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Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.
Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But some people with GERD may need stronger medications or surgery to ease symptoms.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:
A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
Chest pain
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Sensation of a lump in your throat
If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:
Chronic cough
Laryngitis
New or worsening asthma
Disrupted sleep
Longstanding reflux can cause many problems including Barrett’s esophagus, esophagitis, and even esophageal cancer.
Diagnosis
At Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, we have a full complement of diagnostic tools to diagnose GERD including 24-hour pH-impedence testing, BRAVO wireless pH probe, and upper endoscopy.
Treatment
If you do have GERD, be aware that longstanding proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use – such as omeprazole, Nexium, or Prilosec – has been associated with dementia, kidney failure, pneumonia, GI infections, and more. We are one of only a few centers in Massachusetts offering endoscopic non-surgical methods for controlling reflux to minimize or even eliminate the need for anti-acid medication such as transoral incisionless fundoplication.
If you have uncontrolled GERD or wish to pursue options that may eliminate the need for medications, call us at 978-459-6737 to request an appointment.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Your esophagus helps move the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach to be digested.
Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere along the esophagus. More men than women get esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Incidence rates vary within different geographic locations. In some regions, higher rates of esophageal cancer cases may be attributed to tobacco and alcohol use or particular nutritional habits and obesity.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Weight loss without trying
Chest pain, pressure or burning
Worsening indigestion or heartburn
Coughing or hoarseness
Early esophageal cancer typically causes no signs or symptoms.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you. You can also call us at (978) 459-6737 to request an appointment.
Diarrhea
Everyone occasionally has diarrhea — loose, watery and possibly more-frequent bowel movements.
In most cases, diarrhea lasts a couple of days. But when diarrhea lasts for weeks, it can indicate a serious disorder, such as a persistent infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:
Loose, watery stools
Abdominal cramps
Abdominal pain
Fever
Blood in the stool
Nausea
Urgent need to have a bowel movement
If you suffer from severe or chronic diarrhea, call your doctor. You can also call us at 978-459-6737 to request an appointment.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, although often the cause is unknown. They may result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or they may develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
Hemorrhoids are very common. Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Sometimes they don't cause symptoms but at other times they cause itching, discomfort and bleeding. Occasionally, a clot may form in a hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid). These are not dangerous but can be extremely painful and sometimes need to be lanced and drained. Fortunately, many effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Many people can get relief from symptoms with home treatments and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids may include:
Painless bleeding during bowel movements — you might notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet
Itching or irritation in your anal region
Pain or discomfort
Swelling around your anus
A lump near your anus, which may be sensitive or painful (may be a thrombosed hemorrhoid)
Hemorrhoid symptoms usually depend on the location.
Don't assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you are over 40 years old. Rectal bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer. If you have bleeding along with a marked change in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency, consult your doctor. These types of stools can signal more extensive bleeding elsewhere in your digestive tract.
If you believe you suffer from hemorrhoids, call your doctor. You can also call us at 978-459-6737 to request an appointment.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) means it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia may also be associated with pain. In some cases, swallowing may be impossible. Occasional difficulty swallowing, which may occur when you eat too fast or don't chew your food well enough, usually isn't cause for concern. But persistent dysphagia may indicate a serious medical condition requiring treatment.
Dysphagia can occur at any age, but it's more common in older adults. The causes of swallowing problems vary, and treatment depends on the cause. Fortunately, we have all the diagnostic and treatment tools necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of almost all diseases causing dysphagia at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia may include:
Having pain while swallowing (odynophagia)
Being unable to swallow
Having the sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest or behind your breastbone (sternum)
Drooling
Being hoarse
Bringing food back up (regurgitation)
Having frequent heartburn
Having food or stomach acid back up into your throat
Unexpectedly losing weight
Coughing or gagging when swallowing
Having to cut food into smaller pieces or avoiding certain foods because of trouble swallowing
Some of the causes of esophageal dysphagia include:
Achalasia. When your lower esophageal muscle (sphincter) doesn't relax properly to let food enter your stomach, it may cause you to bring food back up into your throat. Muscles in the wall of your esophagus may be weak as well, a condition that tends to worsen over time.
