than canned or processed choices, which contain less fiber.

You Don't Drink Enough Water

Water is technically not a food, but it is important to sustain life, so please drink plenty. Water helps break down food during the digestive process so your body can absorb all those nutrients. Without sufficient water, your digestive tract can experience technical difficulties like:

Ulcers and acid reflux because your body cannot produce adequate digestive acid
Constipation and pain from hard stools as the colon must remove water during digestion
Nausea and bloating from overeating rather than consuming water

Keep in mind that not all liquid your body needs comes from water. Around 20% comes from the food you eat, such as fruits and vegetables. Eat foods high in water content like melons, strawberry, and lettuce to give your body a juicy boost. If you don't care for the taste of plain water, add a fruit twist or flavor addition to your water. Don't forget fat-free milk contains over 90% water too.

You Eat Too Fast or Not on Schedule

Your stomach appreciates regularly scheduled meals in order to maintain the entire digestive system. Regular mealtimes means your body has sufficient time to do its job well. Inconsistent mealtimes force your stomach to work harder. The results often make you feel bloated or you experience indigestion and heartburn.

Experts recommend a three- or four-hour break between meals. This type of spacing also ensures you are more likely to eat smaller meals — another happy side effect of meal spacing.

Finally, eating too fast at prescribed mealtimes is a no-no for several reasons. Rapidly consuming food increases your tendency to chew less thoroughly. Poor chewing has links to decreased nutrient absorption. Also, your digestive system has to work harder to digest larger pieces of food. You're more likely to feel indigestion, gas, and bloating after a gorging session.

Instead, chew food thoroughly to ensure you eat more slowly. This allows your body to produce more saliva, which aids in digestion. Eating slow also gives your body time to realize it has reached a feeling of fullness. This practice helps prevent overeating and weight gain.

Pay attention to what your digestive system tries to tell you if you experience frequent bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and other ailments. Visit a specialist at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for advice if changes in your eating habits don't seem to help.

Alcohol and the Digestive System: What You Should Know

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:05:07 GMT

Alcohol and the Digestive System: What You Should Know

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 55 percent of adults in the United States may indulge in alcoholic beverages in any given month, with over 26 percent of them engaging in binge drinking. Unfortunately, alcohol can wreak havoc on many physical components necessary for a healthy life, including the organs of the digestive system.

While you don't necessarily have to tee-total your way through life to enjoy good health, you need to understand the risks and problems that can affect heavy drinkers' digestive well-being. Take heed of the following key points about alcohol's effects on your digestive system's components and function.

Alcohol and Acid Reflux

Alcohol consumption can aggravate acid reflux in susceptible individuals. If you tend to struggle with heartburn and other reflux symptoms, drinking alcohol can make those symptoms more frequent and severe, forcing you to reduce or even discontinue your drinking practices.

Your alcohol-related discomfort may actually begin in the throat. Alcohol has irritant properties that cause damage and swelling in the larynx, producing chemical injuries similar to those produced by tobacco smoke. The same irritant effect also leads to heartburn-like pain in the sensitive esophageal tissues.

As alcohol reaches the stomach, it may relax the sphincter muscles that normally keep stomach acid from leaking upward into the esophagus, triggering acid reflux attacks. Alcohol not only increases the acid content of your stomach contents, but it also makes your digestive tissues more sensitive to the acid.

Alcohol and Digestive System Diseases

Alcohol can inflame and damage the liver, producing serious illnesses, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, over time. This key digestive organ has remarkable recuperative powers, but sustained heavy drinking can damage it beyond its ability to heal. If you drink, schedule periodic medical tests to monitor your liver's condition.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also raise your risk for several digestive cancers. Even moderate drinkers have slightly elevated risks for throat, esophageal, stomach, liver, and colon cancer. The stomach cancer risk rises by 65 percent in men who regularly consume more than four drinks per day.

The less alcohol you regularly consume, the more effectively you can moderate your risk for alcohol-related digestive cancers. You can also reduce your current risk level by giving up alcohol entirely, although this reduction may occur very slowly. Regular health checks can catch cancer early, allowing for more effective treatment.

Alcohol and Nutrient Malabsorption

Alcoholic beverages may add insult to injury by interfering with your body's ability to absorb and process nutrients. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce fewer digestive enzymes. It also damages the stomach and intestinal cells that aid in nutrient absorption and prevents the transport of certain nutrients by the blood.

Your digestive system has its own delicately balanced microbiome, an ecosystem of bacteria that help break food down into its essential nutrients. The presence of alcohol can upset this balance, preventing you from getting the full nutritional value out of your food no matter how sensibly you eat.

Malnutrition in its various forms can pose significant risks for heavy drinkers. A body deprived of necessary vitamins, for example, may suffer from neurological damage, impaired healing processes, weak bones, vision loss, and other complications.

This malabsorption of nutrients can have a domino effect on the rest of your digestive and metabolic functions. When these systems fail to receive the nutrients they need to maintain their own processes, they may start to malfunction as well.

Many heavy drinkers forgo healthy eating in favor of drinking more, which can greatly accelerate alcohol-related malnutrition. If you drink alcohol, make a point of eating a balanced diet every day. Ask your doctor whether you might benefit from nutritional supplements to round out any insufficiencies.

If heavy alcohol consumption has caused your reflux to flare up or produced other troubling digestive symptoms, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for an appointment. Our medical specialists can evaluate your condition, make lifestyle recommendations as needed, and prescribe the appropriate treatments to help you regain your digestive health and comfort.

Understanding Bowel Preparation Before Your Colonoscopy

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:04:11 GMT

Understanding Bowel Preparation Before Your Colonoscopy

If you are going in for a colonoscopy, you will need to undergo bowel preparation. Bowel preparation is the process where your colon is completely cleared before your procedure. Take a look at why bowel preparations are important, what they entail, and how to get through this process more easily.

Why Is Bowel Preparation Necessary?

During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will insert a colonoscope through your rectum and run it the entire length of the colon. The scope contains a light and camera so that your doctor can look for any polyps, which are abnormal growths that could indicate cancer.

If you don't do a bowel prep before the colonoscopy, then stool could obstruct the colonoscope and make it difficult or impossible for the doctor to reach your entire colon. Further, fecal matter can prevent the doctor from clearly seeing smaller abnormalities in the colon and catching issues.

What Types of Bowel Preparation Methods Can You Use?

You may only need one type of bowel preparation, or your doctor may have you use a combination of methods. The method may depend on your current health history, any allergies you may have, and your medical insurance.

Bowel preparations can include dietary changes, laxatives, sodium phosphate, and/or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Dietary Changes

A day before your colonoscopy, you may only be able to have clear liquids, such as tea, broth, popsicles, etc. Some colored drinks are okay, but others contain artificial coloring that may interfere with the colonoscopy, so your doctor should give you a list of acceptable foods.

To ease into a strict diet and to make the bowel prep easier on your body, you may want to switch to easy-to-digest foods a few days beforehand. You should avoid foods like nuts, raw veggies, and red meat. Avoid fried foods and fiber-filled foods since they are hard to digest.

After your colonoscopy, you may be tempted to eat a lot, but you should ease back into your diet and use probiotics to help your gut recover.

Laxatives

A laxative can be used with dietary changes or other bowel prep methods. A rare risk of stimulant laxatives is ischemic colitis, or loss of blood supply to the colon. If you have low blood pressure or atherosclerosis, your doctor may opt for a different bowel prep method to reduce this risk.

Oral Sodium phosphate (OSP) Solutions

OSP brings more water into the intestines to cleanse them. With each dose, you must take about 16 oz. of fluid. OSP is a good option for many people since it's easy to tolerate. The main downside of OSP is that it can be very dehydrating, so your doctor may recommend drinking certain beverages to restore electrolytes.

Polyethelene Glycol (PEG)

Like OSP, this method pushes a lot of liquid through the intestines to clear them. The main advantage of PEG is that it contains electrolytes, so there's less risk of dehydration. The main downside is that these solutions can taste salty and make you feel bloated or constipated.

