These are common conditions we treat at
Eastern Pennsylvania Gastroenterology and Liver.
Click the condition below to learn more.
These are common conditions we treat at
Eastern Pennsylvania Gastroenterology and Liver.
Click the condition below to learn more.
The Health Center at Palmer Township, 3701 Corriere Road, Suite 17, Easton, PA 18045
(610) 821-2828 | (610) 821-7915 (fax)
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
Hours Vary
Notable point:
Our telephone/patient calls will be answered starting at 9:00 am daily
1501 N. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 821-2828 | (610) 821-7915 (fax)
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
7:30am-5:00pm
Notable point:
Our telephone/patient calls will be answered starting at 9:00 am daily
Financial Policy
When seeking medical treatment, we feel that patients should not only understand their medical condition, but also their financial liability. We are here to aid in your financial claim processing, but ultimately it is the patient’s responsibility to pay outstanding balances.
We thank you in advance for taking the time to review these policies and appreciate your compliance and cooperation.
Please feel free to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with our billing staff.
Things to bring with you to your visit:
Patient out of pocket expenses:
Patient Responsibility:
Self-Pay:
HMO plans:
Litigation cases:
Returned checks:
Credit card payment plan policy:
Outstanding balances/Collections:
Refunds:
EPGI complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or gender.
PATIENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Patients Responsibilities
Patients are expected to:
You have the right to file a grievance with the State if you feel you have an issue the Endoscopy Center will not or cannot resolve. You may notify the following regulatory agencies:
Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care Office: 1-800-254-5164
Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman: www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp
Screening
Did you know that colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death? And did you know that the average risk of being diagnosed is about one in 19?
Adults age 50 and older without any risk factors, and those with a family history of colon cancer, colon polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease should be screened every 10 years for colon cancer. Colon cancer can be prevented and is most easily treated when detected early.
At EPGI we are dedicated to the prevention and early detection of colon cancer and perform screening colonoscopies on a daily basis. Our highly trained physicians and clinical staff are available to answer any questions and walk you through the screening process. We have many valuable educational resources and perform the procedure in both the comfort of our outpatient ambulatory surgical center as well as the hospital setting.
Diagnostic
In addition to performing screening colonoscopy for the early detection of colon polyps and colon cancer, the physicians at EPGI perform diagnostic colonoscopy to help diagnose common gastrointestinal diseases.
If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, blood in stool, constipation, unexplained weight loss, among other symptoms, you may be a candidate for a diagnostic colonoscopy.”
Diagnostic colonoscopies are performed by EPGI physicians at our endoscopy center, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network – Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Health Network – Muhlenberg, and Sacred Heart Hospital.
Colonoscopy Preparation:
EPGI is pleased to have patterned with, yourPATIENTadvisor, a service that provides our patients with comprehensive colonoscopy preperations instructions, email and phone call reminders, and advisors who can help answer bowel preparation questions during extended hours when our office staff is not available.
Patients are automatically enrolled in the program when a colonoscopy is scheduled. From there, patients will receive either a welcome email or phone call (patients will not receive a phone call if an email address is provided) and a welcome letter in the mail which will arrive in a bright blue envelope. This welcomes patients to their patient advisor, provides contact information, and provides information about when, where, and with who their procedure is scheduled.
From there, patients will receive email and phone call reminders leading up to their procedure at:
A link to preparation questions is included in every email if an email address is provided. A paper copy of preparation instructions will be mailed to the patient’s home 14 days prior to their scheduled procedure. These instructions will also arrive in a bright blue envelope.
Any preparation questions leading up to the scheduled procedure should be directed to an advisor at (800) 349-0285 or
support@yourpatientadvisor.com.
Advisors are available:
Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm EST
Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST
Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pmEST
Advisors are available in both English and Spanish.
Click here to learn more about Colonoscopies.
Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
For the procedure the physician will use a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. You will be sedated during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.
The physician can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding, through the endoscope that don’t show up well on x rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests or treat bleeding abnormalities.
Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining. However, such complications are rare. Most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure.
The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. Because you will be sedated, you will need to rest at the endoscopy facility for 30 to 45 minutes until the medication wears off. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) is the latest treatment for safely and effectively treating chronic acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A completely incisionless procedure, TIF reconstructs the antireflux barrier to provide a solution to the anatomical root cause of GERD. The procedure is for patients who are dissatisfied with current pharmaceutical therapies or are concerned about the long-term effects of daily use of reflux medications.
What is GERD?
If you have heartburn or reflux twice a week or more, you may have GERD. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but you may also experience:
Normally, after swallowing, a valve between the esophagus and stomach opens to allow food to pass, then it closes to prevent stomach contents from “refluxing” back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. For people who suffer from GERD, the valve is dysfunctional and unable to prevent acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
TIF procedure
TIF was developed to emulate more invasive surgical techniques, but from within and completely without incisions and visible scars. Using the FDA-cleared EsophyX device, the procedure is performed through the mouth, rather than through an abdominal incision. Typically lasting no more than 50-60 minutes, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and reconstructs the antireflux barrier to restore the competency of the gastroesophageal junction.
FAQ’s
Is the TIF procedure effective?
Studies show that for up to three years after the TIF procedure, GERD symptoms are reduced and most patients are able to stop taking PPI medications to control symptoms.
Is the TIF procedure safe?
The TIF procedure has an excellent safety profile. Clinical studies demonstrate that TIF patients rarely experience long term side-effects commonly associated with traditional antireflux surgery such as chronic dysphagia (trouble swallowing) gas bloat syndrome and increased flatulence.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used in the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. During radiofrequency ablation treatment for Barrett’s esophagus, the doctor uses an endoscope to insert a thin tube or catheter down your esophagus. The catheter has a balloon at the end, with electrodes on the outer surface. The balloon is inflated so the electrodes are touching the abnormal tissue in the lining of the esophagus. The electrodes deliver enough energy to destroy thin layers of the diseased or abnormal tissue.
Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of our intestine replaces the tissue lining in your esophagus. The procedure is usually done as an outpatient and during an upper endoscopy. It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the procedure. If you are scheduled for an RFA, your physician will discuss the preparation, the procedure risks and expected outcome.
PEG stands for Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and is a procedure through which a flexible feeding tube is placed though the abdominal wall and into the stomach. It allows nutrition, fluids and medications to be put into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and the esophagus.
How is the PEG Tube performed?
The doctor uses a lighted flexible tube called and endoscope to guide the creation of a small opening through the skin of the abdomen and directly into the stomach. This procedure allows the doctor to place and secure a feeding tube into the stomach. Patients generally receive a mild sedative and local anesthesia. Patients can usually go home the same day or the next day.
Patients who have difficulty swallowing, problems with their appetite or inability to take enough nutrition though the mouth can benefit from this procedure. Your provider will review care the peg tube, feeding and potential complications along with complete instructions.
This highly effective, minimally invasive procedure is performed in our offices.
During the brief and painless procedure, our physicians place a tiny rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid.
The procedure works by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off, typically within a day or so.
You probably won’t even notice when this happens or be able to spot the rubber band in the toilet. Once the hemorrhoid is gone, the wound usually heals within one to five days.
Procedure Information:
• Fast: This is a fast in office procedure which takes approximately one minute to perform.
• Painless: Banding is typically without much pain since it is an area without nerve endings.
• No Sedation: You will be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment since there is no sedation. You will also be able to return to work.
• No Bowel Prep: There is no fasting, no cleansing and no enemas needed for this procedure
• No Downtime: You can get right back to your daily activities and lifestyle. (You are asked to refrain from strenuous activity until the following day.)
The physicians at EPGI use a smaller, gentler disposable suction device to minimize discomfort and lesson the complication risk. During the first 24 hours, some patients may experience a feeling of fullness or a dull ache in the rectum. This can typically be relieved with an over-the-counter pain medication. However, more than 90% of patients treated with this method have no post-procedure pain.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon. This is not an examination of the entire colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. With flexible sigmoidoscopy, the physician can see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths, and ulcers in the descending colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is not sufficient to detect polyps or cancer in the ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of the colon).
For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. The physician will insert a short, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-duh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the rectum and colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into these organs, which inflates them and helps the physician see better.
If anything unusual is in your rectum or colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove a piece of it using instruments inserted into the scope. The physician will send that piece of tissue (biopsy) to the lab for testing.
Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of sigmoidoscopy. However, such complications are uncommon.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy takes 10 to 20 minutes. During the procedure, you might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower abdomen. You will feel better afterward when the air leaves your colon. There is no sedation required, so you should be able to drive to and from your office visit the day of your procedure.
Preparation
The colon and rectum must be completely empty for flexible sigmoidoscopy to be thorough and safe. The night before the procedure, administer the FIRST Fleets enema at least one hour before bedtime. Administer the SECOND Fleets enema at least one hour before leaving for your procedure.
Your EPGI physician may give you other special instructions.
If you have symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or chest pain, your doctor might order an esophageal manometry. This test measures the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that prevents reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus), indicating if you are able to move food to the stomach normally.
What is esophageal manometry?
Esophageal manometry is a test used to measure the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that prevents reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus) and the muscles of the esophagus (see diagram). This test will tell your doctor if your esophagus is able to move food to your stomach normally. To know why you might be experiencing a problem with your digestive system, it helps to understand the swallowing and digestive processes.
The manometry test is commonly given to people who have:
The swallowing and digestive processes
When you swallow, food moves down your esophagus and into your stomach with the assistance of a wave-like motion called peristalsis. Disruptions in this wave-like motion may cause chest pain or problems with swallowing.
In addition, the muscular valve connecting the esophagus with the stomach, called the esophageal sphincter, prevents food and acid from backing up out of the stomach into the esophagus. If this valve does not work properly, food and stomach acids can enter the esophagus and cause a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Manometry will indicate not only how well the esophagus is able to move food down the esophagus but also how well the esophageal sphincter is working to prevent reflux.
Eating and drinking
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the test.
The Day of the test
During the test
After the test
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows your doctor to examine the lining of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The upper tract consists of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The lower tract includes your colon (large intestine) and rectum. EUS is also used to study other organs near the gastrointestinal tract, including the lungs, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Our EPGI physicians who perform EUS are highly trained specialists. To perform EUS, your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope that has a built –in miniature ultrasound probe. The endoscope will be passed through your mouth or anus to the area to be examined and ultrasound images will be taken.
Double Balloon Enteroscopy, also known as a push and pull enteroscopy, is an endoscopic technique for visualization of the small bowel. The technique for advancement, using the double balloon enteroscopy method, uses a push pull method with inflammation and deflation of two balloons and telescoping of the intestines onto an over tube. Double Balloon enteroscopy can be done in an antegrade (through the mouth) and /or retrograde (through the rectum) approach.
Through this technique, it is possible to biopsy tissue, dilate strictures, remove polyps and stop bleeding from the small bowel. Balloon assisted enteroscopy can be performed in an outpatient or inpatient setting and may require several hours (depending on the therapy required). It is often performed with general anesthesia or moderate sedation.
Double Balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is not used as a first line therapy and is performed after careful evaluation by a specialty trained gastroenterologist. In the event your gastroenterologist orders this test, he or she will discuss the procedure, benefits, potential risks and outcomes.
What We Treat:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that causes inflammation (i.e. pain, swelling) of the gastrointestinal tract, comes in two main forms: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It affects millions of people in the United States of all ages, although it most commonly develops in teenagers and young adults. IBD can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, weight loss, vomiting, and fatigue. While it is a life-long condition, there are more treatment options available now than ever before in order to get patients into remission and give them the quality of life that they deserve.
