Para ver esta página en Español , por favor haga clic en el siguiente enlace
Abdominal pain is a feeling of discomfort or pain in the abdomen or the abdominal wall.
Abdominal pain can occur for any number of reasons, including inflammatory conditions, bowel obstruction, problems in the urinary tract, female pelvis, or vascular areas, or cancers.
Abdominal pain can also be caused by pain that originates outside of the abdomen. For example, someone experiencing a heart attack may feel pain in the abdomen rather than the chest.
Symptoms of abdominal pain are the feelings of discomfort or pain in the abdomen or the abdominal wall.
Treating abdominal pain will depend on the underlying diagnosis. Consult with your doctor to determine the cause of the pain.
An anal fissure is no more than a tear or cut of the anal skin below the dentate line in the anal canal, usually very small. This injury can cause severe and disabling pain to the patient.
Anal fissures are mainly caused by trauma to the anal canal, such as, with the passage of hard stool. Other theories include reduced blood flow, known as ischemia, to the posterior midline of the anus.
Fissures are usually located in the posterior midline of the anus, but can also be seen in the anterior midline, and in both locations at the same time. When a fissure is located off the midline of the anus, the clinician should investigate other potentially complicated disease processes, such as Crohn’s disease, trauma, tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, or anal carcinoma.
Symptoms of an anal fissure include:
Most anal fissures heal by themselves, but your doctor may prescribe the following to relieve discomfort and promote healing:
Fissures that persist longer than six weeks are considered chronic and may require surgery. Consult with your physician if your symptoms continue or worsen.
Anemia is a type of red blood cell disorder in which the body lacks healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs. Many types of anemia exist.
Generally, anemia occurs as a result of the following:
Because anemia refers to a wide range of anemic conditions, the cause will depend on the type. Some common types include iron-deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, and pernicious anemia. All anemic conditions result in reduced oxygen to your body's organs.
Symptoms of anemia vary on the type, but the most common symptoms include:
Treating anemia will depend on the underlying diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend taking iron supplements if you have an iron deficiency. You may need a blood transfusion if you suffer from anemia due to blood loss. Other medications may help with the reproduction of healthy red blood cells. Your doctor may recommend Infusion Therapy to help treat anemia.
If left untreated, anemia can cause serious, long-lasting damage to your organs. Consult your doctor if you think you may be anemic.
Barrett’s esophagus is a chronic, pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus caused by repeated injury to the lower esophagus from acid reflux. This condition affects more than 3 million people in the United States.
It is most often diagnosed in people with long-term GERD and those aged 40 to 60 years old. Barret’s esophagus can cause the cells lining in the esophagus to mutate and resemble the cells lining the intestines. These changes can progress to a precancerous condition that, when left untreated, can become cancerous.
Barrett’s esophagus is a serious complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is caused by the repeated exposure of stomach acid to the esophagus.
Barrett’s esophagus itself doesn’t cause symptoms, but most people diagnosed with the condition usually present to their doctor due to symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux or trouble swallowing.
Treatments can include medical monitoring, over-the-counter and prescription heartburn medication, and in some cases, endoscopic ablation or surgery. Changes to your diet, such as eliminating fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, will help limit symptoms.
It is not clear what exactly causes celiac disease, but there is a combination of environmental and genetic factors. That means it’s important to review your family history to see if parents or siblings have suffered from similar health problems.
Although there is no cure for celiac disease, avoiding gluten can stop the damage to the lining of the small intestine.
It is not clear what exactly causes celiac disease, but there is a combination of environmental and genetic factors. That means it’s important to review your family history to see if parents or siblings have suffered from similar health problems.
Although there is no cure for celiac disease, avoiding gluten can stop the damage to the lining of the small intestine.
The symptoms of celiac disease can vary from person to person. Some people experience no symptoms, but blood tests might detect signs of malabsorption. Others can develop a variety of gastrointestinal complaints.
The most common symptoms include:
You may also experience other signs and symptoms of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, which can cause anemia, bone loss, nervous system disorders, and skin rash.
Children with celiac disease may exhibit signs of poor appetite, slow growth, and weight gain difficulty.
