Is your body telling you that you could have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Are you just experiencing symptoms of an upset stomach, or is there something more going on? It can sometimes be hard to tell, and some people find it embarrassing to talk about, but if you want to find out if your symptoms could be due to IBS, it’s time you turn to a gastroenterologist for care.

What is IBS?

While there is so much about IBS that is still unknown, there are several theories about what causes these symptoms. People with IBS may,

• Have more sensitive colons
• Have a different immune system response
• Experience hormonal fluctuations or changes that trigger IBS
• Produce serotonin that affects digestive tract nerves, causing diarrhea or constipation

While we may not know what causes IBS, we know that it is a true medical condition.

What are the symptoms associated with IBS?

To diagnose someone with IBS, an individual must experience ongoing symptoms for at least six months. One of the most common symptoms of IBS is abdominal pain. Of course, to be able to diagnose your symptoms as IBS, the abdominal pain has to have at least two out of these three factors:

• Passing stool relieves symptoms
• Your symptoms affect the frequency of passing stool
• Your symptoms affect the appearance of stool

There are quite a few things that can cause IBS to flare up. Common foods that cause flare-ups include high-fiber foods, chocolate, alcohol, fructose and caffeine.

How does a gastroenterologist treat IBS?

There are several different kinds of medications that we might recommend, including antispasmodic, antidiarrheal and even antidepressants.

We will also discuss the many lifestyle changes you should adopt to reduce flare-ups. Common lifestyle changes include,

• Maintaining regular exercise to improve the function of the bowels
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding trigger foods
• Reducing or limiting alcohol consumption
• Finding ways to manage stress (e.g., mindfulness; yoga; meditation)

If you are dealing with persistent abdominal pain and bowel changes, it’s important that you find out what’s going on to get the answers and treatments you need to improve your digestive health.

Learn more about acid reflux, its signs and triggers, and when to see a doctor.

Acid reflux happens to everyone, but what should you do if this becomes a common occurrence? You may be wondering what in your diet is triggering acid reflux, and you may want to sit down with a gastroenterologist who can help you figure out why you’re experiencing frequent bouts of acid reflux. It’s important that you don’t just ignore this problem.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach travels back up through the esophagus. While the esophageal sphincter is supposed to prevent food from traveling backward if the sphincter doesn’t function properly, acid reflux often occurs. As a result, acid reflux often causes heartburn and burning in your chest and throat. While acid reflux and heartburn are often used interchangeably, acid reflux and heartburn are different.

What triggers acid reflux?

The most common acid reflux triggers include,

• Eating a heavy meal, especially right before bed
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Spicy, fatty, and acidic foods
• Certain medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers

Why acid reflux is a cause for concern?

While acid reflux on its own isn’t usually anything concerning, if you are experiencing acid reflux at least two or more times a week, it’s important that you seek care from a qualified gastroenterologist. Frequent or recurring acid reflux can signify gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left untreated or improperly treated, this chronic condition can lead to severe complications, including esophageal cancer and swallowing disorders.

Over-the-counter antacids aren’t enough; you’ll need to turn to a gastroenterologist who can prescribe the proper medication or procedure to correct weak or damaged sphincter muscles.

How is acid reflux managed?

Lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods and eating smaller meals can undoubtedly go a long way to improving symptoms. Patients who are overweight or obese will also find that symptoms improve by losing some weight. Your gastroenterologist may recommend a lower-acid diet while also prescribing an acid blocker. Surgery to repair the sphincter muscle may be advised in more severe cases.

Is acid reflux impacting your diet and affecting your quality of life? If you love eating out or cooking, you may find that acid reflux is cramping your style. This is a sign that you could benefit from turning to a gastroenterologist.

Wondering why you're dealing with abdominal pain?

Everyone deals with a stomachache from time to time. Typically, it will go away on its own, and it’s nothing to worry about; however, certain symptoms may warrant having a gastroenterologist take a closer look. Here’s what you should know about abdominal pain.

What causes abdominal pain?

There is a laundry list of conditions, infections, and diseases that can cause sharp, aching, stabbing, or cramping pain in the abdomen. Some causes are minor and will go away on their own, while others will require urgent medical attention. Common causes include,

• Food poisoning
• Food allergies (different than a food intolerance)
• Gas
• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroenteritis (referred to as a “stomach bug”)
• Indigestion

For women, abdominal pain might not have anything to do with the digestive tract and may be due to menstruation, ovarian polyps or cysts, or other reproductive issues.

