TOPICS

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

GI symptoms can not only be troubling, but painful and uncomfortable as well. Whether you are searching for the cause of your GI symptoms, trying to manage an already diagnosed condition, or are looking for available treatment options, the providers at Digestive Health Center are ready to help. Our team consistently treats a variety of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, Hiatal hernias, GERD, and gallbladder cancer. Check out the below lists of GI symptoms and conditions that our Thibodaux, LA, providers offer treatment for, as well as the procedures available to treat them.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is any pain felt in any part of your abdomen; it is a sign of a number of GI conditions and should be assessed by a GI provider.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding describes blood coming from your rectum or colon; it is often a sign of another GI condition and should be treated immediately.

Bloating

Bloating is caused by the body retaining excess fluid or by a buildup of gas in the GI tract. Lifestyle changes can help manage this GI symptom.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool can be an indication of a variety of GI conditions, including colitis and colon cancer. Seek treatment as soon as possible.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence occurs when you are unable to control your bowel movements; consult a GI provider to find the best treatment option for you.

Constipation

Constipation occurs when a stool becomes too hard and dry to pass through the GI tract; our GI providers can help you find relief from constipation.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a loose, watery stool that occurs frequently; if it is persistent, seek a provider's assessment as it could be a sign of a larger issue.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can occur for a number of reasons including an allergy, a nervous system disorder, GERD, and more.

Heartburn

Heartburn is something many have experienced, but for some, it's a constant issue, which is why our GI specialists in Thibodaux, LA are here to help.

Indigestion

Indigestion can cause pain in the stomach and a feeling of fullness following consumption of food and could be a sign of a number of gastro issues.

Nausea

Nausea is a queasy sensation that can develop due to an undetected condition, food poisoning, or a virus, infection, or other various conditions.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexpected weight loss or gain can be somewhat concerning as it might be due to an underlying condition; GI specialists can help you know why.

Vomiting

Vomiting occurs for many reasons; however, if it lasts a while, is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or more you should seek out help.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes is often due to liver disease, blocked bile ducts, or cholecystitis, in adults, and an immature liver in babies.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus causing a burning sensation; it can be managed with the help of a GI provider.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare condition where the loss of nerve cells in your esophagus causes difficulty swallowing; early diagnosis is vital to treatment.

Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are the small rip or cut in the tissue lining the anus; symptoms include bloody stools and discomfort before and after a bowel movement.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs when there is not enough iron in your body resulting in insufficient levels of oxygen.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus shifts to become more like intestinal cells; it is often caused by untreated GERD.

Biliary Obstruction

A biliary obstruction happens when a bile duct is blocked, preventing bile from moving throughout the biliary system and thus causing GI symptoms.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile is a bacteria that causes inflammation in your GI tract, commonly in your colon. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, and weight loss.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease occurs when foods containing gluten are consumed and cause an autoimmune response; symptoms should be assessed by a GI provider.

Colitis

Colitis describes the swelling of the inner lining of the large bowel; there are different forms of colitis and it can cause a range of GI symptoms.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is common in both males and females and often presents with rectal bleeding, pain during bowel movements, and changes in bowel habits.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polys are a group of cells found in the colon or rectum during a colonoscopy that is benign or malignant; see a GI provider for treatment.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an IBD that causes uncomfortable swelling in the digestive system. GI symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, and cramps.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

CVS is a condition that is common in children and causes recurring vomiting cycles; it is best to be assessed by a GI provider to determine treatment.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis often occurs after diverticulosis and is an infection or inflammation of the diverticula; symptoms can include diarrhea and nausea.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when small sacs in your colon push up and out through the outer wall of the colon; the infection diverticulitis often follows.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia can cause an upset stomach and discomfort in the upper abdomen; nerve issues, infection, and social factors can all be causes.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia describes the difficulty or inability to swallow food or liquid and can be caused by many factors; seek treatments from a GI provider.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

EoE is a condition in children and adults where your esophagus becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include cough, chest pain, and issues swallowing.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects your esophagus; common symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, dysphagia, and coughing.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder occurs when the musculature of the esophagus fails to contract, preventing passage of food and liquids into your stomach.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by preexisting conditions; symptoms include heartburn and pain in the chest, and more.

Fatty Liver Disease

FLD occurs when fat builds up in your liver's cells. There are two main types of FLD and if left untreated, this condition can become fatal.

Fistula

A fistula develops when there is an unnatural opening between two organs in the body; often caused by injury, infection, or certain diseases.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerances do not initiate an immune response like food allergies but cause uncomfortable symptoms when a certain food is consumed often.

Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer affects the gallbladder in the upper abdomen; symptoms are similar to other conditions, so it's vital to be assessed by a provider.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease describes multiple conditions that negatively impact the gallbladder depending on the cause, symptoms include fever and nausea.

