Latest Articles by Gastroenterology Associates

Doctors may recommend a screening process called an upper endoscopy for those experiencing digestive system problems. These are safe and effective methods of examining the digestive tract. 

If you’ve been experiencing any number of digestive issues—from trouble swallowing to unexplained stomach pains or rectal bleeding—your doctor may recommend you visit a gastroenterologist. 

These specialists excel at screening, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of digestive conditions and disorders, mainly focusing on the digestive tract, stomach, gallbladder, colon, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Pancreatitis is a potentially serious condition affecting the pancreas, and while not especially common, if left untreated could develop life-threatening conditions such as organ failure, and be fatal. 

More than 200,000 acute pancreatitis hospitalizations occur in the United States per year, with these figures rising, according to a report published by the National Library of Medicine. When properly treated, many pancreatitis cases improve quickly without any long-term issues—which is why identifying early warning signs can be so important.

If you’re looking to address a specific medical concern or reach a higher-risk age group, your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy. While it may seem daunting at first, this procedure is quick, safe, and highly effective at identifying and locating issues within the colon and rectum.

For those suffering from bleeding, inflammation, or other issues along their digestive tract, your doctor might recommend a capsule endoscopy for a closer look at what the problem could be. 

Although gluten sensitivity is most commonly associated with Celiac disease—a disorder impacting approximately 2 million people in the United States characterized by severe gluten intolerance—there is a milder form of the condition known as non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Specialists estimate 1% to 3% of the population have NCGS.

Celiac disease and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are two gastrointestinal conditions that present symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and weight loss. If left untreated, both conditions can have severe consequences, so it’s important to understand these disorders, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder make up the biliary system, a portion of the digestive system known for absorbing nutrients and disposing of waste. This network can be affected by several conditions ranging from ascites to pancreatic cancer.