What Should Bathroom Visits Look Like During Your Preparation?

You should be passing liquid that is watery yellow or clear. Some people make the mistake of stopping the bowel preparation doses when their bowel movements are clear, but it's important for you to finish the entire dose.

What Are the Side Effects?

You may experience bloating and constipation. You may also experience gas, dry mouth, increased thirst, and sweating. Your gastroenterologist can recommend medications that can help you get through possible side effects. Serious side effects, such as chest pain or heart palpitations, aren't normal, and you should call your doctor right away if these symptoms occur.

Reach out to us at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information on ho

4 Age-Related Digestive Health Concerns

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:03:00 GMT

4 Age-Related Digestive Health Concerns

The human body undergoes a variety of changes as it ages, including changes involving the digestive system's health and function. Some changes occur as a direct result of the aging process, while others develop in association with changes in lifestyle, diet, and underlying medical conditions.

Once you understand some of the challenges your digestive system might encounter, you'll know how to respond to them and minimize their effects on your quality of life. Watch out for the following four age-related digestive health concerns.

1. Constipation

Although some four million Americans suffer from constipation, individuals aged 65 or older make up the largest segment of the population to struggle with this problem. For most sufferers, lack of exercise, hydration, and dietary fiber serves as the prime causes of slow or difficult defecation.

Older individuals may eat poorly or simply not eat enough, robbing their stools of the necessary bulk. In others, the colon muscles that move the stool along contract less efficiently. Still, others may fail to exercise (which affects their overall physical function) or take medications that promote constipation as a side effect.

Ask your gastroenterologist to identify the potential causes of your constipation. You may need to take in more fiber, become more physically active, drink more water, or discuss changes in your medication routine with your primary care physician.

2. Peptic Ulcers

Ulcers, painful or bleeding raw spots in the digestive tissue lining, may develop in the esophagus, intestines, or stomach (a condition known as peptic ulcers). They often appear due to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, but they can also develop in response to irritation from medications.

Older individuals frequently suffer from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, turning to medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for temporary relief. These drugs can irritate the stomach lining with sustained or heavy use, eventually producing peptic ulcers.

If you have stomach pain or bleeding caused by heavy NSAID use, ask for professional medical advice on other pain management options. You may find that you can get adequate relief through drug-free approaches, from weight loss to reduce joint strain to regular exercises that strengthen and lubricate the joints.

Medication designed to treat peptic ulcers can also prove valuable. Your gastroenterologist may prescribe drugs such as antibiotics (to kill H. pylori bacteria), proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, or antacids. Rarely, a serious bleeding ulcer may call for surgery.

3. Abnormal Growths

The more the body ages, the greater the likelihood of abnormal cellular reproduction and tissue growth. in the digestive system, these abnormalities sometimes take the form of polyps. Polyps develop more commonly in people aged 50 or older. Most of them will cause no harm, but some can turn cancerous.

Since polyps don't usually cause any symptoms that might alert you to their presence, you'll want to schedule periodic colonic screenings based on your gastroenterologist's recommendations. This specialist can spot any polyps that may require diagnostic testing, then administer any further treatment you might need.

4. GERD

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) can affect you at any age. This problem occurs when stomach acids and other irritants escape through the sphincter that normally closes the stomach off from the esophagus, causing classic heartburn symptoms and potentially leading to serious tissue damage.

Seniors have an elevated risk for GERD. Age-related changes in the digestive system, drugs taken to combat other age-related disorders, and eating habits that stress or irritate the stomach can boost acid levels and/or make the sphincter work less efficiently.

If you regularly experience chest pain, nausea, choking sensations, coughing fits, bitterness or sourness in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or the feeling of a lump in the throat, you may need evaluation and treatment for GERD. Treatment options may include dietary or lifestyle changes, medication, and corrective surgery.

Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center can help you keep your digestive system in optimal condition, regardless of your age or other challenging factors. Contact our office today to learn more and ask for an appointment.

4 Things to Know About Chronic Constipation

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:02:09 GMT

4 Things to Know About Chronic Constipation

Most people have experienced the discomfort of constipation during their lifetime. In fact, constipation is considered one of the most common digestive disorders in the country. The condition is characterized by having less than three bowel movements a week.

Some people struggle with chronic constipation, which lasts for several weeks. Oftentimes, chronic constipation interferes with daily activities, which makes it much more debilitating than regular constipation.

To learn more about this digestive disorder, here are four things to know about chronic constipation.

1. Know the Symptoms of Chronic Constipation

Besides infrequent bowl movements for several weeks, people with chronic constipation usually need to strain in order to have a bowel movement. Chronic constipation sufferers might feel as though their rectum is blocked so that they can't have a bowel movement or they can't completely rid their rectum of a stool.

Some people might feel the need to manually remove stool from their rectum. When people with chronic constipation do have a bowel movement, it is usually hard or lumpy.

2. Know What Causes Chronic Constipation

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of chronic constipation. This is due to the fact that there are various factors that affect the digestive system, which can result in chronic constipation.

One such factor is the role that diet plays in digestion. For some, diets that are heavy in dairy products, meats, and processed foods cause chronic constipation. Not drinking enough water is another contributing factor where diet is concerned.

Chronic constipation can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Some of these conditions include:

Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Bowel cancer
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Spinal cord injuries

Women who are pregnant or people with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, might also suffer with chronic constipation.

Certain medications are another common cause of chronic constipation. These medications include opiate painkillers, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and iron supplements.

3. Know the Complications of Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is a health issue that can lead to a number of complications. Those who strain to have a bowel movement can end up with hemorrhoids, which occur when the veins around the anus become swollen. If a stool is large or hard to pass, it could cause an anal fissure, which is when the skin in the anus tears.

When hardened stool becomes stuck in the intestines, it causes a complication called fecal impaction. A rectal prolapse is another complication caused by chronic constipation. A rectal prolapse occurs when part of the rectum protrudes from the anus.

While none of these complications are life threatening, they can be extremely painful and hard to treat.

4. Know When to See a Gastroenterologist for Chronic Constipation

To treat chronic constipation, you will need to know the cause. If you've changed your diet, you don't have an underlying health issue, you don't have a sedentary lifestyle, and you're not on any medications that cause chronic constipation, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist. This type of physician specializes in conditions of the digestive tract.

The gastroenterologist may perform some of the following tests:

Blood tests
X-rays
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Colonic transit study

Other tests might involve an evaluation of how well the anal sphincter muscles function. These kinds of tests can help determine the exact cause of your chronic constipation so that an effective form of treatment can be prescribed.

If you suffer from chronic constipation and would like to see a gastroenterologist, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center. We will help you find the cause of your chronic constipation and offer the appropriate treatment. Our professional gastroenterology staff provides state-of-the art healthcare to patients with digestive disorders in a cost-effective manner.

Gastrointestinal Issues That Mimic Celiac Disease

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:01:07 GMT

Gastrointestinal Issues That Mimic Celiac Disease

You can experience celiac disease-like symptoms, but actually have something else. Three gastrointestinal diseases can easily be mistaken for celiac disease (CD) and vice versa. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis all share symptoms with celiac disease. All of these diseases can get worse and cause serious problems if not diagnosed and treated correctly. Here is more information about how they mimic celiac and how to get properly diagnosed.

How Is CD Similar to IBS, Crohn's, and Ulcerative Colitis?

The main similarities of all four conditions are that they affect digestion and cause problems in the intestinal tract. Therefore, they share several common symptoms such as the ones listed below:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Bloating
Anemia
Weight loss
Abdominal pain

Crohn's and ulcerative colitis also share an autoimmune connection with CD. This autoimmune response eventually ends up damaging the intestinal tract. Many of these conditions have a connection to food and often symptoms show up after you consume a meal. However, many people with CD, experience no gastrointestinal symptoms at all.

How Is CD Different from IBS, Crohn's, and Ulcerative Colitis?

