Acid reflux hurts. Stomach acids leaking into the esophagus — the long tube that carries food from your throat down to your stomach — causes a burning sensation in the chest, which is why it’s also referred to as heartburn. Heartburn is what is used to describe the sensation of acid reflux. Acid reflux starts
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Crohn’s Disease in Adolescents: Sign and Symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacts millions of Americans, including adolescents. Crohn’s disease is one of the two types of IBD, which targets any part of the gastrointestinal tract and produces symptoms that can greatly affect adolescents’ school performance and overall quality of life. Read on to learn about the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease
Read MoreThings to Know About Fecal Occult Blood Tests
While a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer detection, the procedure has earned some level of notoriety due to its invasive nature and the extensive preparation it entails. Thus, people are searching for noninvasive and convenient alternatives, among which is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Here’s the information you need to get
Read MoreUnderstanding Your FibroScan Test Results
To assess the health of your liver, your doctor may recommend a FibroScan test, which is an ultrasound of the liver. A FibroScan is usually ordered for patients with medical conditions that can affect liver health, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The test can also be used to monitor
Read MoreColonoscopy Alternative Tests That Are Effective
Colonoscopy is a procedure that involves introducing a thin, flexible, lighted instrument into the rectum to examine the large intestine (colon) for abnormalities. It is the gold standard for the detection of the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States—colon cancer. Nonetheless, even with the life-saving benefits of a colonoscopy, many people
Read MoreSouthern California Gastroenterology Associates SCGA Breath Test Instructions
At inSite Digestive Health Care, our gastroenterologists believe in an accurate and timely diagnosis to give our patients the best possible outcomes. To diagnose gastrointestinal problems, we may use a breathing test, which is a non-invasive way of diagnosing a number of gastrointestinal conditions. We provide convenient at-home breath test kits for our patients.
Read MoreTop Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist About Hemorrhoids
Many Americans suffer from hemorrhoids for a long time before they seek intervention due to the stigma associated with the condition. Nonetheless, as embarrassing as hemorrhoids seemingly are, they are no laughing matter, and choosing to ignore them will only prolong your suffering. Getting them treated by a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) can prevent them from
Read MoreEGD Test: What Is It and How Is It Performed?
EGD, short for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a type of endoscopic procedure used for diagnosing and treating problems in the upper digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. Read on to learn more about an EGD test, particularly why it’s performed, how you can prepare for it, and what to expect
Read MoreMost Common Gastroenterology Procedures
If you’re manifesting symptoms of a digestive condition that requires specialized care (e.g., persistent abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, poor appetite, and diarrhea), your primary care physician will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist (GI doctor) is a medical professional who has advanced training in the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of all
Read MoreEndoscopy Procedure: FAQs
An endoscopy is a procedure carried out by a gastroenterologist to examine the upper GI tract. It is used in the diagnosis, and sometimes treatment, of conditions affecting the upper GI system. An endoscopy uses an imaging technique to visualize the esophagus or stomach. Most people are unaware of this procedure until they develop symptoms
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