Understanding Your Digestive Health – Diseases & Conditions

GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus — the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. This can cause a burning feeling in your chest (heartburn), a sour taste, or difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, GERD can damage the lining of the esophagus over time. Our team offers both lifestyle guidance and advanced endoscopic treatments to help manage your symptoms.

Common symptoms:

• Heartburn or chest burning, especially after meals
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Regurgitation of food or liquid
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Chronic cough or hoarseness

When to see us: If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, or if over-the-counter medications are not helping, please schedule an appointment.

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal lining of the lower esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to the intestinal lining — a change caused by long-term acid exposure from GERD. Most people with Barrett's esophagus have no additional symptoms beyond those of GERD, but the condition is important to monitor because it carries a small risk of developing into esophageal cancer. Regular endoscopic surveillance allows our team to detect any concerning changes early, when treatment is most effective.

Common symptoms:

• Often no new symptoms beyond those of GERD
• Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Occasional regurgitation of food or liquid

When to see us: If you have had GERD symptoms for many years — especially if you are over 50, male, a smoker, or overweight — talk to your provider about whether you should be screened for Barrett's esophagus.

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus that makes swallowing difficult. Strictures can develop as a result of repeated acid exposure from GERD, inflammation from eosinophilic esophagitis, post-procedure scarring, or radiation therapy. Treatment typically involves esophageal dilation — a procedure in which the narrowed area is carefully stretched using a balloon or dilator passed through an endoscope — providing significant relief for most patients.

Common symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing solid foods such as bread, meat, or crackers
• Sensation of food getting stuck in the chest or throat
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• Unintentional weight loss
• Drooling or excessive salivation in severe cases

When to see us: Swallowing difficulties should never be ignored. If you regularly have trouble swallowing or notice that foods get stuck, please schedule an evaluation.

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus in which the lower esophageal sphincter — the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach — fails to relax properly during swallowing, and the coordinated muscle contractions that normally move food downward are absent or abnormal. As a result, food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus rather than passing into the stomach. Achalasia is a lifelong condition, but highly effective treatments are available, including minimally invasive procedures such as POEM (Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) and pneumatic dilation.

Common symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids
• Regurgitation of undigested food, especially at night
• Chest pain or pressure
• Sensation of food or liquid stuck behind the breastbone
• Unintentional weight loss

When to see us: Achalasia symptoms tend to worsen gradually over time. If swallowing problems are affecting your nutrition or quality of life, prompt evaluation is recommended.

A Zenker's diverticulum is a small pouch that forms in the back of the throat, just above where the esophagus begins, when increased pressure causes the weakest part of the pharyngeal wall to bulge outward. Food and liquid can collect in this pouch, leading to regurgitation of undigested food — sometimes hours after eating. Zenker's diverticulum is most common in older adults. Treatment is typically a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to open the wall between the diverticulum and the esophagus, providing lasting symptom relief.

Common symptoms:

• Regurgitation of undigested food, often hours after eating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Chronic cough or aspiration episodes
• Gurgling sounds when swallowing

When to see us: If you notice regurgitation of food eaten hours earlier, or experience unexplained bad breath and chronic coughing, ask your provider about evaluation for Zenker's diverticulum.

Superficial GI cancers are early-stage cancers or high-grade precancerous lesions confined to the innermost layers of the gastrointestinal tract — including the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Because they have not yet invaded deeper tissues or spread to lymph nodes, superficial GI cancers can often be treated endoscopically, without surgery. Procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allow our advanced endoscopy team to remove these lesions precisely and safely. Early detection through routine screening and surveillance is key to the best outcomes.

Common symptoms:

• Often no symptoms in early stages
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (colon)
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn (esophagus)
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Changes in bowel habits (colon)

When to see us: Many superficial GI cancers are found during routine screening or surveillance endoscopy, before symptoms develop. Do not skip recommended screenings — early detection saves lives.

IBS is a common condition that affects the large intestine. It causes cramping, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits — such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. IBS does not damage the bowel and does not lead to more serious disease, but it can significantly affect quality of life. Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed.