Who We Are:
The Crohn’s and Colitis Center at EPGI offers world-class IBD care to the residents of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. Our board-certified gastroenterologists have special expertise in the management of IBD and employ modern and evidence-based techniques while maintaining a personalized and compassionate approach to care. We prescribe all approved therapies for IBD and use the most advanced and cutting-edge techniques to monitor our patients, including video capsule endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, double-balloon enteroscopy, endoscopic stricture dilation, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Our on-site infusion suite located in Allentown provides patients with a comfortable atmosphere and is managed by highly trained and personable staff.
Collaboration
The Crohn’s and Colitis Center at EPGI believes strongly in collaboration and teamwork. This is why we participate in regular videoconferences with IBD specialists located all across the United States to discuss our most challenging cases. Multidisciplinary meetings are also held locally with Lehigh Valley-based colorectal surgeons to help coordinate patient care. We also have dedicated personnel, Jen Scarpa and Nicole Held, who help navigate the logistics of IBD care and ensure patients are getting the care that they deserve.
COVID-19 and IBD
The COVD-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to patients with IBD. The Crohn’s and Colitis Center at EPGI have established robust protocols in alignment with national and international recommendations to ensure our patients are getting the best possible care during these trying times. To learn more about IBD and COVID-19, please visit: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/coronavirus/adults.
Whether you were recently diagnosed with IBD or are in need of a second opinion, we look forward to partnering with you. Please contact us at 610-821-2828 to schedule an appointment.
Patient Education
To learn more about IBD, please visit https://online.crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
Liver Cancer happens when normal cells in the liver change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. Your liver is a football-sized organ that sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen beneath your diaphragm and above your stomach. When the liver becomes damaged or diseased, the entire body can be greatly affected. Liver disease is a term that includes a range of conditions and disease including cancer.
Liver disease can be inherited (genetic) or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver such as viruses and alcohol use. Obesity is also associated with liver damage. Over time, damage to the liver results in scarring (Cirrhosis) which can lead to liver failure.
The most common symptoms surrounding liver cancer and liver disease include:
• Loss of weight without trying
• General weakness and fatigue
• Yellowish discoloration of skin or of the whites of your eyes (Jaundice)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tendency to bruise easily
• Dark urine
• Pale stool color or tarlike bloody stool
• Abdominal pain /swelling
• Swelling of the lower extremities
Liver disease has many causes including:
• Infection
• Hepatitis A,B,C
• Immune System Abnormality = Autoimmune Hepatitis, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
• Genetics – An abnormal gene inherited from one or both of your parents can cause substances to build up in your liver.
• Cancer and other growths
• Other common causes of liver disease include = Chronic alcohol abuse and fat accumulating in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Treatment for liver disease and liver cancer depends on the type of problem in the liver and the extent of the damage to the liver. Treatment may begin with conservative measures (medications) and can lead to other modalities which include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and a liver transplant.
Some preventative measures for liver disease include drinking alcohol in moderation, maintain a healthy weight, using caution with chemicals, being vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, and using a safe and clean tattoo / piercing location.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder. This multisystem disorder is caused by the body’s immune system reacting to proteins in wheat, rye and barley. The immune reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, causing reduced nutrient absorption. When the intestinal villi in the small intestine are damaged, the body cannot absorb critical vitamins, minerals and calories.
This condition continues as long as these proteins are in the diet.
Three Facts About Celiac Disease
Are You at Risk?
The main risk factor is having a family member with celiac disease. The disease can affect anyone, but it tends to be more common in those with existing autoimmune diseases (e.g., autoimmune liver disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune thyroid disease).
Celiac Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of celiac disease can relate to the digestive system or in other parts of the body. From person to person, symptoms can vary a great deal, which can make a definitive diagnosis difficult.
One person may have depression, irritability or fatigue, while another may have diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating or abdominal pain. These symptoms can also sometimes first appear after an episode of gastroenteritis, severe emotional distress, abdominal surgery, pregnancy or childbirth.
Look for any of the following symptoms:
Diagnosing Celiac Disease
Could You Have Celiac Disease?
It’s currently estimated that there are more than 2 million people nationwide with celiac disease who have not been diagnosed.
While celiac disease primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, it is now recognized that the condition can affect other organ systems without showing noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms. This makes diagnosing celiac disease challenging.
Several blood tests are available to screen for celiac disease. The main test used for screening is the tTG-IgA test. Celiac disease blood tests measure for certain antibodies:
If the test results are positive, or if the clinical picture suggests celiac disease, an upper endoscopy is performed to get a biopsy from the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
While a blood test can help detect celiac disease, an endoscopic biopsy is the only way to confirm a definite diagnosis. Up to 10 percent people with celiac disease eating gluten have a “false” normal level of tTG IgA. So if you have pronounced symptoms yet your antibody test results indicate that you do not have celiac disease, an endoscopy and biopsy may be still be performed.
Why You Need A Professional Diagnosis
Celiac disease is not the same as a wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity without intestinal damage (non-celiac gluten sensitivity). The hereditary nature of celiac disease and the risk of nutritional deficiencies, other autoimmune diseases and GI cancers make it important to be properly diagnosed.
Prior to Celiac Disease Diagnosis
It is recommended not to start a gluten-free diet before you are diagnosed. The damage to the small intestine that is caused by gluten in people with celiac disease is reversible, and eliminating gluten from the diet before the biopsy is performed can interfere with obtaining accurate test results. Similarly, the antibody levels will decline once a gluten-free diet is started, making the blood tests less accurate in diagnosing celiac disease.
