Esophagus stretching, also known as esophageal dilation, is a procedure that helps to widen your esophagus to help food pass through the tube more easily. It’s a pretty simple procedure that can be performed in about 20 minutes, and it can provide some much needed relief for individuals dealing with esophageal narrowing. In today’s blog, […]
5 Ways To Help Your Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Poor eating habits are one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal issues, which is why it is so important to develop healthy eating habits early in life. However, as any parent knows, most kids aren’t just going to willingly choose orange pepper slices over pizza, or broccoli over chocolate. As parents and guardians, it’s important […]
5 Tips for Diagnosing & Treating Hiatal Hernias
A hiatal hernia is a condition that develops when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the diaphragm, the large muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest. Your diaphragm has a small opening, known as a hiatus, through which the esophagus passes before it connects to the stomach. When the stomach pushes back […]
What Happens If Polyps Are Found During A Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a preventative procedure that is designed to look for the presence of colon cancer or potentially cancerous growths known as polyps. Most colonoscopies are uneventful, which is what you hope for during a screening exam, but in some instances the gastrointestinal specialists spots one or more polyps. What happens if polyps are […]
Treating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare but serious medical condition that requires intervention by a specialist. These tumors develop in the cells that help to coordinate the automatic movements of the gastrointestinal tract. A GIST can develop anywhere along the digestive tract, but they are most common in the stomach and small intestine. […]
How Does A Doctor Test For Acid Reflux?
Roughly 30 percent of Americans experience heartburn on occasion, and if it begins to happen more frequently, the condition is known as acid reflux. Acid reflux is categorized by a chronic irritation of a person’s esophageal lining as a result of stomach acid making its way up into your esophageal canal. Stomach acid is very […]
What Is A PEG Tube And Why Would I Need One?
PEG stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and a PEG tube involves the insertion of a flexible feeding tube through the abdomen and into your stomach. This allows nutrients, fluids and medication to be delivered directly to the stomach without first needing to traverse the mouth and esophagus. It can be extremely helpful for patients who […]
What Is Leaky Gut And How Can A Gastroenterologist Help Treat It?
If you’re dealing with gastrointestinal distress, there could be a number of different issues going on with your digestive system. One such condition that can cause problems is known as leaky gut syndrome. It occurs when bacteria and toxins leak through intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. In today’s blog, we take a closer look […]
Treatment Options for Small Bowel Obstructions
The small bowel, also known as the small intestine, is 20-30 feet in length and helps to absorb vitamins, nutrients and water from partially digested food sources as they make their way through the body. Food typically passes along this corridor without an issue onto the large intestine, but if an obstruction partially or completely […]