Diffuse spasm. This condition produces multiple high-pressure, poorly coordinated contractions of your esophagus, usually after you swallow. Diffuse spasm affects the involuntary muscles in the walls of your lower esophagus.
Esophageal stricture. A narrowed esophagus (stricture) can trap large pieces of food. Tumors or scar tissue, often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause narrowing.
Esophageal tumors. Difficulty swallowing tends to get progressively worse when esophageal tumors are present.
Foreign bodies. Sometimes food or another object can partially block your throat or esophagus. Older adults with dentures and people who have difficulty chewing their food may be more likely to have a piece of food become lodged in the throat or esophagus.
Esophageal ring. A thin area of narrowing in the lower esophagus can intermittently cause difficulty swallowing solid foods.
GERD. Damage to esophageal tissues from stomach acid backing up into your esophagus can lead to spasm or scarring and narrowing of your lower esophagus.
Eosinophilic esophagitis. This condition, which may be related to a food allergy, is caused by an overpopulation of cells called eosinophils in the esophagus.
Scleroderma. Development of scar-like tissue, causing stiffening and hardening of tissues, can weaken your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to back up into your esophagus and cause frequent heartburn.
Radiation therapy. This cancer treatment can lead to inflammation and scarring of the esophagus.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may use a variety of tests to determine the cause of your swallowing.
Tests may include:
Dynamic swallowing study. You swallow barium-coated foods of different consistencies. This test provides an image of these foods as they travel through your mouth and down your throat. The images may show problems in the coordination of your mouth and throat muscles when you swallow and determine whether food is going into your breathing tube.
A visual examination of your esophagus (endoscopy). A thin, flexible lighted instrument (endoscope) is passed down your throat so that your doctor can see your esophagus. Your doctor may also take biopsies of the esophagus to look for inflammation, eosinophilic esophagitis, narrowing or a tumor.
Esophageal muscle test (manometry). In manometry (muh-NOM-uh-tree), a small tube is inserted into your esophagus and connected to a pressure recorder to measure the muscle contractions of your esophagus as you swallow.
If you suffer from dysphagia, contact your doctor. You can also call us at 978-459-6737 to schedule a consultation.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding/Anemia
Anemia from gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can have multiple causes. Upper GI bleeding is caused by ulcers, inflammation of the stomach lining or stomach cancer. Bleeding in the lower GI tract can be attributed to intestinal polyps, abnormal blood vessels, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, infectious diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
The symptoms of GI bleeding.
Gastrointestinal bleeding has a number of symptoms, including blood in the stool or on toilet paper as well as stools that are black or very dark. Sometimes, slow GI bleeding can be "silent," without any noticeable change in bowel movement or stool. These people are often anemic and display pale skin color, shortness of breath and weakness.
Anemia can have serious consequences.
Losing blood means losing red blood cells, which contain the substance hemoglobin that carries life-giving oxygen. A deficiency of hemoglobin leads to a lack of sufficient oxygen to the organs and other tissues, which can have a wide range of consequences to your health. So gastrointestinal bleeding must be identified and diagnosed so it can be treated and stopped.
At Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, our board-certified GI specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis of suspected gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia backed by years of advanced training and hands-on experience. We offer these and other diagnostic procedures:
Upper endoscopy to evaluate the esophagus, stomach & duodenum
Capsule endoscopy to diagnose problems in the small intestine
Colonoscopy to evaluate for bleeding in the lower digestive tract
We perform most scope procedures in our state-of-the-art endoscopy center, where we can get you in quickly, cater to your comfort and protect your privacy and give you the specialized, compassionate care you deserve. Call us today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call your doctor or call us today at 978-459-6737.
Diverticulitis
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis happens when pouches form in the wall of the colon. If these pouches get inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can be very painful.
What causes diverticulitis?