However, the biopsy can take well over a year or two before it returns to normal, so it is recommended that a biopsy is obtained soon after a patient on a gluten-free diet sees the physician.
Conditions That Can Mimic Celiac Disease
There are other digestive conditions that can cause symptoms from eating wheat and other grains and starches. These conditions are treated differently than celiac disease.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition or syndrome that causes digestive symptoms that appear like celiac disease. However, NCGS does not cause intestinal damage or anemia, and the IgA celiac disease antibodies (TTG IgA and DGP IgA) are not typically elevated.
Patients with NCGS are often extremely sensitive to small amounts of gluten. The causes of NCGS are unknown and there are no diagnostic tests that can confirm the diagnosis of this condition.
The absence of the so-called celiac disease susceptibility HLA DQ genes rules out celiac disease and can suggest NCGS in patients with symptoms of celiac disease.
Wheat Starch Intolerance
Another cause of wheat or gluten sensitivity is wheat starch intolerance.
Wheat is made up of proteins (gluten) and carbohydrates (starch) which are found together in baked goods and other wheat products. Some individuals who are intolerant of or sensitive to wheat, like those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are reacting to wheat starch, which can be fermented by bacteria in the intestines (the microbiome).
If you have IBS and are sensitive to fermentable sugars and starches, you may have symptoms such as:
Help With FODMAP
A low FODMAP diet can be difficult to follow. EPGI gastrointestinal experts can help you with FODMAP and other food intolerances.
People with wheat starch intolerance and IBS may alleviate symptoms with a low FODMAP diet. A low FODMAP diet consists of avoiding or limiting intake of certain carbohydrates that can be found in many natural and processed foods:
Another cause of intolerance of wheat and other starches is due to the overgrowth of friendly bacteria in the small intestine, known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO.
SIBO can cause several digestive problems including:
In more severe cases, you may experience weight loss, anemia and nutritional deficiencies. The more severe forms of SIBO typically occur in elderly people, after gastrointestinal surgery, and in those who have altered motor function of the digestive tract. However, SIBO can occur in individuals who have a seemingly normal digestive tract, as well as those with IBS, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Celiac Disease Treatment
Currently, treatment for celiac disease involves following a lifelong gluten-free diet. This means strictly avoiding:
While maintaining a gluten-free diet can be challenging, it is important to restoring your health and improving quality of life.
Bowel movements that are difficult to pass stool or infrequent in nature are known as the condition constipation. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems and occurs in patients of all ages. While most cases of constipation are resolved within a short period of time through simple lifestyle changes, there are causes where constipation may be a chronic problem. Treatment for chronic constipation depends in pate on the underlying cause. However, in some cases a cause is never found.
Symptoms of constipation is not considered to me simply because they do not have a bowel ,movement every single day. If constipation accompanies two or more of the following symptoms, then you may be suffering from the condition.
Signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include:
• Less than three stools per week passed
• Having lumpy or hard stools
• Excessive straining to have a bowel movement
• Feeling incomplete evacuation even after a bowel movement
• Sensations of rectal blockage
Constipation may be considered chronic if you have experienced two or more of these symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, last more than a couple of weeks or you experience unexplained and persistent change in your bowel habits, request an appointment with your doctor.
Medical attention is also required if you experience any of the following symptoms related to constipation:
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Constipation that alternates with diarrhea
• Pain in the rectal area
• Thin stools
• Unexplained weight loss
Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard or dry. Chronic constipation has many other possible causes.
Other causes may include:
• Blockages from the colon or rectum
• Anal fissure
• Colon cancer
• Narrowing (stricture) of the colon
• Other abdominal cancer that presses on the colon
• Rectal cancer
• Rectum bulge through the back wall of the vagina (rectocele)
Other causes of constipation may include neurological conditions, hormonal imbalances and difficulties with the muscles of the rectum.
Risk factors include:
• Being an older adult
• Being a woman
• Being dehydrated
• Eating a low fiber diet
• Getting little or no physical activity
• Certain medications
• Having a mental health condition such as depression or an eating disorder
Complications of chronic constipation include:
• Swollen vein in your anus (hemorrhoids)
• Torn skin in your anus (anal fissure)
• Stool that cannot be expelled (fecal impaction)
• Intestine that protrudes from the anus (rectal prolapse)
The following tips can help you avoid developing chronic constipation:
• Include plenty of high-fiber foods in your diet, including beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals and bran
• Eat fewer food with low amounts of fiber such as processed food and dairy and meat products
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
• Stay as active as possible and try to get regular exercise
• Try to manage stress
• Do not ignore the urge to pass stool
• Try to create a regular schedule for bowel movements especially after a meal
• Make sure children who begin to eat solid foods get plenty of fiber in their diets
Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s inflammation can develop anywhere from the mouth to the anus, and symptoms may vary depending on what part of the GI tract is inflamed. Left untreated, Crohn’s inflammation can worsen and spread to deeper layers of the bowel causing severe pain and sometimes life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
Crohn’s disease symptoms range from mild to severe. They may vary over time and from person to person, depending on what part of the GI tract in inflamed. Because symptoms vary from person to person, the way to gauge what you consider a flare-up of symptoms is relative to what is “normal” for you. Patients can have symptoms for many years prior to diagnosis. Signs and symptoms may include:
Crohn’s Disease often affects the anal area where there may be a draining sinus tract called a fistula. Problems outside of the GI tract may also be associated with CD, including arthritis, eye conditions, skin disorders, and kidney stones. Patients with CD may also be deficient in vitamin D and/or vitamin B12.