The cornerstone of treatment for celiac disease is the elimination of gluten from your diet. Most patients will notice an improvement in their symptoms within two weeks. It’s rare to experience symptoms if you adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. In these cases, it’s considered refractory celiac disease, which requires medication to suppress the immune system (like steroids).
Removing gluten can be overwhelming initially because many foods that we eat, and even condiments that we cook, with contain gluten. Some examples of gluten sources include wheat, barley, rye, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and more. Consulting with an experienced dietician can help you learn how to eat, shop, and prepare a gluten-free meal.
Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver, which results in liver scarring and liver failure.
When your liver is damaged, it tries to repair itself but forms scar tissue in the process. This scar tissue prevents your liver from functioning normally and blocks blood flow through your liver.
Cirrhosis occurs as a result of the following:
Excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and viral hepatitis increase your risk of developing cirrhosis. You can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, lifestyle, and diet, including reduced alcohol intake.
Cirrhosis typically does not cause any symptoms until the late stages of the disease. At this point, symptoms may include:
Cirrhosis does not have a known cure, but doctors will recommend a treatment plan to help prevent further liver damage and liver failure.
Treatment for cirrhosis depends on the cause. Your doctor will recommend avoiding alcohol in cases of alcohol-induced cirrhosis. Other treatments for cirrhosis caused by non-alcoholic related conditions typically include medication and lifestyle and diet changes.
Our colons contain millions of good bacteria that protect us from infection. By taking antibiotics, many of these defenses are killed and opportunity arises for Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff.
C. diff is a bacterium that causes half a million illnesses every year in the United States. It causes diarrhea and colitis and can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including death.
C. diff is found in many parts of our ecosystem, including soil, water, animal waste, and in some foods, like processed meats. Some even naturally carry the bacteria in the colon without any symptoms.
Spores are passed through feces and spread to surfaces, food, and objects when infected individuals don’t wash their hands well enough. If you come into contact with the spores, it’s possible you may ingest them unknowingly. Once ingested, C. diff produces a toxin that wreaks havoc on the intestinal lining.
The major risk factors for this illness are antibiotic use and admission to a hospital.
Symptoms of C. diff vary in intensity from very mild to severe life-threatening conditions, which include loose stools and mild abdominal cramps to profuse diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite. Blood may also be found in diarrhea.
C. difficile can lead to several complications. Profuse diarrhea may predispose to dehydration and even kidney injury. With severe infection, the large intestine can become very lazy and unable to move air and stools. This scenario can lead to over-distention of the colon (toxic megacolon) and possibly even rupture (perforation). If left untreated, C. diff complications can lead to death.
Treating C. difficile usually involves 10 to 14 days of antibiotics. Severe illness not responding to medical treatment may require surgery, which includes removal of the colon. Unfortunately, the risk of re-infection is quite high, approaching one in five patients. Studies have suggested that certain probiotics may have a role in preventing recurrence.
Colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer, is a cancer originating from the colon or rectum. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. It’s also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. If discovered early, precancerous polyps can be removed surgically before they turn into cancer.
Other risk factors of developing colorectal cancer include:
Many cases of colorectal cancer have no symptoms until the cancer has advanced. That being said, the following symptoms may indicate colon cancer:
If you have any of these symptoms, see your physician immediately. In some cases, symptoms are caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to rule it out completely is to consult with your doctor.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45. Be sure to check with your insurance carrier to see what coverage you have. If you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, your doctor may advise you to get screened before age 45.
Additional steps you can take include:
Colorectal cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, whether the cancer is recurring, and the patient’s general health.
The three primary treatment options available for colon cancer are:
Constipation means that bowel movements are difficult to have or occur less often than normal. For many, the number of bowel movements varies by person, but three per week is considered normal.
Occasional constipation is common, but chronic constipation can affect a person's daily routine.
Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract and cannot be passed. The stool then becomes hard and dry and more difficult to eliminate.
Chronic constipation could be linked to several reasons, including diet, an underlying medical condition, or a blockage in the colon or rectum.
Constipation symptoms include:
In most cases, constipation can be treated at home by eating a well-balanced diet, including high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly. Over-the-counter medications may also be taken, such as a stool softener or laxative, and prescription medication may be needed. If constipation is caused by structural problems in the colon, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Crohn’s disease is a form of irritable bowel disease (IBD) that creates inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (also known as the GI tract). The disease can affect any area from the mouth to the rectum, but most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine. There’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease.