Everything, except for CD, involves inflammation of the intestinal tract. This means that parts of the intestines swell up and become inflamed during the course of the disease. Irritable bowel syndrome may also include an overactive and easily irritated intestinal tract. Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and IBS can affect any part of the intestinal tract while CD affects the small intestine.

Crohn's disease can also cause inflammation outside of the intestinal tract such as in the eyes, mouth, and even the liver. Both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis cause serious ulcers that may require surgery. Both these diseases have different dietary triggers than CD, but could also react to gluten. With CD, the problem isn't so much inflammation but damage to the lining of the small intestines.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose These Diseases?

A doctor can check for some of these diseases through blood tests. However, most need a more thorough examination of the intestinal tract to confirm the diagnosis. Here are some ways each disease is diagnosed.

Endoscopic Biopsy

This is one of the most common ways to confirm celiac disease. The doctor sends a small tube down to your small intestines. Tissue is extracted and examined under a microscope.

Colonoscopy

For diseases of the large intestines, a colonoscopy is the best way to examine this area for sores and other abnormalities.

Capsule Endoscopy

This type of endoscopy involves swallowing a small camera to examine your small intestines. It's especially useful if the doctor needs to reach areas not accessible with traditional endoscopy.

How Are These Diseases Treated?

A doctor can check for some of these diseases through blood tests. However, most need a more thorough examination of the intestinal tract to confirm the diagnosis. In many cases, you may need to change your diet or lifestyle to reduce symptoms. For example, people with IBS may need to cut out certain foods and increase fiber. People with celiac disease may need help from a dietitian to eliminate gluten and replace it with healthy alternatives.

Severe cases may require more drastic measures like medication and possibly even surgery. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis often require treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and immune suppressants. These are in addition to changes in the diet.

If you experience severe intestinal problems, don't make guesses about your health. If you have any of these four diseases, then you won't get better without help. Kentuckiana Gastroenterology has all the tools to diagnose and treat diseases of the digestive system. Call us for an appointment to see one of our gastroenterologists for a consultation and examination.

Understanding Your Gallbladder and Gallbladder Stones

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:00:07 GMT

Understanding Your Gallbladder and Gallbladder Stones

One organ in your digestive system that you may not think about often is the gallbladder. In fact, many people may not even realize they have this small organ until it starts to cause pain through gallstones. Gallstones are a common problem with the gallbladder, and while some patients never experience complications, you may need surgery to remove the offending organ.

If you would like to learn more about your gallbladder and gallstones, keep reading.

What Does Your Gallbladder Do?

The gallbladder is part of your digestive system and it assists the liver. Part of the liver's job is to produce bile, which helps break down fats. However, your body needs someplace to store produced bile until it is needed. The gallbladder serves as a holding tank for bile.

What Are Gallstones?

Sometimes, the gallbladder produces small hard, round objects that look like little stones. These are called gallstones, and they are usually made from cholesterol or bilirubin. Naturally, cholesterol gallstones are made of cholesterol. Since cholesterol is already found naturally in the body, this is a common form of gallstone.

Bilirubin stones are also called pigment stones. They develop if red blood cells start to break down in the liver. This condition may also present with jaundice.

What Are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

Some gallstones don’t cause symptoms. However, smaller gallstones pose issues because they can get trapped in the bile duct. Large gallstones may be too big to get trapped in the duct, but if they get too big, they can put pressure on the inside of the gallbladder.

One of the leading symptoms of gallstones is pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. The pain often comes on fast and is intense. In some cases, the pain may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the breastbone.

Some patients also feel pain between the shoulder blades or pain in the shoulder. In extreme cases, you may also have nausea or vomiting. If left ignored, you may also develop jaundice and a high fever.

How Are Gallstones Treated?

Diagnosing gallstones is easy because they can usually be spotted with an ultrasound. If a gallstone has gotten trapped in the bile duct, the doctor may also use and endoscope to look inside the duct. Once the doctor determines you have gallstones, they can create a treatment plan for you.

No Treatment or Bile Salt

If you are experiencing no symptoms, the doctor will likely recommend no treatment, or they will recommend a wait-and-see approach to see if it gets worse. For other patients, the doctor may recommend dissolving the gallstones. Your doctor can use bile salt to break up cholesterol bile stones, but it does not work on pigment gallstones.

Gallbladder Removal

For many patients, however, gallstones become a chronic condition as more develop — even after treatment. For this reason, many doctors recommend removing the gallbladder. While this may seem drastic, it's a common procedure that your doctor can perform via laparoscopic surgery. During this procedure, the doctor makes a few small incisions and uses special tools to remove the gallbladder instead of making one large incision.

Once the gallbladder is removed, you shouldn't have to worry about gallstones again, and the liver will take over the gallbladder's job. However, the liver cannot store bile, so it continuously excretes bile, even if you don't need it. This often leads to diarrhea, but you can help prevent complications by cutting back on fatty foods.

Gallstones may go unnoticed, but other patients can suffer extreme pain in the abdomen. If you believe you have gallstones, or if you want to talk about your risk of gallstones and gallbladder issues, contact us at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center today.

Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Problems: What You Need to Know

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:59:14 GMT

Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Problems: What You Need to Know

Eating disorders can be challenging to treat because, while the main problem is psychological, the side effects of disordered eating directly affect a person's physical health.

If you are diagnosed with an eating disorder, your road to recovery may be slow. Part of that recovery is healing the damage to your digestive system, helping to foster a return to normal, and creating balanced eating habits.

Common Digestive Problems

The two most common eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Bulimia is characterized by eating large portions of food followed by purging that food by vomiting, use of laxatives, or extreme exercise. Anorexia is characterized by reducing food portions so drastically that a person may go for days on just a few calories.

The characterizations of these disorders have terrible effects on the digestive system. In one survey, 98% of women with admitted eating disorders had digestive problems, and 50% met the criteria to be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Here are some of the most common gastrointestinal concerns with eating disorders:

Nausea after eating
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Food intolerances
Pain and distention
Constipation and irregular bowel movements

Some patients may struggle with processing more complex foods, such as foods that are higher in fat and protein. Others may struggle to determine what a good portion of food is, and continue with erratic meal timing, which does not help with healing the digestive process.

Introducing regular meals to a person with an eating disorder can also be a source of significant mental stress, which also impacts physical digestion. Stress functions as an upset to normal digestive patterns.

Slow and Steady Changes

Your path to healing your digestive system may be tailored to your specific symptoms and needs, depending on the patterns of disordered eating in your life. Mild eating disorder symptoms may mean a quicker path to healing, while more intense eating disorder symptoms will require more time and structure to treat.

All patients can benefit from the following changes, implemented slowly and with the help of medical doctors, dieticians, and psychologists.

Regular Eating Patterns

People with eating disorders may not be able to handle a full meal of food at first. Eating too much will cause feelings of uncomfortable fullness and cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Begin by eating small, simple meals at the same time each day.

For example, you might start your day by eating a cup of berries and one egg. In two hours, you might be ready to eat again. Your doctor will help you choose foods and create a meal plan that is gentle on your digestion, introducing more complex foods a little at a time.

Stress Management

Schedule time in your day for gentle movement that will reduce stress over the healing process and aid in your digestion. Yoga, for example, encourages meditative breathing and helps to keep blood flowing through the digestive tract. Walking outdoors can also serve to reduce stress and keep your digestive system moving.

Extreme exercise, including interval training and intense sports, might deter from your digestion. If you are an athlete, talk to your doctor about how to time your meals and training routine to best fit on your path to eating disorder recovery.

Careful Food Preparation

People with eating disorders often see food as the enemy. Your food preparation is key to helping repair this relationship. Eating raw foods, like whole apples and large salads, is tough on a weak digestive system. You might begin by eating cooked foods, such as steamed carrots instead of raw.

As you make the food that will serve the healing process, you can start to view food as something that will eventually help you on your journey, instead of something that causes physical and psychological distress.

Keep a journal of how your body reacts to food as you maintain a consistent eating schedule. Your doctor can help you make adjustments as needed.

For more information, contact us at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center.