If your abdominal pain is minor and goes away in a couple of hours, it’s probably not something to worry about; however, severe abdominal pain is nothing to ignore. Severe abdominal pain, as well as worsening or persistent abdominal pain could be due to,

• Irritable bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis)
• Stomach ulcers
• Gallstones or kidney stones
• Pancreatitis
• Hernia
• Appendicitis

When should I see a gastroenterologist?

It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing,

• Constant abdominal pain that lasts days
• Pain that keeps coming back
• Other symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation that also doesn’t go away after a few days
• Changes in bowel movements or urinary/bladder function
• Unexpected and sudden weight loss

If you are dealing with severe abdominal pain or abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, pain in the chest, or bloody stools, you must seek immediate medical attention.

What is your gut trying to tell you? If you are dealing with persistent abdominal pain or stomach pains that concern you, then these are reasons to turn to a gastroenterologist.

Are you having trouble making it to the bathroom in time? Do you notice issues such as leakage, particularly when passing gas? If so, these are signs of fecal or bowel incontinence. While this is an issue that may occur with older age, there are a variety of reasons why someone may deal with this problem. Here’s what you should know about incontinence and how a gastroenterologist will treat it.

• Damage to the muscles of the anus (common after childbirth)
• Previous anal surgeries
• Nervous system injury or disorder
• Severe constipation (more common in the elderly)
• Diarrhea
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rectal prolapse

Is your morning latte suddenly making your stomach do flips? Do you experience gastrointestinal upset whenever you enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza? Any gastroenterologist knows that this can be disheartening; fortunately, they can help provide the relief you need so that you can go back to enjoying the foods and drinks you love. But first, it’s important to know whether you should come in for an evaluation.

• Belly and stomach cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating

Do you deal with constant acid reflux? Is heartburn commonplace? Do you feel full quickly after eating? If so, these could all be signs of a condition known as a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm (the hiatus), which connects to the stomach. While some people may never even know that they have a hiatal hernia, sometimes it can cause digestive issues for others. That’s when you should turn to a gastroenterologist for answers.

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Heavy lifting or intense physical exertion
• Straining

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food
• Bloating
• Belching
• Stomach discomfort

• Maintaining a healthy weight (or losing weight if overweight or obese)
• Eating smaller portions
• Avoiding belts or tight pants that put pressure around the middle
• Avoiding acidic, spicy, fatty, greasy, and fried foods
• Avoiding carbonated beverages as well as caffeine and alcohol
• Not eating 3-4 hours before bedtime
• Quitting smoking
• Elevating your head while you sleep
• Not lying down immediately after eating

Diarrhea might not be something you want to talk about; however, it happens to everyone. Whether it’s a stomach bug, something you ate, or a more serious and underlying digestive issue, it’s important to recognize when you should turn to a gastroenterologist for treatment.

• Food allergies
• Alcohol use
• Intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease
• Bacterial infections
• Diabetes
• Overactive thyroid
• Medications
• Running (known as “runner’s diarrhea”)

• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Black stools
• Diarrhea that lasts more than two days
• A high fever (over 102 F) that last more than one day
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Your gallbladder is a small organ on the upper right side of your abdomen that’s responsible for storing and releasing bile to aid in digestion. As with any organ or system in the body, problems can occur. When bile and minerals develop into deposits or gallstones in the gallbladder, this can lead to very severe and sudden pain. Recognizing the signs of a gallbladder attack can mean getting the quicker care you need from a gastroenterologist.

• A dull, sharp, or cramping pain in the upper right side or center of the abdomen
• Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder blades
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (also known as jaundice)

• You have a family history of gallstones or gallbladder problems
• You are obese or overweight
• You have a low-fiber, high-cholesterol diet
• You take certain medications such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy
• You have diabetes
• You are pregnant
• You are over 40 years old
• You have been diagnosed with liver disease

The pancreas is an organ in the digestive system that lies behind the stomach and is responsible for producing insulin, as well as a host of other digestive enzymes and hormones. The pancreas plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and digestion; however, if the pancreas releases these enzymes prematurely, this can irritate and inflame the pancreas, leading to a condition known as pancreatitis.

• Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
• Pain that gets worse after eating (especially when consuming a high-fat diet)
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Swollen abdomen
• Increased or rapid heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever

• Gallstones
• Heavy alcohol use
• Abdominal injury
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Undergoing abdominal surgery
• Family history of pancreatitis
• Smoking
• High cholesterol (particularly high triglycerides)
• High calcium levels (hypercalcemia)

Feeling any kind of pain or discomfort in your chest can certainly be scary; however, if you are simply dealing with gas pains you may notice a fullness or tightness in the chest. You may also notice that this pain radiates to your abdomen. This is another telltale sign that the chest discomfort you’re feeling is due to gas. Other signs that it could simply be gas include,

• Increased flatulence
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Belching
• Nausea

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Profuse and sudden sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Jaw pain (this is more common in women)
• Intense pressure on your chest (some people liken it to “an elephant sitting on their chest”)
• Pain that radiates from the chest to the neck, back, arms, or shoulders
• Sudden decrease or increase in heart rate

• Food intolerance or allergy
• A very high-fiber diet
• Carbonated beverages
• Artificial sweeteners
• Food poisoning

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) may not be a disease that you’ve heard about, yet this autoimmune disease is more common than you may realize. In fact, about 1 in every 1,000 women over the age of 40 are dealing with this type of progressive liver disease, and while some men do develop PBC this is most often reported in women. Here’s everything you want to know about liver disease, living with PBC, and how to treat it.

• Skin darkening
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weight loss
• High cholesterol
• Yellowing of the skin
• Swelling of the legs and feet
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Osteoporosis

It’s Taco Tuesday and everyone is happy; everyone but you. While you might love tacos you just know the burning pain you’re going to experience the minute you put that spicy food to your lips. You also know that your heartburn will probably keep you up at night. You’re also tired of having to take antacids all the time. If this sounds like you, it’s time to consult your gastroenterologist.

• A burning or gnawing in your chest and throat that occurs after eating (particularly greasy, acidic, or spicy foods)
• Discomfort gets worse when lying down, especially after eating
• An acidic taste in the back of your throat

• Taking pain relievers regularly
• Being pregnant
• Eating larger meals or eating close to bedtime
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Being overweight
• High stress
• Hiatal hernia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If you have been diagnosed with a form of hepatitis, chances are good that your doctor has referred you to a specialist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that impact the intestinal system including the liver. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hepatitis, here’s what you should know.

• Hepatitis A is acute
• Hepatitis B, C, and D are often persistent and chronic
• Hepatitis E is typically acute

• Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated water or food
• Hepatitis B is often transmitted through bodily fluids including blood and semen
• Hepatitis C is transmitted through sexual contact, coming in contact with infected bodily fluids, or through IV drug use
• Hepatitis D is transmitted through contact with infected blood (typically occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B)
• Hepatitis E is transmitted through contaminated water

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Pale-colored stools
• Fever

Rectocele, better known as posterior vaginal prolapse, results from a weakening of the tissue that lies between the vagina and rectum (the rectovaginal septum). This can lead to a bulge or herniation within the back wall of the vagina. This is a fairly common condition for women, but many women don’t even notice symptoms. Unfortunately, sometimes rectocele can result in bowel issues. From regularly straining during bowel movements to vaginal delivery, there are many reasons why a woman may be dealing with a rectocele. If you think you could be dealing with rectocele, turn to a gastroenterologist to find out.

• Trouble with completing full bowel movements
• Needing to apply pressure to the vagina or the rectovaginal septum to complete a bowel movement
• Straining during a bowel movement
• Frequent urges to have a bowel movement throughout the day
• Rectal pain
• Constipation

• Staying hydrated
• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Performing pelvic floor exercises
• Biofeedback to improve pelvic floor muscle function
• Using stool softeners

• Pain with bowel movements (and sometimes urination)
• Bleeding
• Fever
• Liquid draining from the anus

When was the last time you thought about your gallbladder? Probably never, right? Well, this little organ that you haven’t thought much about is responsible for releasing bile to help break down food and aid in digestion. If you aren’t dealing with gut problems then you may not even think twice about your gallbladder; however, if your gastroenterologist has told you that you suffer from gallstones, here’s what you should know.

• Being over age 40
• Being obese
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• A poor diet that is high in fat
• Being diabetic
• Being pregnant
• High cholesterol
• Family history of gallstones

Do you notice spots of bright red blood when you wipe? Do you experience anal itching? If so, these could be signs of an anal fissure. The lining of the anus is delicate and has the ability to tear, especially when straining or dealing with constipation. This is so common that gastroenterologists often see more patients presenting with anal fissures than hemorrhoids.

• Constipation
• Passing hard stools or straining during a bowel movement
• Persistent or recurring diarrhea
• Childbirth
• Anal intercourse
• Crohn’s disease

• Staying hydrated and drinking lots of fluids
• Getting daily exercise
• Consuming a high-fiber diet
• Avoiding straining with a bowel moment
• Go to the bathroom when you need to (do not hold it in)
• Relax in a Sitz bath
• Use baby wipes rather than toilet paper (which may be too dry and rough) after a bowel movement
• Sometimes, stool softeners and fiber supplements can be helpful

Did you know that the gut houses about 100 trillion bacteria? Of course, these microbes can affect everything from your intestinal health to your immune system if something throws your gut microbiome out of whack. While the C. difficile bacterium can be present in your gut and not even know it, other times this infection can lead to more serious gut problems.