Doctors aren't sure what causes diverticula in the colon (diverticulosis). But they think that a low-fiber diet may play a role. Without fiber to add bulk to the stool, the colon has to work harder than normal to push the stool forward. The pressure from this may cause pouches to form in weak spots along the colon. Bacteria grow in the pouches, and this can lead to inflammation or infection.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of diverticulitis may last from a few hours to a week or more. Symptoms include:
Belly pain, usually in the lower left side, that is sometimes worse when you move. This is the most common symptom.
Fever and chills.
Bloating and gas.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Not feeling like eating.
How is diverticulitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and will examine you. He or she may do tests to see if you have an infection or to make sure that you don't have other problems. Tests may include:
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC).
Other tests, such as an X-ray or a CT scan.
If you believe you suffer from diverticulitis, call your doctor immediately. In conjunction with the physicians at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, you can receive the highest level of care to treat your diverticulitis.
Constipation
Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Almost everyone goes through it at some point. Although it’s not usually serious, you'll feel much better when your body is back on track. The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, your poop gets harder and more difficult to pass.
What Are the Symptoms?
You may have:
Few bowel movements
Trouble having a bowel movement (straining to go)
Hard or small stools
A sense that everything didn’t come out
Belly bloating
Why Does It Happen?
Some causes of constipation include:
Changes to what you eat or your activities
Not enough water or fiber in your diet
Eating a lot of dairy products
Not being active
Resisting the urge to poop
Stress
Overuse of laxatives
Some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, and iron pills)
Antacid medicines that have calcium or aluminum
Eating disorders
Pregnancy
Problems with the nerves and muscles in your digestive system
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
Underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism)
Occasionally, constipation can be the result of colon cancer.
Diagnosis
We can help diagnose the cause of your constipation by performing a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer as well as other motility disorders through a test called anorectal manometry.
If you suffer from constipation, call your doctor or call us at 978-459-6737 to make an appointment.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of your digestive tract. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.
Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.
When to see a doctor
If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or an ongoing change in bowel habits, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.
Clostridium Difficile Infection (C. Diff)
Clostridium difficile is a very serious infection, and the incidence is on the rise throughout the world. The CDC reports that approximately 347,000 people in the U.S. alone were diagnosed with this infection in 2012. Of those, at least 14,000 died. Some estimates place that number in the 30,000 to 50,000 range, if the U.S. used the same cause of death reporting methods as most of the rest of the world.
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a procedure in which fecal matter, or stool, is collected from a tested donor, mixed with a saline or other solution, strained, and placed in a patient, by colonoscopy.
The purpose of fecal transplant is to replace good bacteria that has been killed or suppressed, usually by the use of antibiotics, causing bad bacteria, specifically Clostridium difficile, or C. diff., to over-populate the colon. This infection causes a condition called C. diff. colitis, resulting in often debilitating, sometimes fatal diarrhea.
If you suffer from C. diff, call us at 978-459-6737 for an appointment.
Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Also called bowel incontinence, fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. The muscle or nerve damage may be associated with aging or with giving birth. Whatever the cause, fecal incontinence can be embarrassing. But don't shy away from talking to your doctor. Treatments are available that can improve fecal incontinence and your quality of life.
Symptoms
Most adults who experience fecal incontinence do so only during an occasional bout of diarrhea. But some people have recurring or chronic fecal incontinence. They may be unable to resist the urge to defecate, which comes on so suddenly that they don't make it to the toilet in time. This is called urge incontinence. Another type of fecal incontinence occurs in people are not aware of the need to pass stool. This is called passive incontinence.
Fecal incontinence may be accompanied by other bowel problems, such as:
Diarrhea
Constipation
Gas and bloating
Diagnosis
At Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, we use state-of-the-art technology such as anorectal manometry and colonoscopy and work in conjunction with the radiology department at Lowell General Hospital to help diagnose and treat your condition.
If you suffer from incontinence, call your doctor. You can also call us at 978-459-6737 to request an appointment.