4 Key Questions About Crohn's Disease

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:58:22 GMT

4 Key Questions About Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease surely counts among the most uncomfortable, inconvenient, and potentially debilitating digestive problems you can face. This inflammatory issue can cause numerous annoying symptoms and even impair your overall health by reducing your ability to absorb nutrients.

Fortunately, Crohn's disease can respond well to timely diagnosis and treatment by an experienced gastroenterologist. The more clearly you understand the condition's symptoms, causes, and available treatments, the more effectively you can seek such care. Check out the answers to these four key questions about Crohn's disease.

1. How Do Doctors Define Crohn's Disease?

The medical community defines Crohn's disease as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You may also hear it referred to as ileitis or regional enteritis, after two areas of the bowel commonly affected by the disorder. However, any part of the large or small intestine may develop Crohn's disease.

2. What Symptoms Can Crohn's Disease Cause?

Crohn's disease typically causes ulcers to form either continuously throughout a section of bowel tissue or in isolated areas along the bowel. These ulcers may cause abdominal cramping or pain, along with chronic diarrhea which may contain pus or blood. You may also lose your appetite, losing weight as a result.

Despite its classification as a bowel problem, Crohn's disease can create symptoms in other areas of the body as well. Your symptoms may include mouth sores, painful anal fissures, impaired liver or bile duct function, and kidney stones. You may even blood clots or skin inflammation.

3. Why Do People Get Crohn's Disease?

An estimated 26 to 199 people out of every 100,000 suffer from it, the majority of them aged 15 to 40. However, researchers still don't have a clear idea of precisely why these individuals develop the disorder. External factors such as diet and stress may make the condition worse, but they don't actually cause it.

The two most likely factors behind the development of Crohn's disease include heredity and immune system dysfunction. A family history of the disease increases your risk of developing it. An abnormal immune system response to an invading germmay cause a reaction that attacks healthy bowel tissue by mistake.

4. How Do Gastroenterologists Diagnose and Treat Crohn's Disease?

Symptoms of Crohn's disease can resemble those of other digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis. A gastroenterologist can confirm a diagnosis of Crohn's disease by examining blood tests, stool sample tests, and internal imaging. Imaging techniques may include colonoscopy, endoscopy, and CT scanning.

Treatment for your Crohn's disease will depend on the severity of your symptoms, how long you've had those symptoms, and how much of your intestinal tract appears affected. Available options range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgery.

If you suffer from chronic diarrhea, you may benefit from a combination of fluid replacement therapy and anti-diarrhea drugs. To control bowel inflammation, your gastroenterologist may prescribe drugs such as corticosteroids, as well as biologics or immunomodulators, which can tame an overactive immune system.

Crohn's disease ulcers can often heal if you give your intestines a vacation from their everyday work. If your gastroenterologist has prescribed several days of fasting, you may need to get your nutrients from a medically supervised liquid diet or intravenous feeding during this period.

Surgery remains an option if conservative techniques can't get your Crohn's disease under control, especially if the condition has led to intestinal blockages, holes, infections, or bleeding. In many cases, the surgeon can simply remove the irritated part of the bowel, connecting the remaining segments.

In more severe cases, the surgeon can remove the entire colon, leaving a small hole in the abdominal wall called a stoma. Stools proceed through the stoma to an attached bag. Once you learn how to manage this arrangement, you can live a normal, productive life.

Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center can diagnose your digestive problem and administer the right mix of treatments to help you improve your health, wellness, and comfort. Contact our clinic today.

What to Know About Gastroparesis

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:53:27 GMT

What to Know About Gastroparesis

Digestive issues are common but never a fun subject. They can be embarrassing, traumatic, and chronic. While a lot of digestive issues have to do with the intestine and colon, your stomach can also fall victim to a condition known as gastroparesis. Gastroparesis can make life uncomfortable, especially after eating. If you would like to learn more, keep reading.

It Is a Paralyzed Stomach

Gastroparesis means paralyzed stomach, and it can lead to many uncomfortable side effects. Normally, when you eat, your stomach's acid breaks down the food, but the muscles in the stomach also spasm to help empty the stomach into the digestive tract.

If you have a paralyzed stomach, you still produce acid, but your stomach is slow at motility (in some cases, the stomach muscles do not work at all). As a result, the food stays trapped in the stomach for long periods of time. This can also increase acid in the stomach, leading to acid reflux.

Naturally, this leads to many symptoms, including abdominal bloating and pain. You may also feel extremely full even after only eating a small amount. In many cases, the feeling of fullness is so overwhelming that you feel compelled to vomit to release the discomfort. Other symptoms include nausea, changes in blood sugar levels, lack of appetite, and malnutrition.

It Is Commonly Associated With Diabetes

The vagus nerve is responsible for a lot of work inside your body, including mood control, immune response, and heart rate. However, it also plays a major role in digestion. In fact, damage to the vagus nerve can lead to gastroparesis. You can damage your vagus nerve or develop gastroparesis in multiple ways.

For example, anorexia nervosa could lead to gastroparesis by damaging the vagus nerve. Other risk factors include surgery to the stomach or vagus nerve, medications, and certain metabolic disorders like hypothyroidism.

However, by far, gastroparesis is most commonly associated with diabetes. It is usually more common in people with type 1 diabetes, but those with type 2 can also develop gastroparesis. The reason is that diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, can damage nearly every part of your body, including the vagus nerve.

Treatment May Require Surgery

Treatment depends on the patient, the cause, and the severity of the symptoms. However, one of the first treatments is to change your diet. Your doctor will likely be recommended that you eat smaller meals more often vs. large meals three times a day. Also, avoid fibrous fruits and vegetables.

When these get trapped in your stomach, it can become like a tangled ball of hair. Soon, the ball grabs onto more and more debris, hardening into a bezoar. A bezoar can damage the stomach or make you feel like you are full when you are not. Surgery may be required to remove a bezoar.

If changes in diet do not help or are not enough, your doctor may recommend medications. Some medications stimulate your stomach muscles, and some simply help with nausea. Medications that stimulate the stomach muscles, however, can have terrible side effects, such as chronic diarrhea.

In extreme cases, patients may need to insert a feeding tube into the small intestine to bypass the stomach. Surgery may also insert an electronic device that stimulates the stomach muscles so food can be emptied into the small intestine.

If you would like to learn more, contact us at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology and Paramount Surgery Center today. We are happy to answer your questions and concerns about this condition and help you figure out what to do next so that you can enjoy eating without discomfort. Let us know what we can do for you.

The Do's and Don'ts of a Pre-Colonoscopy Diet

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:51:47 GMT

The Do's and Don'ts of a Pre-Colonoscopy Diet

What should you eat, or not eat, in the days leading up to your colonoscopy? If this is your first colonoscopy or you're just not sure which foods and beverages are the best pre-procedure options, take a look at the do's and don'ts that can make the prep process easier.

Do Start Early

Even though you won't begin the pre-colonoscopy bowel prep until the day or night before your procedure, change your eating habits several days ahead of time. If your doctor gave you specific eating orders, follow the prescribed diet exactly.

Failure to follow the doctor's orders could interfere with or reduce the effectiveness of the bowel prep. This can leave you with a semi-full colon on the day of your procedure. Leftover stool makes it difficult for the doctor to see the full lining of your colon - reducing the effectiveness of the diagnostic test. The doctor may miss crucial details or problem areas or need to repeat the colonoscopy.

Don't Eat High-Fiber Foods

Your pre-procedure diet doesn't start with the bowel prep drink. Instead, you may need to eat a low-fiber diet. High-fiber foods can leave behind undigested material. This makes it difficult to fully empty the colon. While fiber-rich foods won't necessarily interfere with your colonoscopy, these picks can make the bowel prep less effective.

Foods to avoid in the days before your bowel prep include whole-grain breads and pasta products, nuts, raw vegetables, raw fruits, dried fruit, fruit juices with pulp, and seeds or food made with seeds (such as a multi-grain, seeded bread). Even though you might think that high-fiber foods such as these have a laxative effect that can clear your colon, leave this job to the prep drink your doctor prescribes.

