Treatments


Gastroenterology is the study of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. It involves a detailed understanding of the normal action (physiology) of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of material through the stomach and intestine (motility), the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ. It includes common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS),





 
and pancreatitis. The specialty of Gastroenterology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Gastroenterology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine.

A gastroenterologist is a licensed physician with dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. In recent years, advances in diagnostic technology and pharmaceuticals has provided a means for effective treatment of many disorders.


Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that involves the digestive tract. Involved areas of the intestinal tract are mainly the lower small bowel or ileum and colon or large intestine, followed in frequency by either pure small bowel disease or colonic disease; but can affect any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The inflammation can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. For more information visit http://www.ccfa.org.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of disorders with a disordered motility or movement of the intestines. It is characterized by a group of symptoms - crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. One in five Americans has IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men.


Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's Esophagus is the replacement of all, part or small islands of the esophagus with stomach appearing tissue.  It can lead to cancer of the esophagus and requires surveillance to prevent complications.  Barrett's Esophagus is usually associated with reflux. For more information click here.


Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation of the large intestines or colon. For more information visit www.ccfa.org.


Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease

Gastritis and stomach ulcers involve inflammation of the stomach lining. The major causes are a bacteria, helicobater pylori, alcohol and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as arthritis medications (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alieve, Advil) and aspirin.


Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesphageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not have enough tone to prevent stomach contents from leaking back or refluxing into the esophagus. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach and when stomach contents come into contact with the esophagus it may cause symptoms such as burning in the chest or throat or even chest pain. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. For more information about GERD click here.


Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease, also known as Celiac Sprue and Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy, is a genetically predisposed autoimmune disorder with an environmental trigger. In this case the "offending" agent is gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat, barley and rye products. The symptoms associated with this disease are varied and can present as diarrhea, anemia, abdominal pain, weight loss, abnormalities in liver function and malabsorption of various vitamins and minerals; among other symptoms. Celiac Disease can also be associated with other autoimmune diseases.


For more information visit

The National institute of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)

 

 

Contact us by calling 281-762-6300 ; Fax 281-762-6339
17510 West Grand Parkway South, Suite 350, Sugarland, Texas 77479



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