Bloating
Bloating is a common digestive issue that causes a full or swollen sensation in the belly, often accompanied by gas. Understanding the primary causes and effective treatments can help alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Causes of Bloating
Visceral Hypersensitivity: This is the main cause of bloating for many individuals. Visceral hypersensitivity occurs when the body unusually reacts to normal amounts of gas in the gut, leading to a bloated feeling even when gas levels are not high. It's crucial to recognize that this heightened sensitivity is often behind the discomfort experienced from bloating.
Excess Gas in the Colon: Less commonly, bloating can result from too much gas in the colon. This condition is typically due to the consumption of hard-to-digest foods or carbonated beverages, which increase gas production and accumulation in the digestive tract.
How to Manage and Treat Bloating
Avoid Common Dietary Triggers: Try avoiding common trigger foods, such as gluten, dairy, and carbonated beverages (fizzy drinks).
Follow a Low FODMAP Diet: Implementing a low FODMAP diet can be highly effective in reducing bloating. This diet minimizes the intake of certain carbohydrates that cause gas and discomfort. Foods commonly high in FODMAPs include onions, garlic, beans, and certain grains. Our IGIC nutritionist can provide guidance on adapting to this dietary approach.
Address Constipation, if Present: Some people who have bloating may have constipation. If so, treating constipation can significantly reduce bloating. Strategies include increasing water intake, incorporating fiber gradually, and maintaining regular physical activity. Sometimes, laxatives or prescription medications might be necessary under medical guidance.
Treatment Options for Visceral Hypersensitivity:
Medications: Neuromodulators such as duloxetine, tricyclic antidepressants, and gabapentin have been effectively used to retrain the gut-brain connection that leads to the sensation of bloating.
Psychological Therapies: Gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are commonly used for chronic gut pain disorders. These also retrain the gut-brain connection that leads to the sensation of bloating.
Bloating and Abdominophrenic Dyssynergia: Why Do I Look Pregnant if There Isn’t Excess Gas?
You might have noticed that when you feel very bloated, your abdomen is distended, making you look pregnant even though you’re not. You might be experiencing a lesser-known condition called abdominophrenic dyssynergia. This condition is characterized by a coordination issue between the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
Abdominophrenic dyssynergia can cause significant bloating without the presence of too much gas. This condition leads to the distension of the abdomen due to improper synchronization between your diaphragm, which is crucial for breathing, and the muscles in your abdomen. The resulting effect can make your belly extend outward, resembling a pregnant belly, which can be confusing and uncomfortable for those affected.
It's important to note that abdominophrenic dyssynergia is a benign condition and does not pose serious health risks. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and may include physical therapy to improve muscular coordination and breathing techniques. In some cases, targeted exercises or interventions to strengthen core muscles and enhance diaphragmatic function may be recommended by healthcare providers.
If you suffer from bloating, call us at (978) 459-6737 to schedule an appointment.
Bloody or Dark Stool
Gastrointestinal Bleeding/Anemia
Anemia from gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can have multiple causes. Upper GI bleeding is caused by ulcers, inflammation of the stomach lining or stomach cancer. Bleeding in the lower GI tract can be attributed to intestinal polyps, abnormal blood vessels, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, infectious diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
The symptoms of GI bleeding.
Gastrointestinal bleeding has a number of symptoms, including blood in the stool or on toilet paper as well as stools that are black or very dark. Sometimes, slow GI bleeding can be "silent," without any noticeable change in bowel movement or stool. These people are often anemic and display pale skin color, shortness of breath and weakness.
Anemia can have serious consequences.
Losing blood means losing red blood cells, which contain the substance hemoglobin that carries life-giving oxygen. A deficiency of hemoglobin leads to a lack of sufficient oxygen to the organs and other tissues, which can have a wide range of consequences to your health. So gastrointestinal bleeding must be identified and diagnosed so it can be treated and stopped.
At Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, our board-certified GI specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis of suspected gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia backed by years of advanced training and hands-on experience. We offer these and other diagnostic procedures:
Upper endoscopy to evaluate the esophagus, stomach & duodenum
Capsule endoscopy to diagnose problems in the small intestine
Colonoscopy to evaluate for bleeding in the lower digestive tract
We perform most scope procedures in our state-of-the-art endoscopy center, where we can get you in quickly, cater to your comfort and protect your privacy and give you the specialized, compassionate care you deserve. Call us today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call your doctor or call us today at 978-459-6737.