Do Only Consume Clear Liquids

A low-fiber diet isn't the only way to make the bowel prep easier. Most colonoscopy patients need to start a fully liquid diet the day before the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow.

A pre-colonoscopy liquid diet doesn't include all types of drinks or other liquids. Avoid dairy products, juices with pulp, or anything you can't see through. Stick to clear liquids. These include plain water, clear fruit juices (such as apple or white grape), some flavors of gelatin, some flavors of popsicles, clear or yellow sports drinks, or chicken broth.

Don't Eat or Drink Anything That's Red, Blue, or Purple

You can eat flavored gelatin or popsicles the day before your colonoscopy. But you shouldn't choose products with red, blue, or purple dyes or natural coloring. These colors mimic the look of blood if in the colon. This could interfere with your colonoscopy results.

Instead of red, blue, or purple picks, stick to clear or yellow options. Some variations of these colors, such as pink gelatin, may have enough red food dye to cause potential problems.

Do Choose Plain Soup Broth

Soup is a liquid - and that means it seems safe to eat or drink on the day before your colonoscopy. While you can have plain, clear chicken soup broth, you can't have other types of soup products. Avoid cream-based or cheese soups, such as creamof broccoli or potato soup. Along with creamy soups, skip high-fiber tomato or vegetable soups that you can't see through.

Stick to completely clear, plain broth or stock. Canned or other soup that contains vegetables, meat, pasta, spices, or beans aren't acceptable choices before your colonoscopy. Not only do these contain solid foods, but some of these soup types are also high in fiber.

Do you need to schedule a colonoscopy? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information on this diagnostic procedure and scheduling options.

Endoscopies: An FAQ

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:50:40 GMT

Endoscopies: An FAQ

Do you need an endoscopy? Whether your PCP or a specialist recommends this common diagnostic test, take a look at what you need to know about endoscopies.

What Is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that gastroenterologists and other medical specialists use to visualize internal body structures. Instead of an outward or exterior imagining test (such as an X-ray or MRI), an endoscopy is an internal procedure. The doctor will thread a flexible tube into your body. A camera at the end of the tube provides real-time video of your body's internal organs.

Are All Endoscopy Procedures the Same?

No. If you have GI issues, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is what you usually get. This is also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Doctors use the upper endoscopy to visualize the esophagus and upper intestinal tract. The gastroenterologist inserts the flexible tube through the patient's mouth and into the upper part of the GI system.

Other -oscopy procedures a gastroenterologist regularly performs include a sigmoidoscopy (the rectum and sigmoid or lower colon), enteroscopy (the small intestine), and colonoscopy (the colon). Flexible tube and camera -oscopy tests also go in non-GI areas, such as the lungs, bladder, larynx, and pelvic region.

Why Do You Need an Upper Endoscopy?

Did your doctor order an upper endoscopy? Before your procedure date, make sure you understand why this type of test is medically necessary, what it can tell the doctor, and what the results mean.

An upper endoscopy can help the doctor to investigate the cause of GI symptoms in a way a physical exam or other types of tests can't. Common symptoms that could require an endoscopy to explore include excessive or persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, GI bleeding, problems swallowing, or abdominal pain.

The ability to visualize the esophagus and upper intestinal tract from the inside gives the gastroenterologist the best view of the area possible. The GI specialist can also collect tissue samples or remove a foreign object or polyp.

Does an Endoscopy Hurt?

Even though the tube will go into your body, this diagnostic procedure isn't painful for most patients. The doctor may offer sedation to make the endoscopy easier and reduce procedure-related anxiety or discomfort. Unlike some surgical procedures, you don't need general anesthesia for an endoscopy. Instead, you'll likely have a form of conscious sedation.

This allows you to sleep or rest during the procedure. But you can still wake easily and, if needed, respond to the doctor's directions. The doctor may also use a local anesthetic spray to numb your throat before inserting the tube.

How Quickly Will You Recover from an Upper Endoscopy?

You shouldn't have lasting effects from the endoscopy procedure itself. Again, this internal procedure isn't the same as a surgery. This means you won't need a significant amount of time to heal. But you will need time for the anesthesia to wear off.

If you received sedation for your endoscopy, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you. Most patients need to stay in the surgical center, hospital, or other outpatient medical setting until the sedation begins to wear off.

Even though your medical provider will want you to wait for the sedation to wear off before leaving, this doesn't mean you can go back to your normal activities immediately. You will likely feel drowsy for the remainder of the day. The doctor will provide you with instructions that include what you can and can't do after anesthesia.

Are you ready to schedule your first upper endoscopy procedure? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information about this diagnostic procedure.

FAQ About Hemorrhoid Banding

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:49:09 GMT

FAQ About Hemorrhoid Banding

Is hemorrhoid banding the right treatment option? Do you have hemorrhoids but aren't sure how to treat them efficiently and effectively. If you're not sure what banding is or how it can help you, take a look at what you need to know about this type of treatment.

What Is Banding?

This common hemorrhoid treatment is also known as rubber band ligation. As the name implies, the doctor will use a band (rubber band) to ligate the hemorrhoid. Ligation is a procedure used to close off or block a blood vessel.

Even though hemorrhoids may seem like growths, they are actually swollen anal or rectal veins. To remove the bulge, banding cuts off the veins blood supply. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and eventually fall off.

Does Banding Give You Immediate Relief?

Hemorrhoids can cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding. These symptoms often make patients seek treatment. While immediate treatment is often the most desirable option, it isn't always possible - especially for internal hemorrhoids (bulging veins inside of the rectum).

To band a hemorrhoid, the doctor will place a specialized medical device (known as an anoscope) into the rectum. After they locate the hemorrhoid, the doctor will place the band (or bands) on the base of the bulging vein with a ligator.

It can take a week or longer for the hemorrhoid to shrink, dry, and fall off. As the hemorrhoid shrinks, you may notice less discomfort or fewer symptoms. When the shrunken, dried hemorrhoid does fall off, it may pass through the rectum and anus with a bowel movement.

While you may not get immediate relief, rubber band ligation is an effective procedure that can give you lasting results. According to the National Library of Medicine, this treatment option has a success rate of 70.5 percent in first-time procedures and a success rate of 80.2 percent in ligations for recurrent symptoms.

Is Banding a Surgical Procedure?

Even though the doctor will need to insert an anoscope and ligator into your body, banding is not a true surgical procedure. The doctor will not need to surgically cut or remove the hemorrhoid to eliminate this uncomfortable issue. Instead, banding is considered a nonsurgical hemorrhoid-removal method.

Will You Need to Go to the Hospital for This Procedure?

As a nonsurgical procedure, banding won't require you to stay overnight in a hospital. Most bandings are done in outpatient centers or outpatient hospital areas.

Is Band Ligation Painful?

The rubber band ligation isn't comfortable. But this doesn't mean you'll feel pain. Again, the doctor must insert an anoscope and ligator into the rectum. Just the thought of this procedure can cause stress for many patients. However, this doesn't mean you should skip the procedure or consider a less effective treatment.

The decision to use a topical anesthetic or sedation depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids, the complexity of the procedure, and your overall health. The doctor may numb the rectal area with a topical anesthetic. This can reduce or eliminate most of the sensation during the ligation. If you have large internal hemorrhoids, you may need anesthesia.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns and the anesthesia options before your procedure.

What Should You Expect From Post-Ligation Recovery?

Again, it can take a week or more for your hemorrhoid to dry up and fall off. This means you may have some continued discomfort.

Immediately after the procedure, you may have some bleeding, pain, gas, or constipation. If the doctor believes constipation is a potential problem or you're already experiencing this issue, they may recommend or prescribe a laxative or stool softener.

Do you need to schedule a rubber band ligation procedure? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information.

Diverticulosis: Understand the Condition

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:46:05 GMT

Diverticulosis: Understand the Condition

Diverticulosis is a common condition in about half of people in the U.S. over age 60 and most people 80 and over. The condition can affect people younger than 60, but it is rare in anyone under 40. A diagnosis of diverticulosis does not mean the patient will develop symptoms or have any cause for concern about serious illness.