Causes
While the exact cause of CD remains unknown, it appears to be a result of an interaction of factors:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely diagnose Crohn’s Disease after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms. To help confirm a diagnosis, you may have one or more of the following tests and procedures:
Treatment
Medications that treat Crohn’s Disease strive to help control the inflammation. You may need to try multiple medications before finding the one that works best for you. The medication your doctor prescribes may depend on whether you have mild, moderate, or severe Crohn’s and/or where in your GI tract your disease is active. The goal of treatment is to achieve remission (no signs of disease) and limit further damage to your bowel. Severe cases of Crohn’s that do not respond to treatment may require more significant intervention, including surgical removal of damaged bowel.
Prescription medications that treat Crohn’s
Metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and other antibiotics may be used when infections occur, or to treat complications of Crohn’s disease.
Given either orally or rectally, these drugs work to decrease inflammation in the lining of the intestines and are usually used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s symptoms. Examples of this type of medication include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Asacol HD, Delzicol, others), balsalazide (Colazal) and olsalazine (Dipentum). Which one you take, and whether it is taken by mouth or as an enema or suppository, depends on the area of your colon that’s affected.
Given orally, as an injection, rectally, or intravenously, these medications help reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system and are usually given to help with moderate to severe Crohn’s symptoms. Steroids are not intended for long-term use; they are best suited for short-term control of IBD symptoms and disease activity. If not used appropriately, patients can become steroid dependent or resistant.
Given orally or injected, these medications suppress the body’s immune response so that it cannot cause ongoing inflammation. They do this by suppressing the immune system response that starts the process of inflammation. For some people, a combination of these drugs works better than one drug alone.
These drugs include azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan). Taking them requires that you follow up closely with your doctor and have your blood checked regularly to look for side effects, including effects on the liver and pancreas. Another immunosuppressant is cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune). This drug is normally reserved for people who haven’t responded well to other medications. Cyclosporine has the potential for serious side effects and is not for long-term use.
Given intravenously or injected, this class of drugs suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation by targeting a specific pathway, and is usually given to people who have not responded to conventional therapy.
Non-prescription medications
Depending on your Crohn’s disease symptoms, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications as a supplement to your prescription, such as:
Alternative medicine
Many people with digestive disorders have used some form of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapy. Make sure you have an honest dialogue with your doctor before using alternative treatments, as they can impact the effects of traditional therapies.
Some commonly used therapies include:
Surgery
Treatment with medication is the first therapeutic option for people with Crohn’s disease. However, surgery may be a consideration if the disease doesn’t respond to medication—although surgery is not a cure for Crohn’s disease, as it is sometimes considered to be in ulcerative colitis. In fact, about 60%-75% of Crohn’s patients may require surgery at some point to correct potential complications of Crohn’s disease—such as clearing an intestinal blockage or repairing damage to the intestines. Damage to the intestines can include a perforation or abscess (a pus-filled area caused by infection).
Cancer surveillance
You will need more-frequent screening for colon cancer because of your increased risk. The recommended schedule will depend on the location of your disease and how long you have had it. Your doctor will determine how often a colonoscopy is needed.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing Crohn’s Disease, but changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.
There is no firm evidence that what you eat actually causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your signs and symptoms, especially during a flare-up.
It can be helpful to keep a food diary to keep track of what you’re eating, as well as how you feel. If you discover that some foods are causing your symptoms to flare, you can try eliminating them. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Foods to limit or avoid
In general, you may have more problems with foods in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and nuts, seeds, corn and popcorn.
Other dietary measures
Stress
Although stress doesn’t cause inflammatory bowel disease, it can make your signs and symptoms worse and may trigger flare-ups.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid 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. Most people can manage the discomfort caused by GERD with life style changes and over the counter medications. Some people with GERD may need stronger medications or surgery to ease the symptoms.
Common symptoms of GERD include:
• A burning in your chest (heart burn)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Regurgitation of food or liquid
• Sensation of a lump in your throat
• Chronic cough
• Laryngitis
• New or worsening asthma
• Disrupted sleep
Please note, if you have chest pain, this could also be a sign of a heart attack and should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.
Over time, regular exposure of your esophagus to stomach acid can cause inflammation and narrowing and can even change cell composition, causing a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. With Barrett’s esophagus, the normal cells in your esophagus will change into cells that resemble those found in your small intestine. This cellular change increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Some of the risks of Barrett’s esophagus:
• Overweight or obese
• Heavy alcohol use
• Any tobacco use
• Chronic, long term acid reflux / GERD
Medications can reduce discomfort caused by acid reflux including; antacids, H2 blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors. If you have persistent acid reflux, you should see one of our specialists for an evaluation. We will perform thorough testing to determine the health of your esophagus, and then plan your custom treatment plan. GERD can often be controlled with medications but if medications do not help, your doctor could recommend procedures such as Fundoplication or LINX device.
No matter what the severity of your GERD symptoms, it is important that you see a gastroenterologist to help manage your symptoms.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum like varicose veins. Hemorrhoids may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or they may develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Diagnosis of hemorrhoids may include a visual inspection or a digital examination. Hemorrhoids are very common. Sometimes they do not cause any symptoms bur 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 very painful and sometimes need to be laced and drained.
Veins around your anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell.
Swollen veins (hemorrhoids) can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:
• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
• Obesity
• Anal intercourse
• Low fiber diet
Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, your doctor may suggest home remedies for mild pain, swelling and inflammation. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest over the counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads. These products contain ingredients such as witch hazel and hydrocortisone and lidocaine which can lessen the pain and itching. In more serious conditions, the doctor may have to place bands at the base of the protruding vein. This is called rubber band ligation.
Other treatments for persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids include; injections (sclerotherapy), coagulation (infrared or laser), Hemorrhoidectomy, or Hemorrhoid stapling.
There are many effective options available to treat hemorrhoids. You and your doctor will select which treatment plan best fits your needs.
