Common Digestive Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

If you have digestive issues, you need the expertise of a specialist or, more specifically, a gastroenterologist. Digestive problems must be addressed quickly because they could signify a digestive disorder. Dr. Jason Collins and Dr. Harper Massey at Carson City Gastroenterology in Carson City, NV, offer comprehensive GI services to diagnose and treat common digestive disorders.

What You Need to Know about Common Digestive Disorders

Let’s look at some common digestive disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatments: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. This condition occurs because of the incomplete closure of the sphincter muscle separating your esophagus and stomach. When this muscle doesn’t close, stomach acid backs up into your throat, causing:

• Heartburn
• Sore throats
• Difficulty swallowing
• A sensation of a lump in your throat

The diagnosis of GERD often includes an endoscopy to determine if there is damage to your esophagus. To treat GERD, your gastroenterologist may recommend medication to reduce stomach acid.

An ulcer. An overabundance of Helicobacter or H. pylori in your stomach usually causes this condition. Symptoms of an ulcer include:

• Burning stomach pain
• Pain when you are hungry
• Stomach pain that is worse between meals or at night
• Intolerance to fatty foods
• Feeling bloated or overly full
• Frequent belching
• Heartburn and nausea

Your gastroenterologist in Carson City, NV, may recommend an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and blood tests to diagnose a stomach ulcer. To treat ulcers, your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• Antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to block acid production
• Antacids to neutralize stomach acid
• Dietary modifications

Diverticulitis is caused by tissue protruding through the walls of your colon. Diverticulitis can result in:

• Fever
• Chills and shaking
• Moderate to severe abdominal pain
• Moderate to severe abdominal cramping
• Changes in your bowel habits
• Diarrhea, bloating, or constipation
• Blood in your stool

Your gastroenterologist may recommend imaging studies, including a CT scan, to diagnose diverticulitis. To treat diverticulitis, your gastroenterologist may recommend antibiotics to reduce the symptoms, probiotics, fiber supplements, and dietary modifications.

Want to Know More About Common Digestive Disorders?

To learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options of common digestive disorders, visit Dr. Collins or Dr. Massey at Carson City Gastroenterology in Carson City, NV. You can reach them in the office by calling (775) 884-4567, so call now!