Diverticulosis is when small pouches or pockets develop in the wall of the digestive tract. It causes no symptoms in many people and often remains undiagnosed. If the pockets become inflamed, it is a condition known as diverticulitis, and treatment becomes necessary.

Causes of Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis happens more often in countries where people do not always consume a healthy diet. The United States, unfortunately, is one of those countries. In areas where the population regularly consumes fiber-rich foods, the condition less commonly develops.

Fiber allows the body to remain regular. Alternatively, constipation can cause pressure in the digestive tract. The intestinal walls can thin and weaken over time from pressure, and pockets will develop in the weakened areas.

Complications of Diverticulosis

Unlike some digestive system conditions, diverticulitis does not increase the risk of cancer. The painful problem can still cause serious health concerns. A bowel blockage can develop from scarring in the tissue of the intestine. Abscesses can occur within the pouches. Infected pouches that rupture can lead to peritonitis, swelling of the abdominal tissue that can become fatal.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis causes many uncomfortable symptoms that make it hard to ignore. It can mimic some conditions like a stomach virus or appendicitis. The pain usually becomes intense enough during a flare-up to convince people to visit a doctor. Common symptoms may vary but often include:

Abdominal tenderness
Lower left abdominal pain
Lower right abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Constipation
Diarrhea

Treatment of Diverticulitis

Treatment of diverticulitis will depend on the severity of the condition. A mild case will typically mean a recommended change in diet with a liquid diet for a few days until the patient improves. Over-the-counter pain relievers and an antibiotic to treat any infection will also often be a part of the treatment plan.

Severe diverticulitis may require a hospital stay and intravenous antibiotics. Surgery may be necessary to drain an abscess, remove any blockages, or repair any tears in the wall of the intestine. A colostomy may become necessary with chronic cases of diverticulitis.

Prevention of Diverticulosis

In many cases, diverticulosis is mild and easily treatable. It may never become troublesome enough to require treatment. You can easily avoid the risk and use preventative measures to lessen the potential of developing the condition or experiencing serious complications. Constipation prevention is often the best way to reduce risk.

Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains is an effective way to keep the digestive tract operating efficiently. Adequate water consumption also plays a role. Eating the right foods is not always enough. Also avoid problematic foods. Avoid processed foods, white rice, and anything with white flour.

Exercise also helps to keep the body regular. Avoid holding in a bowel movement because it can lead to constipation. Seniors can often struggle to remain regular because of the body processes becoming less efficient with aging. Stool softeners and psyllium can help. Avoid laxative use for more than an occasional problem unless your doctor directs otherwise.

A diagnosis of diverticulosis often occurs during testing for other conditions. Chronic digestive problems, pain, and especially abdominal pain with a fever are cause for concern. At Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center , we can help. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Understanding Pancreatitis

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:43:32 GMT

Understanding Pancreatitis

It is often easy to ignore abdominal pain, especially when it comes and goes, or if it only happens after you eat certain foods. Unfortunately, abdominal pain can be a sign of several gastrointestinal conditions, and without a physical exam, diagnosis can be difficult. One of these conditions is pancreatitis. If left untreated, this condition can cause life-threatening complications.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Your pancreas is a six-inch gland that sits behind your stomach. It connects to the first section of your small intestine, which is called your duodenum.

This gland is an essential part of your body and performs several different functions. One function it performs is the production of hormones. These hormones control your blood sugar levels, stimulate stomach acids, and control your appetite. These hormones include:

Insulin
Glucagon
Gastrin
Amylin

If your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar, you develop diabetes.

Your pancreas is also responsible for how your body breaks down fats, sugars, and starches. It does this by producing three different enzymes that break these components down. These enzymes are:

Lipase, which breaks down fat
Protease, which breaks down proteins
Amylase, which breaks down starches into sugar

Pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes attack your pancreas, causing it to become inflamed and painful. If not addressed, chronic pancreatitis can lead to damage and death of its tissue and several other severe medical conditions such as diabetes, malnutrition, and kidney failure.

What Causes Pancreatitis?

Often caused by gallstones and alcoholism, certain other factors can also cause pancreatitis. These include: Certain medications

Obesity
Diabetes
Genetics
Hypertriglyceridemia
Hyperparathyroidism
Infection
Trauma or injury
Pancreatic cancer

Unfortunately, the exact cause of pancreatitis is sometimes not found.

What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?

There are two types of pancreatitis. These are acute and chronic. Signs and symptoms vary based on which condition you are experiencing. Some acute symptoms are:

Upper abdominal radiating pain
Tender abdominal
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting

Signs of chronic pancreatitis include the above symptoms, but you may also suffer from the onset of abdominal pain after eating; unexpected weight loss; and oily, smelly stools.

How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?

Because of the location of your pancreas and the vital job this gland performs, a prompt diagnosis of pancreatitis is crucial. Beyond a physical exam, there are several tests your doctor will conduct to confirm your diagnosis. Some of these tests include

Blood work
Abdominal ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Stool tests

Your doctor may order additional medical testing depending on what your initial exam uncovers.

How Does Food Affect Pancreatitis?

Because your pancreas creates enzymes that break down your fats, sugars, and proteins and help you digest foods, certain foods can contribute to flare-ups and should be avoided when you are having an attack of pancreatitis. These foods include full-fat dairy, sugar-laden desserts, fried foods, red meats, organ meats, and mayonnaise. You should also avoid foods containing refined flour such as cakes and cookies and limit high fiber foods.

Other foods may actually protect or heal your pancreas during a flare-up. It would be best to focus your diet on lean meats, dairy alternatives, whole grains, beans, and fruit such as blueberries and cherries. You should also ensure you stay hydrated at all times to help your digestive process.

If you suspect you have pancreatitis, your condition can deteriorate quickly. Do not delay in seeking medical help. Failure to do so will not only leave you in pain, but the delay can make your condition even worse. Kentuckiana Gastroenterology can examine you and conduct the necessary testing to provide you with an exact diagnosis and treatment. Give us a call to schedule your appointment.

Colonoscopies: From Scheduling to Bowel Prep

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:40:42 GMT

Colonoscopies: From Scheduling to Bowel Prep

Do you need a colonoscopy? Whether your doctor already recommended this screening procedure or you're not sure whether you should schedule a scope, you want to know more about this GI test. From when to get your first screening to what to expect on exam day, take a look at some of the most common colonoscopy questions and their answers.

When Should You Get Your First Colonoscopy?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you're a healthy adult with an average risk level, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that you get your first colonoscopy when you turn 45. If you're at increased risk for colorectal cancer, the ACS notes that you may need your first screening before age 45.

An increased risk level includes people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer, previous colorectal cancer, some types of colorectal polyps, hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes (such as a family history of adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome), radiation to the abdominal area to treat another cancer, or radiation to the pelvic region to treat a previous type of cancer.

You may also need an earlier colonoscopy (before age 45) if you have inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. According to the ACS, people with these conditions should have a colonoscopy at least eight years after diagnosis.

How Often Should You Have a Colonoscopy?

Again, like the start date, this depends on additional factors. Healthy adults with an average risk level should have a colonoscopy every 10 years from ages 45 through 75. People who are 76 through 85 may still need a colonoscopy if they want to have the screening, the doctor recommends it, or they have health-related issues that warrant this type of test. Most people over age 85 will no longer need routine colonoscopies, according to the ACS.

If you are at an increased or high risk for colorectal cancer, it's likely you will need a colonoscopy more than every 10 years. Your doctor will take factors, such as polyps, family history, and other colorectal diseases, into consideration when creating a screening schedule. A history of some types of polyps may increase the screening schedule to every three years.

Do You Need To Wait Until You Have Symptoms to Schedule a Screening?

Colon cancer may not have obvious symptoms or may have symptoms that mimic other common GI conditions. This makes it important to follow the recommended colonoscopy screening schedule — even if you don't have noticeable symptoms. While some people may have rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss with colon cancer, others may not know they have this disease until after a colonoscopy.