Unfortunately, the cause(s) behind Crohn’s Disease remains unknown, but experts believe that genetics and the immune system play a role.
The disease causes inflammation and swelling deep in the GI tract, resulting in pain that can trigger the intestines to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, are so similar to other intestinal disorders. Bleeding from the rectum, joint pain, weight loss and skin problems are also symptoms.
While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, treatment usually involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and in more severe cases, surgery. Medication for Crohn’s includes several different types of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Implementing daily exercise and a healthy diet that’s low in fat will also help mitigate symptoms.
If left untreated, Crohn’s disease can continue to progress and lead to severe health complications such as bowel obstruction, malnutrition, ulcers, fistulas, arthritis, osteoporosis, and colon cancer.
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that occur three or more times a day.
Diarrhea can be acute, persistent, or chronic. Acute diarrhea lasts only a short period, typically 1-2 days, and then resolves itself. Persistent diarrhea lasts between 2-4 weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than four weeks and may come and go.
The causes of diarrhea can vary, depending on if it's acute, persistent, or chronic.
Acute and persistent diarrhea can occur from infections (bacterial, parasitic, or viral) or as a result of medication.
Chronic diarrhea can also be caused by infections, but do not go away without treatment. Other causes include food allergies or intolerances, digestive tract problems, medication, or even abdominal surgery.
Diarrhea is characterized by passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Diarrhea caused by infections include the following symptoms:
Please seek medical attention if diarrhea continues beyond a few days. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to malabsorption and dehydration.
Treating diarrhea will depend on the cause.
In acute cases, diarrhea typically resolves itself on its own. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
If your diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying condition, your treatment may include medication and diet change. If your diarrhea is a symptom of an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or medication.
Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of the colon. These sacs, called diverticula, can also form in the stomach, intestine and esophagus.
Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticular sacs become infected.
While the exact cause of diverticulosis isn’t known, we do know it’s rare in people who eat high fiber diets. Therefore, some doctors believe the pressure from the bulky stool created by a low-fiber diet results in straining and causes these pouches to form.
Most patients with diverticulosis don’t experience symptoms until the diverticula become infected. Patients with diverticulitis may experience nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and a change in bowel habits.
The best way to try to prevent diverticulosis is to eat a high-fiber diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting daily exercise will also help manage diverticulosis. Additionally, taking fiber supplements and keeping a schedule for bowel movements are good practices to help prevent symptoms.
There is no proven way to prevent diverticulitis. Once diagnosed, diverticulitis is usually treated with antibiotics and rarely requires surgery.
Dysphagia is a term that means “difficulty swallowing,” which can occur when attempting to swallow foods, liquids, or even saliva. Occasional dysphagia can occur when eating too quickly or too much, but chronic dysphagia can point to more serious conditions.
Difficulty swallowing can occur for many reasons. Dysphagia could be caused by esophageal conditions, such as esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aging, or neurological disorders.
Symptoms of dysphagia include:
Treating dysphagia depends on the cause. Your doctor may recommend esophageal dilation, medication, or surgery.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition in which the immune system causes inflammation to the esophagus – the tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Cells known as eosinophils build up in the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and preventing the esophagus from functioning accurately. Eosinophils are allergy cells that normally are not seen in the esophagus.
The exact cause of EoE is unknown, but it is thought to be related to food allergies, in particular food allergies.
Symptoms can vary with age, but the most common between adults and children is difficulty swallowing.
Other symptoms in adults include:
In children, symptoms include:
Patients with EoE may also have other allergic disorders such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
Eosinophilic esophagitis treatment involves diet changes and medications that help control symptoms.
Consulting with an experienced dietitian can help you learn how to eat, shop, and prepare meals. As an initial approach, your dietitian may recommend that you avoid foods that commonly cause allergies, such as milk, egg, soy, peanuts, shellfish, and wheat. You might be referred to an allergist for further testing to determine food allergies.
Other treatments include medications. One common treatment for EoE is a medication used to treat acid reflux, known as Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). PPI blocks acid, which can trigger symptoms or contribute to the inflammation. Steroids will also help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Esophagitis is a general term used for any inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus. Benign esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus that can cause swallowing difficulties.