Common symptoms:

• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Bloating and excess gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Mucus in the stool
• Urgency to use the restroom

When to see us: If bowel changes are affecting your daily life or you have unexplained weight loss or rectal bleeding, please see a provider.

IBD refers to chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the GI tract, and ulcerative colitis, which affects the colon and rectum. Unlike IBS, IBD causes actual inflammation and can lead to serious complications. With the right treatment plan — which may include medication, infusion therapy, or surgery — many patients achieve long periods of remission.

Common symptoms:

• Persistent diarrhea, often with blood
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fatigue and weight loss
• Fever during flare-ups
• Reduced appetite

When to see us: Blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few weeks should be evaluated promptly.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune reaction that damages the small intestine. Over time, this damage can prevent proper absorption of nutrients. A strict gluten-free diet is the primary treatment and can reverse intestinal damage in most patients.

Common symptoms:

• Diarrhea, bloating, and gas
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia or nutritional deficiencies
• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

When to see us: If you have a family history of celiac disease or experience unexplained digestive symptoms, talk to your provider about testing.

The liver is one of the body's most vital organs, filtering toxins, producing proteins, and aiding digestion. Liver disease includes a wide spectrum of conditions — from fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) to viral hepatitis (B and C), autoimmune hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Many liver conditions have no symptoms in early stages, making regular screening important for those at risk. Our hepatology team provides comprehensive evaluation and management.

Common symptoms:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling in the abdomen or legs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools

Colon polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the colon. Most polyps are harmless, but some can develop into colorectal cancer over time. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — regular screening with colonoscopy can catch polyps early and remove them before they become cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals.

Common symptoms:

• Often no symptoms in early stages
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness

When to see us: Do not wait for symptoms. Regular colonoscopy screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Talk to your provider about when to start.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas — the organ that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar. It can be acute (sudden and short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Common causes include gallstones and heavy alcohol use. Acute pancreatitis often resolves with rest and supportive care, while chronic pancreatitis may require ongoing management to control pain and prevent complications.

Common symptoms:

• Severe upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and rapid pulse
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Greasy or foul-smelling stools (in chronic cases)

When to see us: Sudden, severe abdominal pain — especially with vomiting — should be evaluated in an emergency setting.

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They are most commonly caused by infection with the bacteria H. pylori or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. With the right antibiotics and acid-reducing medication, most ulcers heal completely.

Common symptoms:

• Burning stomach pain, often worse when the stomach is empty
• Nausea
• Bloating and belching
• Dark or tarry stools (sign of bleeding)
• Vomiting that may include blood

When to see us: Dark or bloody stools and vomiting blood are warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties too slowly. Normally, strong muscle contractions move food through the digestive tract — in gastroparesis, these contractions do not work properly. This can cause bloating, nausea, and unpredictable blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Treatment focuses on dietary modifications, medications to help the stomach empty, managing underlying conditions and minimally invasive endoscopic treatments such as Gastric Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (GPOEM).

Common symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting, especially undigested food
• Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts
• Bloating and abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Blood sugar fluctuations (in diabetics)

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune condition in which a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) builds up in the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing. It is often triggered by food allergens. EoE is increasingly recognized in both children and adults. Treatment includes dietary changes and medications to reduce inflammation.

Common symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Food getting stuck in the esophagus
• Chest pain not related to the heart
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• Poor growth or feeding problems in children

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus — similar to varicose veins. They are very common and often develop from straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or pregnancy. Most hemorrhoids can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments. For more severe cases, we have procedures to provide relief.

Common symptoms:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
• Swelling around the anus
• A lump near the anus that may be sensitive

When to see us: While rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids is common, it is important to rule out other causes. Always have rectal bleeding evaluated by a provider.

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form in the walls of the colon. It is very common, especially in adults over 50, and usually causes no symptoms. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis, which can cause significant pain and may require antibiotics or surgery in severe cases.

Common symptoms:

• Often no symptoms (diverticulosis)
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain — usually on the left side (diverticulitis)
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Change in bowel habits

When to see us: Sudden left-sided abdominal pain with fever should be evaluated promptly. A high-fiber diet can help prevent future episodes.