How Should You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Now that you know when to get a colonoscopy, you may need to schedule the screening test as soon as possible. Before your procedure day, your doctor will provide you with preparation instructions. Unlike some other imaging tests (such as an X-ray of your foot or an MRI of your knee), a colonoscopy requires an extensive prep that you must follow step by step.

Reduce your dietary fiber intake several days before your procedure appointment. To do this, you will need to eliminate whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, raw fruit, and raw vegetables. High-fiber foods may take longer to digest, making the colon cleansing more difficult or less effective.

Stop eating solid foods and milk products the day before your colonoscopy. Instead, only drink clear broth and clear liquids. You can also eat gelatin or popsicles. Avoid anything with red or purple dye or food coloring. These can stain your colon or look like blood during the procedure.

You will need to complete a cleansing prep the day or night before your colonoscopy. The doctor will prescribe a bowel cleansing drink. Follow the instructions exactly. If your bowel isn't completely clear (in other words, if stool is left behind), the doctor won't have the ability to clearly visualize your colon. This could result in the need for a repeat procedure.

Do you need to schedule a colonoscopy? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology for more information.

FAQs About IBS-C

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:38:23 GMT

FAQs About IBS-C

Do you have IBS-C? Your persistent constipation may be more than just an irritating issue. Before you brush off constipation or continue trying at-home remedies, take a look at what you need to know about IBS-C symptoms, how to get a diagnosis, and what your treatment options are.

Isn't IBS the Opposite of Constipation?

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is characterized by symptoms such as gas, pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Even though diarrhea is a primary sign of IBS, it isn't the main symptom of IBS-C. While IBS-C may come with pain or bloating, it also includes constipation — the letter "C" in the name's acronym.

Is IBS-C Common?

You may have heard of IBS — but IBS-C may be a new term to you. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, between 10 and 15 percent of Americans have IBS. This statistic represents the total number of people with all IBS conditions. Only part of this percentage has IBS-C.

Do All People Who Have Constipation Have IBS-C?

Simply stated, no. IBS-C is a condition that includes symptoms beyond constipation. Along with changes in bowel function (no or few stools, difficulty passing stools, or hard/lumpy stools), people with IBS-C often also have abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, or gas.

Even though both IBS-C and chronic constipation may persist for weeks, months, or longer, people with IBS-C will sometimes have periods of remission or normal bowel movements. Constipation from other causes isn't as likely to have this type of periodic symptom onset.

How Do You Know If You Have IBS-C?

It's easy to know when you are constipated. Your bowel movements change and suddenly it seems like your stools stop. Constipation can happen for a few different reasons — and many of them don't include IBS-C. A low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity and exercise, excess dairy intake, stress, and some medications can cause this common GI issue.

Given the potential causes of constipation, how do patients know whether they have temporary or transient constipation, IBS-C, or another chronic condition? The only way to confirm IBS-C is with a doctor's diagnosis. You should never diagnose yourself with this GI issue.

If you haven't already seen a specialist for your abdominal symptoms, your primary care physician (PCP) can refer you to a gastroenterologist. These specialists are medical doctors with extra training in the conditions and diseases of the digestive tract (including the intestines, colon, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder).

Before diagnosing IBS-C (or any other GI condition), the gastroenterologist will take a full health history and complete a physical exam. If your symptoms fit the criteria for an IBS-C diagnosis, but may still have another cause, the doctor may order blood work or an imaging study (such as a colonoscopy).

How Do Gastroenterologists Treat IBS-C?

After you’ve seen the doctor, you may end up with an IBS-C diagnosis. Now what? You don't have to live with constant constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or other related symptoms. While there isn't a cure for this condition, the doctor can help you to manage or possibly eliminate the symptoms. Some types of dietary or lifestyle changes can help to ease discomfort from constipation. The doctor may recommend that you eat a higher fiber diet, hydrate often, or increase physical activity.

Along with these modifications, you may also need to take medications. These could include lubiprostone (for women ages 18-plus) or linaclotide. Lubiprostone works by increasing the fluid in secretions made by the small intestines. Linaclotide increases bowel movements, making it less likely you'll experience constipation. The doctor may prescribe one of these medications or recommend the use of medication in combination with lifestyle factor changes.

Do you think that you may have IBS-C? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information.

4 Signs You Need to Visit a Gastroenterologist

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:35:36 GMT

A Review of Peptic Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Digestive system disorders have become a common issue for many people. When you experience any unusual signs that indicate digestive system issues, visit a gastroenterologist for diagnosis. Early diagnosis can help you identify the underlying cause of this problem. Additionally, your doctor may help you treat this issue before it becomes complicated.

This article highlights four signs you need to visit a gastroenterologist.

1. Frequent Heartburn

As the name suggests, heartburn is a burning sensation in the mid-upper abdomen when the acid in your stomach backs up into your esophagus, a tube that links your mouth and stomach.

Many people experience heartburn after eating spicy food. This issue usually goes away on its own or with the help of over-the-counter treatments. However, if you experience this issue for more than a week or if it refuses to go away after taking over-the-counter medications, you could have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD is a condition that occurs when your stomach acid affects the lining of your esophagus. This condition normally occurs when a person is overweight or smokes too much. Women who are pregnant are also likely to experience this problem.

Once you experience this issue, seek professional help. Your doctor will first examine your upper digestive tract, using an endoscope to determine the severity of the issue. If the problem is mild, your doctor will give you medication. However, if the problem has gone too far, your doctor may advocate for surgery.

2. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is a natural sugar in milk. When you take dairy products like yogurt and cheese, your body will produce a protein commonly known as lactase to help you break down lactose.

However, your body may sometimes fail to produce enough lactase to break down lactose, a condition commonly known as lactose intolerance. As a result, you may have difficulties digesting dairy products. When your body fails to break down lactose, you may experience diarrhea, bloating, belly pain, and stomach upsets.

If you exhibit these symptoms shortly after taking a dairy product, visit a gastroenterologist. Your doctor will use the Hydrogen breath test to diagnose lactose intolerance and give you proper medication. After diagnosis, your doctor may advise you to take dietary supplements or ask you to change your diet.

3. Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is not common, and you should never ignore this sign. Most times, you'll see this blood on your toilet paper, on your stool, or in the toilet. However, sometimes, you may not observe the blood itself. If your stool suddenly becomes sticky and black, you may have rectal bleeding.

The major cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are simply swollen veins in your rectum (the lower part of your large intestines). These swellings can occur inside your rectum or on the skin around your anus.

Other causes of rectal bleeding include polyps, anal fissures, mass lesions, and inflammatory bowel disease.

4. Difficulty Swallowing

Sometimes, you may experience difficulty swallowing solid food, a condition commonly known as dysphagia. If you leave this problem untreated for a long time, the symptoms may worsen, and you may even find it difficult to swallow water.

Dysphagia occurs due to several reasons. First, the issue could be weak esophageal muscles. Additionally, if your esophagus gets damaged due to acid reflux, swallowing may be difficult. Other factors that may cause dysphagia include esophageal mass lesions and strictures.

Digestive system disorders can significantly affect your life. If you suspect any digestive system issues, do not hesitate to seek medical assistance from a certified gastroenterologist. To get the best services, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center.

A Review of Peptic Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:33:24 GMT

A Review of Peptic Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Peptic ulcers are sores that occur when your digestive juices debilitate your stomach's or intestines' lining. However, although many people know the condition, most do not know its causes, symptoms, or treatment, and their knowledge of peptic ulcers is often from unreliable sources. This blog covers essential information about peptic ulcers that everyone should know.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is most patients' primary cause of peptic ulcers. The risk of on-setting peptic ulcers is high when infected patients delay seeking treatment. It allows the H. pylori bacteria to wear out the mucous membrane protecting your stomach and duodenum.