Esophagitis is frequently caused by a backflow of stomach acid to the esophagus, known as heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Stricture can be caused by GERD as well, but also by certain medications, long-term use of a nasogastric tube that runs from the nose to the stomach, swallowing corrosive substances, or bacterial or viral infection.
With esophagitis, the esophageal tissue becomes inflamed and can trigger symptoms, including dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), ulcers, heart burn, and a burning sensation in the esophagus.
A stricture occurs when the inflamed area heals with a scar that narrows the esophagus, resulting in painful or difficulty swallowing. People who have frequent heartburn, vomit excessively, have had surgery or radiation to the chest or take medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and potassium, are at a higher risk of developing strictures. Additional symptoms include unintentional weight loss or food regurgitation.
Treatment for esophagitis depends on the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend drug therapy and nutrition therapy to alleviate symptoms.
But when stricture causes the esophagus to become too narrow, doctors may recommend dilation. Dilation is used to widen the esophageal passageway to relieve dysphagia. If strictures continue to return post-treatment, surgery, dilation therapy with steroid injections, or stent placement may be considered.
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped hollow sac nestled beneath the liver in the right-upper abdomen. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that's released into your small intestine.
A healthy gallbladder keeps bile flowing continuously. However, when the gallbladder becomes diseased, the flow slows, and bile becomes thick and gradually crystallizes. The stagnant crystallizes bile clump together to form stones.
About half of those with gallstones have no symptoms and need no treatment. However, if a gallstone escapes from the gallbladder and becomes lodged in the bile ducts it can cause a blockage and pain. The severity of the pain depends upon where the stone lodges and the size of the stone.
Gallbladder pain is felt as a sharp, severe, stabbing pain often located in the right upper abdomen.
Attacks may last 15 minutes to several hours and may be separated by weeks, months, or even years. The pain often occurs after meals, particularly those high fat. Pain may also be felt between the shoulder blades or right shoulder and sometimes in the chest, where it is often confused with a heart attack. There may be associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever. Untreated, symptomatic gallstones may damage the pancreas and liver, leading to gallstone pancreatitis and obstructive liver jaundice.
Gallstones not causing symptoms typically don’t need treatment. However, patients experiencing painful gallbladder attacks or other symptoms usually require gallbladder removal surgery.
Gastroparesis is a condition that greatly reduces, or in some cases eliminates, the ability of the stomach to properly digest food and move it through the digestive tract. When functioning normally, the muscles of the stomach frequently contract to crush food and push it to the next stage of digestion. With gastroparesis however, the stomach is not able to produce contractions strong enough to move food along into the small bowel.
Gastroparesis is caused when nerve signals to the stomach are disrupted. This disruption can be caused by numerous conditions including diabetes, autoimmune conditions, cancers and cancer treatments, or when the nerve controlling stomach contractions, the vagus nerve, is damaged through surgery.
The most common symptom of gastroparesis is feeling full shortly after starting a meal. Other symptoms include bloating, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and weight loss or malnutrition.The most common symptom of gastroparesis is feeling full shortly after starting a meal. Other symptoms include bloating, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and weight loss or malnutrition.
Diet is an important part of treating gastroparesis. Modifying dietary habits can ensure you receive the necessary calories and nutrients to stay healthy while also avoiding unnecessary stress to the digestive system. For example, eating smaller meals more frequently and reducing the amount of hard to digest foods like fatty and fibrous foods will help ease digestion and avoid complications resulting from gastroparesis.
Beyond diet, there are medications available to assist the stomach with digestion. These medications include erythromycin and metoclopramide, which can cause the stomach to contract and force food along the digestive tract.
In cases where a modified diet is not providing adequate nutrition, a feeding tube may become necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to bypass the lower part of the stomach to assist it in emptying its contents.
For individuals with gastroparesis caused by an underlying condition such as diabetes, treatment begins with managing that condition before looking at dietary changes or medications.
Miami Gastro
2820 NE 214th St Ste 801, Aventura, FL 33180 III 925 NE 30th Ter, Suite 300, Homestead, Florida 33033 ||| 103400 Overseas Highway, Suite 251, Key Largo, Florida 33037
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.