The Hepatologists (Liver Specialists) at Eastern Pennsylvania Gastroenterology and Liver Specialists, Dr. Adam Peyton and Dr. She-Yan Wong. Are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C. Both Drs. Peyton and Wong prescribe the latest treatment options available and are passionate about the eradication of the virus. Treatment is available at both our Allentown and Bethlehem office locations.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, and 75%-80% of the time, it becomes a chronic infection. Approximately 3.2 million people in the United States are living with chronic hepatitis C infection. Most do not experience any symptoms, feel ill, or know they are infected.
Testing is the only way to know if you are infected.
Who Should Get Tested for Hepatitis C?
Testing for Hepatitis C is recommended for certain groups, including people who:
Why do baby boomers have such a high rate of Hepatitis C?
The reason that baby boomers have high rates of the virus is not completely understood. Most boomers are believed to have become infected in the 1970s & 1980s when rates of Hepatitis C were the highest. Since people with the virus can live for decades without symptoms. Many baby boomers are unknowingly living with an infection they got many years ago.
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Many baby boomers could have gotten infected from contaminated blood and blood products. Before widespread screening of the blood supply in 1992 and universal precautions were adopted. Others may have become infected from injecting drugs, even if only once in the past. Still, many baby boomers do not know how or when they were infected.
How is Hepatitis C Testing Done?
There are several blood tests available to detect the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
What happens if Hepatitis C is left untreated?
Hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
If symptoms are present, what would they be?
Symptoms of the virus include:
Is there a cure for Hepatitis C?
Yes! With the newest, all oral, medication regimens, the cure rate is 97%!
For additional information please visit http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm.
Viral hepatitis are a group of distinct diseases that affect the liver. There are five types of hepatitis and each have different causes, symptoms and treatments. They all infect your liver and cause it to become inflamed. Laboratory tests can determine hepatitis types.
What Causes the Different Types?
The type of virus that’s causing your hepatitis affects how severe your disease is and how long it lasts.
Hepatitis A: You usually get it when you eat or drink something that’s got the virus in it. It’s the least risky type because it almost always gets better on its own. It doesn’t lead to long-term inflammation of your liver. Your liver heals in about 2 months.
Even so, about 20% of people who get hepatitis A get sick enough that they need to go to the hospital. There’s a vaccine that can prevent it.
Hepatitis B: This type spreads in several ways.You can get it from sex with someone who’s sick, by sharing a needle when using street drugs, or by direct contact with infected blood or the body fluids of someone who’s got the disease. The virus also can pass from a mother to her newborn child at birth or soon afterward. If you’re pregnant and you’ve got hepatitis B, you could give the disease to your unborn child. If you deliver a baby who’s got it, he needs to get treatment in the first 12 hours after birth.
Most adults with hepatitis B recover from it in 6 months, but a small percentage can’t shake the disease and become carriers, which means they can spread it to others even when their own symptoms disappear. Sometimes, it causes a long-term infection that could lead to liver damage. You won’t catch it if you get a vaccine.
Hepatitis C: You get this type if you have contact with contaminated blood or needles used to inject illegal drugs or draw tattoos. You can also catch it by having sex with somebody who’s infected, but that’s less common. If you had a blood transfusion before new screening protocols were put in place in 1992, you are at risk for hepatitis C. If not, the blood used in transfusions today is safe. It gets checked beforehand to make sure it’s free of the virus that causes hepatitis B or C.
Sometimes you don’t get any symptoms, or just mild ones. About 80% of those with the disease get a long-term infection. It can sometimes lead to cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver. There’s no vaccine to prevent it.
Hepatitis D: This occurs only if you’re already infected with hepatitis B. It tends to make that disease more severe.
It’s spread from mother to child and through sex.
Hepatitis E: This virus mainly spreads in Asia, Mexico, India, and Africa. The few cases that show up in the U.S. are usually in people who return from a country where there are outbreaks of the disease.
Like hepatitis A, you usually get it by eating or drinking something that’s been contaminated with the virus.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis?
The most common symptoms for all types are:
If you have hepatitis B, you may also have achy joints.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms.
Can Hepatitis Be Treated?
If you have hepatitis A, your doctor will carefully see how well your liver is working, but there aren’t any treatments to cure it.
There are several drugs that treat long-term hepatitis B, such as:
For hepatitis C, some people improve if they get a combo of the drugs peginterferon alpha and ribavirin. But there are side effects to this treatment, including severe anemia (low red blood cells) and birth defects.
Your doctor may also suggest other drugs for hepatitis C, which cure more people and may be better tolerated, including:
How Do You Prevent Hepatitis B and C From Spreading?
To help keep a hepatitis B or C infection from spreading:
Who Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
All newborn babies should get vaccinated. You should also get the shot if you:
What’s the Prognosis for Hepatitis B?
Your doctor will know you’ve recovered when you no longer have symptoms and blood tests show:
But some people don’t get rid of the infection. If you have it for more than 6 months, you’re what’s called a carrier, even if you don’t have symptoms. This means you can give the disease to someone else through:
Doctors don’t know why, but the disease does go away in a small number of carriers. For others, it becomes what’s known as chronic. That means you have an ongoing liver infection. It can lead to cirrhosis or hardening of the organ. It scars over and stops working. Some people also get liver cancer.
If you’re a carrier or are infected with hepatitis B, don’t donate blood, plasma, body organs, tissue, or sperm. Tell anyone you could infect — whether it’s a sex partner, your doctor, or your dentist — that you have it.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract.
Types of IBD include:
• Ulcerative colitis. This condition causes long-lasting inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum.
• Crohn’s disease. This type of IBD is characterized by inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which often spreads deep into affected tissues.
Crohns Disease can affect any portion of the intestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease usually involve severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue and weight loss.
IBD can be debilitating and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications. See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in our bowel habits or if you have any of the signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. You are likely to have periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.