Wearing out the mucous coating exposes your stomach and duodenum lining to digestive acids that burn them, resulting in sores. Depending on the infection site, your doctor may diagnose you with gastric or duodenal ulcers. Doctors may diagnose you with both conditions in extreme situations.

Patients who frequently use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also risk on-setting peptic ulcers in the long term. NSAIDs inhibit Cox-1 enzymes responsible for prostaglandins to protect the stomach lining. Prostaglandins deficiency reduces the stomach's mucous coating, exposing its sensitive lining to digestive acid attack. This increases the risk of peptic ulcers.

A common belief among many people is that stress and spicy foods cause peptic ulcers, but this simply isn’t true. Stress and spicy foods only exacerbate existing symptoms. Remember, the stomach has a mechanism to protect itself against digestive juices and spices. Thus, it is after the mucous coating is destroyed that the stomach lining becomes vulnerable.

Risk Factors

If you have chronic diarrhea, there is a reason. In some cases, the cause is simple, like food sensitivities. If this is the case, you can identify the food allergen and cut it from your diet. Some medications can cause diarrhea.

Common Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

Patients with peptic ulcers experience various symptoms depending on their condition's severity. In the early stages, most patients experience mild symptoms, which include:

Bloating
Heartburn
Stomach discomfort
Nausea
Fat intolerance

Initially, most patients ignore the symptoms, attributing them to food. For example, you may assume your stomach is bloated because you ate legumes during the day. However, such bloating should clear fairly quickly. On the other hand, stomach bloating over several days or weeks requires seeking medical care.

Over time, peptic ulcers become severe, resulting in exacerbated symptoms. Usually, you cannot ignore its severe symptoms because they cause significant pain and discomfort. The symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting
Blood presence in stools
Appetite loss
Rapid weight loss
Fatigue and frailty

Treatment Options

Gastroenterologists treat peptic ulcers differently depending on the cause. Patients whose condition arose from NSAIDs use will likely have different treatment regimens than those with an underlying H. pylori infection. Your gastroenterologist will aim to reverse the effects of the causative agent, allowing your mucous membrane to heal.

For example, your gastroenterologist may prescribe antibiotics and antacids for patients with ulcers from H. pylori infections. Eradicating the bacteria reduces the stress on the mucous membrane, allowing it to heal. Additionally, the antacid neutralizes the stomach acid, mitigating attacks on the exposed lining.

Patients with peptic ulcers from NSAIDs may not require antibiotics — unless they have underlying infections. Treatment often entails weaning patients off the NSAIDs to reduce their impact on the stomach lining. For example, your gastroenterologist may recommend substitute medication.

Patients with peptic ulcer-related symptoms should seek medical care for timely interventions. Otherwise, they risk their condition exacerbating. Patients living in Kentucky may schedule appointments with Kentuckiana Gastroenterology. Our gastroenterologists will assess you and develop individualized treatment plans to mitigate your condition.

Dyspepsia 101: What You Should Know About This Digestive Disorder

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:30:55 GMT

Dyspepsia 101: What You Should Know About This Digestive Disorder

If you feel bloated and gassy, have a burning sensation in your stomach or chest, or just don't feel like yourself, you might have a serious case of dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a chronic digestive disorder that affects millions of people each year.

Learn more information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dyspepsia.

What is Dyspepsia?

Dyspepsia, also known as chronic indigestion, is a digestive disorder that causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. This condition is common and affects an estimated 30% of the population.

Dyspepsia effects can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience occasional mild discomfort, while others may have more severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities. The condition is usually chronic when you experience the symptoms more than once a week for several weeks.

Abdominal cramping and bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Mucus in the stool
An urgent need to use the bathroom

Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is the most common type, and its cause is unknown. The stomach and intestines look normal when doctors examine them, but they don't work the way they should.

Functional dyspepsia is further divided into two subtypes:

Postprandial dyspepsia: This occurs after you eat a meal.
Epigastric dyspepsia: This occurs in the upper middle region of the stomach.

To determine what type of functional dyspepsia you have, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they occur. This way, the physician can rule out any other potential causes of your dyspepsia.

Organic Dyspepsia

Organic dyspepsia is less common, and its symptoms are a result of an underlying medical condition. Some examples of conditions that can cause this condition include:

Peptic ulcer disease: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach).
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis occurs when your stomach muscles don't work properly. This issue can delay the emptying of your stomach, which leads to dyspepsia.
Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia is when a portion of your stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm.

Organic dyspepsia is more common in people who are under a lot of stress or have other psychological disorders.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Dyspepsia?

The most common symptom of dyspepsia is a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms may include:

Bloated stomach
Nausea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Acid reflux

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible so they can rule out any other potential causes.

What Are the Main Treatment Options for Dyspepsia?

Treatment for dyspepsia will depend on the underlying cause. If your dyspepsia is due to a functional disorder, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes that may require you to:

Eat smaller meals
Avoid trigger foods
Not smoke
Reduce stress

If your dyspepsia is due to an organic disorder, such as GERD, your doctor may recommend medications to treat the underlying condition. Such medications may include the following:

Antacids: These medications neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from dyspepsia.
Proton pump inhibitors: These medications block the production of stomach acid to provide relief from dyspepsia.

If the dyspepsia is because of a hiatal hernia, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the hernia. However, this option is typically only necessary if other treatment options don't work.

Do you suffer from dyspepsia? Are you on the lookout for answers? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center today. Our team of experts will work with you to determine the cause of your dyspepsia and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Understanding Chronic Diarrhea

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:26:22 GMT

Understanding Chronic Diarrhea

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What Is Chronic Diarrhea?

If you get food poisoning, eat something disagreeable, or get sick, you may struggle with a bout of diarrhea for a day or two. This causes loose stools that may even become watery. However, if your diarrhea lasts four weeks or more, it is considered chronic diarrhea.

Other symptoms of chronic diarrhea may include:

Abdominal cramping and bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Mucus in the stool
An urgent need to use the bathroom

If blood is in the stool, pay attention to the color. Red blood indicates bleeding near the end of the digestive tract, which could indicate hemorrhoids, a common side effect of diarrhea. If the blood is dark, creating black stool, talk to your doctor immediately. It may indicate deep bleeding in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine.

What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?

In many causes, however, chronic diarrhea is because of an underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism. Naturally, an infection in the gastrointestinal system can also cause chronic diarrhea.

Regardless of the reason, however, diarrhea occurs when excess fluids enter the intestine or when the body can't pull excess fluids from the intestines to put back in the body. In some cases, nerve damage cause dysfunction.

What Are the Consequences of Chronic Diarrhea?

Three main consequences occur because of chronic diarrhea: dehydration, malnutrition, and bleeding. Since your body frequently eliminates lots of water, your body can quickly become dehydrated. For this reason, drink plenty of fluids if you have chronic diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, and dry skin and mouth. In extreme cases, it can even lead to heat stroke and death.

When you have diarrhea, your body also can't absorb the correct nutrients and vitamins for a healthy well-rounded diet. This can lead to malnutrition even if you eat a healthy diet. Malnutrition can lead to anemia or trouble fighting infection. In growing children, it can also hinder the body and brain's growth.

Finally, all the irritation from repeated bowel movements can also lead to bleeding and irritation, especially around the rectum. You may even develop hemorrhoids.

Can You Treat Chronic Diarrhea?

Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If lifestyle choices cause the diarrhea, you can change your habits to treat the chronic diarrhea: changing your diet, getting more active, or cutting out alcohol. Make sure you drink lots of water and slowly add high-fiber foods. Fibrous foods help hold the stool together, reducing the risk of diarrhea.

Some patients find relief with probiotics that help rebalance the gut bacteria. This may be helpful if medications like antibiotics caused your diarrhea. Other treatments include:

Avoiding certain foods
Taking anti-diarrheal medications
Switching your medication
Taking medication for gastrointestinal issues like IBS

Chronic diarrhea can make your life miserable. You may avoid events and friends out of embarrassment or necessity. If you would like to know more about chronic diarrhea, contact us at Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center. We will be happy to go over any questions or concerns you have about this condition or any other one we help with.