• Stomach cramping or pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Are you dealing with a burning pain in your stomach that is accompanied by bloating, lack of appetite, and heartburn? If so, you could be dealing with a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop within the lining of the stomach, causing a wide range of painful and unpleasant symptoms. It may be time to see your gastroenterologist if you notice these telltale symptoms of a stomach ulcer:

• A dull, aching, or burning sensation in the center of your stomach that may feel worse when empty and may be alleviated by eating or drinking
• Feeling full easily
• Lack of appetite
• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dark stools

Everyone experiences stomach upset from time to time; however, when abdominal pain sets in we know just how uncomfortable it can be. It’s important to know when you’re just dealing with normal aches and pains that will go away on their own or whether you may be dealing with an underlying issue that requires medical attention. In this case, trusting your gut could just be the best thing you do for your health.

• Gastroenteritis (intestinal infection)
• Indigestion
• Gas
• Constipation
• Menstrual cramps
• Food allergies
• Food poisoning
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hernia
• Gallstones
• Appendicitis (sudden, sharp pain on the right side; requires immediate medical attention)

Chances are good that you probably never think about your gallbladder. This small organ that lies under the liver is responsible for producing and storing bile to help the liver break down high-fat foods. Of course, you may start thinking about your gallbladder if you start to notice these symptoms of a gallbladder attack:

• Sudden, severe, and sharp abdominal pain (typically in the upper right side of the body)
• Pain that appears after eating and lasts several hours
• Light-colored stools
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Diabetes
• Family history of gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Being over 60 years old
• Being a woman
• Being overweight or obese
• Taking estrogen or hormone medications
• Eating a diet that is low in fiber and high in cholesterol or fat
• Being pregnant

• You’re dealing with severe cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• There is an infection
• The gallbladder doesn’t work or has stopped working
• The gallbladder is causing significant pain and other problems
• There is a tumor on the gallbladder

Nowadays, hearing the term “celiac disease” seems rather commonplace. Perhaps you even know someone who has it; however, many people assume celiac disease and gluten intolerance are the same things, but true celiac disease is much more serious. This autoimmune disorder is triggered whenever a person consumes food that contains gluten. Instead of just experiencing digestive upset (as those with gluten intolerance may), those with celiac disease incur damage to their small intestines, which in turn affects how the body absorbs nutrients.

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Increased gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Foul-smelling or pale stools (more common in children)

• An itchy, widespread rash
• Osteoporosis
• Ulcers of the mouth
• Joint pain
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Headaches or migraines
• Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet

If you are experiencing rectal pain or noticing specks of blood on your toilet paper you might be dealing with hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are swollen veins that form either inside or outside the rectum. While hemorrhoids are more common as a person gets older, this condition can happen to anyone. Here’s what you should know about this common rectal problem and how you can treat it.

What causes hemorrhoids?

If you have family members that deal with hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to get them too. Any kind of pressure that’s placed on the rectum and impacts the flow of blood can cause these veins to swell. Pressure may be caused by:

• Constipation and straining during bowel movements
• Heavy lifting or intense physical activity
• Being overweight or obese
• A poor diet that is low in fiber
• Pregnancy
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

If you’ve never had hemorrhoids before you may want to see your gastroenterologist for a diagnosis, especially if you are experiencing persistent rectal bleeding. Your doctor will go through your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms before performing an exam. A simple rectal exam is usually all that’s needed to diagnose external hemorrhoids. In order to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, you may require further testing such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Sometimes hemorrhoids will go away on their own, so you won’t require special care or treatment. Home remedies include:

• Adding more fiber to your diet
• Avoiding straining during bowel movements
• Staying hydrated to aid in better digestion
• Taking a Sitz bath several times a day to ease any pain and discomfort

There are also over-the-counter medications that can alleviate symptoms including pain and itching. If your symptoms persist after using these medications you should talk with your doctor. If the hemorrhoid is large or isn’t responding to other treatment options then your GI doctor may recommend surgery. There are many minimally invasive surgical techniques that can be used to get rid of hemorrhoids.

If you notice rectal pain, bleeding or discomfort that leaves you concerned or worried about your health it’s important that you talk with your gastroenterologist to find out if you need further evaluation. While hemorrhoids may clear on their own, if you don’t experience relief a doctor will be able to help.