Signs and symptoms that are common to both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include:
• Diarrhea
• Fever and fatigue
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in your stool
• Reduced appetite
• Unintended weight loss
The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don’t cause IBD.
One possible cause is an immune system malfunction. When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too. Heredity also seems to play a role in that IBD is more common in people who have family members with the disease. However, most people with IBD don’t have this family history.
To help confirm a diagnosis of IBD, you may have one or more of the following tests and procedures:
Blood tests
• Tests for anemia or infection
• Fecal occult blood test
Endoscopic procedures
• Sigmoidoscopy exam
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Upper endoscopy
• Capsule endoscopy
• Balloon-assisted enteroscopy
Imaging Procedures
• X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The goal of inflammatory bowel disease treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers your signs and symptoms. In the best cases, this may lead not only to symptom relief but also to long-term remission and reduced risks of complications. IBD treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immune system suppressors
• Antibiotics
• Other medications and supplements
In addition to controlling inflammation, some medications may help relieve your signs and symptoms, but always talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Depending on the severity of your IBD, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
Anti-diarrheal medications.
Pain relievers.
Iron supplements.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Nutritional support
If diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy, or other treatments don’t relieve your IBD signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.
• Surgery for ulcerative colitis
• Surgery for Crohn’s disease.
Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing inflammatory bowel disease. But changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.
There’s no firm evidence that what you eat actually causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your signs and symptoms, especially during a flare-up.
Other dietary measures:
• Eat small meals. You may find you feel better eating five or six small meals a day rather than two or three larger ones.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Try to drink plenty of fluids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.
• Consider multivitamins. Because Crohn’s disease can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients and because your diet may be limited, multivitamin and mineral supplements are often helpful. Check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
• Talk to a dietitian. If you begin to lose weight or your diet has become very limited, talk to a registered dietitian.
Smoking increases your risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and once you have it, smoking can make it worse. People with Crohn’s disease who smoke are more likely to have relapses and need medications and repeat surgeries.
Smoking may help prevent ulcerative colitis. However, its harm to overall health outweighs any benefit, and quitting smoking can improve the general health of your digestive tract, as well as provide many other health benefits. Nicotine patches have been used to treat ulcerative colitis, but the results have been disappointing.
The association of stress with Crohn’s disease is controversial, but many people who have the disease report symptom flares during high-stress periods.
Although living with IBD can be discouraging, research is ongoing, and the outlook is improving.
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease may first prompt a visit to your family doctor or general practitioner. However, you may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating digestive disorders (gastroenterologist).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating gas and diarrhea and/or constipation, and mucous in the stool. IBS is a chronic condition which does not cause changes in the bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. For most people with IBS, there are times that signs and symptoms are worse than others and they can improve significantly or disappear completely.
The cause of IBS is unknown. Factors that may play a role include the muscles in the intestine, the nervous system, infection of the intestine, and inflammation and changes in the bacteria of the gut. As the exact cause of IBS is unknown, you should see your physician if you experience persistent changes in bowel habits or other signs and symptoms of IBS.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation or irritation of the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach that helps the body digest food and makes two important hormones, insulin and glucagon.
This organ secretes enzymes into a part of the intestine called the duodenum, which, in combination with bile from the liver, help digest foods.
The pancreas can become damaged if its own digestive enzymes attack the pancreas before the enzymes are released into the duodenum. These enzymes are usually not active until they get into the duodenum.
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.
Acute Pancreatitis
Each year, approximately 210,000 patients with acute pancreatitis are hospitalized in the United States.1
Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. With treatment, it usually goes away in a matter of days. However, it can be life threatening and carries with it potentially serious complications. Two common causes of acute pancreatitis include gallstone disease (gallstones irritate the pancreas as they move through the bile duct), and heavy alcohol use. Additional causes are infections, tumors, medicines, stomach trauma and genetic problems with the pancreas.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is long term inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. It can result in abdominal pain, malnutrition and weight loss, as well as diabetes if the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin.
The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is heavy alcohol use over a long period. Also, an episode of acute pancreatitis with damage to the pancreatic duct can trigger chronic pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis is also caused by:
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
The symptoms of acute pancreatitis begin with sudden or gradually increasing pain in the upper stomach area. Pain is also sometimes felt in the back area. Other symptoms include:
Complications of severe acute pancreatitis include:
Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis
Some patients with chronic pancreatitis have no symptoms, while others may have the symptoms listed below:
People who have the symptoms of acute or chronic pancreatitis should see their doctor or go to an emergency room to get medical attention.
Diagnosis of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. Your doctor may also order tests to help diagnose the problem, including:
Treatments
Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis
The treatment for acute pancreatitis fasting, intravenous fluids, pain relief and general supportive care. Patients are often admitted to the hospital for this treatment.
Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis
Treatment includes pain management, use of digestive enzymes for maldigestion, and management of diabetes, if needed.
Prevention of Pancreatitis
Some steps can be taken to prevent pancreatitis (by type):
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.
Peptic ulcers include:
• Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach
• Duodenal ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum)
The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Advil, Aleve, others). Stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers. However, they can make your symptoms worse.
Symptoms
• Burning stomach pain
• Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
• Fatty food intolerance
• Heartburn
• Nausea
The most common peptic ulcer symptom is burning stomach pain. Stomach acid makes the pain worse, as does having an empty stomach. The pain can often be relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication, but then it may come back. The pain may be worse between meals and at night.
Nearly three-quarters of people with peptic ulcers don’t have symptoms.
Less often, ulcers may cause severe signs or symptoms such as:
• Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black
• Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling faint
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Appetite changes
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have the severe signs or symptoms listed above. Also see your doctor if over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers relieve your pain but the pain returns.
Peptic ulcers occur when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed.
