Digestive Health

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Abdominal Pain

Pain is always abnormal, but it may not always indicate a medical emergency. Mild pain or chronic pain that is not associated with red flags should be discussed with your doctor. Red flags include: fever, diarrhea, persistent constipation, blood in the stools, persistent nausea or vomiting, vomiting blood, severe tenderness of the belly, jaundice (yellowing of skin) or swelling of the abdomen.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disease during which patients have irritation/inflammation of the small intestine, which causes difficulty with absorbing nutrients from food. Those with celiac disease often have a history of celiac disease in their family. Inflammation in the intestine occurs when a patient with celiac disease eats food(s) that contain gluten. Gluten is the name given to certain types of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and related grains.

Constipation

Many think constipation occurs when they do not have bowel movements every day, but you can have a bowel movement three times a week still allowing for it to be a healthy amount. Constipation often means too much straining with bowel movements, small hard stools or feeling like you have not emptied your bowel fully. Constipation, based on symptoms, is described as infrequent stools, difficult stool passage or both. If you notice a recent change in your bowel habits, contact your doctor.

Heartburn (GERD/Reflux)

When acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus, it is a condition called gastroesophageal reflux. Heartburn symptoms occur when excessive amounts of acid reflux into the esophagus, and it can be described as a feeling of burning discomfort around your chest that moves into your throat and can last for a few hours. Frequent heartburn (more than two times a week) could be linked to a more severe problem. Contact your gastroenterologist if symptoms persist.