Gallstone Pancreatitis

Gallstone pancreatitis occurs when a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct, causing severe abdominal pain along with vomiting, fever, and nausea.

Gastritis

Gastritis describes the inflammation or erosion of the lining of the stomach and can increase your chances of developing other GI conditions.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach muscles do not function properly, causing delays in digestion; symptoms include nausea and vomiting.

GERD

GERD is a condition that develops from chronic acid reflux; symptoms are similar to that of acid reflux like chronic cough, asthma, and chest pain.

Helicobacter Pylori

H. pylori is a strain of bacteria found in your stomach that can increase your chance of developing stomach ulcers; seek a GI provider for treatment.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum; smaller hemorrhoids can resolve on their own but larger ones may need treatment from a provider.

Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis causes swelling or inflammation of the liver. There are 3 common forms of hepatitis that can be managed and treated by a GI provider.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when part of your stomach pushes into the hiatus and enters the chest cavity, and can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and more.

Ileitis

Ileitis is the irritation or inflammation in the ileum, the end of the small bowel joining the colon, and can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and pain.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel is hardened stool in the bowels making it hard to have a bowel movement or let out gas and can cause stomach pain and bloating.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Irritable bowel disease is a term for irritation in the GI tract and includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a variety of long-term symptoms that happen within the GI tract and is often attributed to food, stress, or more.

Jaundice

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and/or eyes and can be caused by a variety of things, including gallstones, hepatitis, tumors, or liver disease.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body can't develop enough lactase to break up lactose, causing constipation, nausea, bloating, vomiting, and more.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis develops when the liver is inflamed or scarred and can reduce the function of the liver and lead to liver failure if left unaddressed.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NASH is an excess of fat in the liver and doesn't cause visible symptoms or inflammation but can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure if left untreated.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and has difficulty conducting its primary functions; there are two types — acute and chronic.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or upper small intestine that break down tissue in the stomach lining and cause bleeding, discomfort, and pain.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

PBC is an immune system disorder that damages the bile ducts within the liver and can lead to liver damage or cirrhosis if therapy is not sought out.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis causes the bile ducts in and outside of the liver to become inflamed, scarred, damaged, and more narrow in diameter.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer occurs in the cells of the innermost layer of the stomach when there is an uncontrolled reproduction of unusual cells, causing tumors.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a part of a larger grouping of conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and can cause irritating swelling, ulcerations, and pain.

GI Procedures

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasounds are often performed to get a look at the abdomen to identify the cause of pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Abdominal X-Rays

Abdominal x-rays are performed to get a look inside the body to aid in the diagnosis of GI symptoms like constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Anorectal Manometry

Anorectal manometry judges the response and strength of the muscles used to make a bowel movement when suffering fecal incontinence or constipation.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon lasers use argon gas to emit beams of light to address many GI issues, such as dysphagia, mucosal lesions, hemorrhages, and strictures.

Capsule Endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a pill-sized capsule with a camera and battery in it to get a movie-like view of the small intestine.

Colon Cancer Screening

A colon cancer screening searches for polyps and growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum and can prevent and detect cancer early on.

Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a scope is snaked through the anus and colon to find the cause of symptoms such as loose or bloody stool, GI issues, and more.

EGD

An EGD is a procedure where a scope is used to view parts of the digestive tract like the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the duodenum.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic mucosal is a minimally invasive procedure performed to extract tumors below the GI wall using an endoscope without a traditional operation.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is performed to examine parts of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to find the cause of GI pain, bleeding, and more.

ERCP

An ERCP is an endoscopic procedure performed to assess areas of the GI tract to diagnose symptoms like abdominal pain, pancreatitis, and more.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation stretches out a narrow or obstructed section of the esophagus due to GERD, inflammation, or more, making it easier to eat.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry is performed to assess the contractile ability of the esophagus when experiencing regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, or more.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

Feeding tubes may be used if someone has lost the ability to eat or drink or to supplement nutrition if getting proper nutrition is an issue.

FibroScan®

FibroScan uses specialized ultrasound technology to review the state of fibrosis and steatosis inside the liver to get a better idea of liver health.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy provides a closer look at the inside of the colon to identify the cause of symptoms like diarrhea, bleeding, pain, and more.

Gastric Emptying Study

A gastric emptying study is a series of X-rays taken after eating a small meal to help GI providers determine how long it takes to empty your stomach.

HIDA Scan

A HIDA scan uses a radioactive tracer to assess and help diagnose symptoms in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and other areas of the GI system.

MRCP

An MRCP is a type of MRI that is commonly used to assess the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and bile ducts; it is often used as a diagnostic tool.

Small Bowel Series

A small bowel series uses a type of x-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast agent to allow detailed video images to be taken of the small intestine.

Sphincterotomy

A sphincterotomy is a procedure used to treat anal fissures by creating a small incision to relieve the pressure on the internal anal sphincter.