Your digestive tract is coated with a mucous layer that normally protects against acid. But if the amount of acid is increased or the amount of mucus is decreased, you could develop an ulcer.
Common causes include:
• A bacterium.
• Regular use of certain pain relievers.
• Other medications.
In addition to taking NSAIDs, you may have an increased risk of peptic ulcers if you:
• Smoke: Smoking may increase the risk of peptic ulcers in people who are infected with H. pylori.
• Drink alcohol: Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of your stomach, and it increases the amount of stomach acid that’s produced.
• Have untreated stress.
• Eat spicy foods.
Alone, these factors do not cause ulcers, but they can make them worse and more difficult to heal.
Left untreated, peptic ulcers can result in:
• Internal bleeding.
• Infection.
• Obstruction.
Prevention
You may reduce your risk of peptic ulcer if you follow the same strategies recommended as home remedies to treat ulcers.
It may also be helpful to:
• Protect yourself from infections.
• Use caution with pain relievers.
In order to detect an ulcer, your doctor may first take a medical history and perform a physical exam.
You then may need to undergo diagnostic tests, such as:
• Laboratory tests.
• Endoscopy.
• Upper gastrointestinal series.
Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the cause. Usually treatment will involve killing the H. pylori bacterium, if present, eliminating or reducing use of NSAIDs, if possible, and helping your ulcer to heal with medication.
Medications can include:
• Antibiotic
• Medications that block acid production and promote healing.
• Medications to reduce acid production.
• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid.
• Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine.
Treatment for peptic ulcers is often successful, leading to ulcer healing. But if your symptoms are severe or if they continue despite treatment, your doctor may recommend endoscopy to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
If an ulcer is detected during endoscopy, your doctor may recommend another endoscopy after your treatment to make sure your ulcer has healed. Ask your doctor whether you should undergo follow-up tests after your treatment.
Make an appointment with your regular doctor if you have signs or symptoms that worry you. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the digestive system (gastroenterologist).
Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.
Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. While it has no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of the disease and even bring about long-term remission.
Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Signs and symptoms may include:
Most people with ulcerative colitis have mild to moderate symptoms. The course of ulcerative colitis may vary, with some people having long periods of remission.
Types
Doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or if you have signs and symptoms such as:
Although ulcerative colitis usually isn’t fatal, it’s a serious disease that, in some cases, may cause life-threatening complications.
Causes
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don’t cause ulcerative colitis.
One possible cause is an immune system malfunction. When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too.
Heredity also seems to play a role in that ulcerative colitis is more common in people who have family members with the disease. However, most people with ulcerative colitis don’t have this family history.
Risk factors
Ulcerative colitis affects about the same number of women and men. Risk factors may include:
Possible complications of ulcerative colitis include:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely diagnose ulcerative colitis after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms. To help confirm a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, you may have one or more of the following tests and procedures:
Treatment
Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.
Several categories of drugs may be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. The type you take will depend on the severity of your condition. The drugs that work well for some people may not work for others, so it may take time to find a medication that helps you. In addition, because some drugs have serious side effects, you’ll need to weigh the benefits and risks of any treatment.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. They include:
Immune system suppressors
These drugs also reduce inflammation, but they do so by suppressing the immune system response that starts the process of inflammation. For some people, a combination of these drugs works better than one drug alone.
Immunosuppressant drugs include:
Other medications
You may need additional medications to manage specific symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Always talk with your doctor before using over-the-counter medications. He or she may recommend one or more of the following.
Surgery
Surgery can often eliminate ulcerative colitis. But that usually means removing your entire colon and rectum (proctocolectomy).
In most cases, this involves a procedure called ileal pouch anal anastomosis. This procedure eliminates the need to wear a bag to collect stool. Your surgeon constructs a pouch from the end of your small intestine. The pouch is then attached directly to your anus, allowing you to expel waste relatively normally.
In some cases a pouch is not possible. Instead, surgeons create a permanent opening in your abdomen (ileal stoma) through which stool is passed for collection in an attached bag.
Cancer surveillance
You will need more-frequent screening for colon cancer because of your increased risk. The recommended schedule will depend on the location of your disease and how long you have had it. Your doctor will determine how often a colonoscopy is needed.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing ulcerative colitis. But changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.
There’s no firm evidence that what you eat actually causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your signs and symptoms, especially during a flare-up.
It can be helpful to keep a food diary to keep track of what you’re eating, as well as how you feel. If you discover that some foods are causing your symptoms to flare, you can try eliminating them. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Foods to limit or avoid
In general, you may have more problems with foods in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and nuts, seeds, corn and popcorn.
Other dietary measures
Stress
Although stress doesn’t cause inflammatory bowel disease, it can make your signs and symptoms worse and may trigger flare-ups.
Alternative medicine
Many people with digestive disorders have used some form of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapy.
Some commonly used therapies include:
The “H” in the name is short for Helicobacter. Helico means spiral, which indicates that the bacteria are spiral shaped. H. Pylori is a common type of bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and has a tendency to attach the stomach lining. Most of the time, H. Pylori does not lead to any problems or cause symptoms.
In some people H. Pylori can cause some symptoms which can include:
• Ulcers in the stomach or the duodenum ( the first part of the small intestine)
• Stomach cancer
These conditions can cause pain or discomfort in the upper belly or nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms of H. Pylori may include:
• Pain/discomfort in the upper belly
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
• Not feeling hungry
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark or black stools
• Fatigue
H. Pylori infection could be a precursor to an ulcer, but ulcers can also be caused by other things (for example certain medications). If you have symptoms you should inform your physician. Your doctor can test you for H. Plyori by using blood tests, stool testing, breath tests and a biopsy.
H. Pylori is treated with antibiotics and acid reducing medication. Most regimes include; three or more medications for two weeks. After treatment, doctors will order follow up tests to see that the H. Pylori infection has resolved.