Barrett’s Esophagus
In Barrett's esophagus, tissue in the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus) is replaced by tissue similar to the intestinal lining.
Barrett's esophagus is often diagnosed in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus. Only a small percentage of people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Although the risk is small, it's important to have regular checkups for precancerous cells (dysplasia). If precancerous cells are discovered, they can be treated to prevent esophageal cancer.
Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of Barrett's esophagus include:
Chronic heartburn and acid reflux. Having GERD that doesn't get better when taking medications known as proton pump inhibitors or having GERD that requires regular medication can increase the risk of Barrett's esophagus.
Age. Barrett's esophagus can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.
Being a man. Men are far more likely to develop Barrett's esophagus.
Being white. White people have a greater risk of the disease than do people of other races.
Being overweight. Body fat around your abdomen further increases your risk.
Current or past smoking.
Complications
Esophageal cancer
People with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The risk is small, even in people who have precancerous changes in their esophagus cells. Most people with Barrett's esophagus will never develop esophageal cancer.
Diagnosis
Endoscopy is generally used to determine if you have Barrett's esophagus. A lighted tube with a camera at the end (endoscope) is passed down your throat to check for signs of changing esophagus tissue. Normal esophagus tissue appears pale and glossy. In Barrett's esophagus, the tissue appears red and velvety. Your doctor will remove tissue (biopsy) from your esophagus. The biopsied tissue can be examined to determine the degree of change.
Screening for Barrett's esophagus
Barrett's esophagus diagnosis
The American College of Gastroenterology says screening may be recommended for men who have had GERD symptoms at least weekly that don't respond to treatment with proton pump inhibitor medication, and who have at least two more risk factors, including:
Being over 50
Being white
Having a lot of abdominal fat
Being a current or past smoker
Having a family history of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer
While women are significantly less likely to have Barrett's esophagus, women should be screened if they have uncontrolled reflux or have other risk factors for Barrett's esophagus.
Treatment
If you have evidence of precancerous changes in the esophagus, we are the only center in the Merrimack Valley that offers radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to remove abnormal esophagus tissue. Radiofrequency ablation may be recommended after endoscopic resection.
If you are at risk of having Barrett’s esophagus or have been told you have Barrett’s esophagus, contact your doctor. You can also call us at 978-459-6737 to request an appointment.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy), sometimes called sprue, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications.
There's no cure for celiac disease — but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly. The most common signs are diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. Adults may also experience bloating and gas, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
However, more than half of adults with celiac disease have signs and symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, including:
Anemia, usually resulting from iron deficiency
Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or softening of bone (osteomalacia)
Itchy, blistery skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
Damage to dental enamel
Mouth ulcers
Headaches and fatigue
Nervous system injury, including numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment
Joint pain
Reduced functioning of the spleen (hyposplenism)
Acid reflux and heartburn
Diagnosis
We can diagnose celiac disease though performing an endoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor uses a slender, flexible, lighted tube to examine the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). A small piece of tissue can be taken from the small intestines to make the diagnosis.
If you have celiac disease or are concerned you may have celiac disease, call your doctor. You can also call us at 978-459-6737 to make an appointment.
Abdominal Pain
What Are the Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?
Whether you've got a mild stomachache, sharp pain, or cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or, if you're a woman, menstrual cramps.
Other possible causes include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Crohn's disease
Food poisoning
Food allergies
Gas
Lactose intolerance
Peptic ulcers
Pelvic inflammatory disease.Some other causes include:
Hernia
Gallstones
Kidney stones
Endometriosis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Appendicitis
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
If your abdominal pain is severe, doesn't go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Or, if you wish, call us at 978-459-6737 to request an appointment. At Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, we have board-certified specialists capable of running diagnostic tests to help diagnose the cause of your pain.