Gastroenterology
Our goal is to provide prompt diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms to get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. If you suffer from chronic heartburn, acid reflux (GERD), abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding or bloating, our team can provide you with the latest diagnostic techniques and research-based gastrointestinal treatments.
Our compassionate care coupled with top-notch physician expertise help ease the discomfort and treat the symptoms caused by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Some of the most common disorders treated include:
- Achalasia – Food is prevented from passing to stomach from lower esophagus muscles failure to relax
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Barrett's esophagus – Swallowing tube lining becomes damaged by acid reflux
- Bile duct diseases
- Celiac disease
- Colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Diverticulitis
- Diverticulum (Zenkers and Epiphrenic)
- Dysphagia – Swallowing difficulties
- Esophageal, colon and stomach cancer
- Gastritis
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Hiatal hernia – Abdomen and diaphragm are separated by upper part of stomach bulging through
- Hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – increased contraction pressures
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Leiomyoma of the esophagus – slow growing tumor
- Motility disorders
- Nutcracker esophagus – swallowing contractions are too powerful causing chest pain upon swallowing
- Paraesophageal hernia (stomach in chest)
- Peptic ulcers
- Tracheo-esophageal fistula
We offer a wide range of services and advanced, minimally invasive treatments, including:
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Anorectal Motility Study
If you've suffered from changes in bowel habits, loss of control or constipation, your doctor will likely recommend an anorectal motility study.
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy helps identify the causes of colorectal conditions and can aid in cancer treatment and prevention.
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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Accurate screenings like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography allow our doctors to determine the causes of a wide range of pancreatic, liver and gallbladder conditions with detailed certainty.
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Esophageal Motility Study
People with esophageal motility disorders often suffer from chronic heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing or non-cardiac chest pain.
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Pediatric Gastroenterology
We specialize in problems of the esophagus, gallbladder, intestines, liver, pancreas and stomach in children and adolescents.
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Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Placement
PEG placement is the insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach.
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Small Bowel Enteroscopy
Our doctors use small bowel enteroscopy to diagnose symptoms of digestive issues with precision and care.
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Upper Endoscopy
In order to treat symptoms like abdominal pain, inflammation, ulcers and digestive tumors, your doctor could recommend an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
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Gastroenterology
We diagnose gastrointestinal symptoms to get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
A comprehensive team including surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists join the gastroenterologists in treating a wide range of complex diseases of the digestive tract. These include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anti-Reflux Surgery
- Nissen fundoplication – the connection between the stomach and esophagus is tightened to prevent acid reflux
- LINX reflux management system – Device to restore the natural barrier to reflux
- Laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery – minimally invasive treatment for hiatal hernia repair
- Revision surgery – redo of past anti-reflux surgery
- BARRX – A device that is inserted into the esophagus that burns off the diseased layer of the esophagus
- Cancer
- Diaphragmatic hernia repair
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – assess digestive track for diseases through minimally invasive device
- Endoscopic Zenker's diverticulectomy- procedure to repair severe cases of diverticulum
- Esophageal stent procedure – stent helps open blocked area in esophagus to help swallowing
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Liver disease
Tips for Managing Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD
Heartburn that happens 2-3 times a week could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious form of acid reflux that can damage the lining of the esophagus. If you have chronic heartburn, talk to your health care provider.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It feels like a burning sensation in the center of the chest, and sometimes in the throat.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or “refluxes,” into the esophagus toward the throat. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.
GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs at least 2-3 times a week. If untreated, GERD can cause inflammation (esophagitis) or changes in the lining of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus). Barrett’s esophagus may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
While chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it’s not the only one. Less common symptoms can include:
- Non-burning chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (called dysphagia), or food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Painful swallowing (called odynophagia)
- Persistent laryngitis or hoarseness
- Persistent sore throat
- Chronic cough
- Asthma that’s new or occurs only at night
- Regurgitation of foods or fluids, or the taste of acid in the throat
- Feeling as if there’s a lump in the throat
- Worsening dental disease
- Waking up with a choking sensation
If you have persistent acid reflux symptoms two or more times per week, despite taking over-the-counter medication, it may be time to see your primary care provider. In addition, contact your provider for advice if you have any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in your vomit, or dark-colored stools
- Symptoms that worsen or interfere with daily activities
Your primary care provider can help you find the right treatment based on your symptoms, and may refer you to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive conditions) if appropriate.* If your condition is serious, you may need to see a surgeon.
*Some PPO insurance plans allow you to go straight to a gastroenterologist without a referral if symptoms are severe. Check with your insurance.
Two treatment approaches can offer effective relief for moderate to severe GERD symptoms:
- Prescription medications: Most people gain good control of their symptoms with medications such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec. Known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), these drugs reduce acid production by blocking the acid pumps (or proton pumps) in the stomach. More powerful than over-the-counter medicines, PPIs are the most effective medications available for controlling acid reflux.
- Surgery: If PPIs cause side effects or don’t control your symptoms, surgery may be an effective option. It can help strengthen the sphincter between your stomach and your esophagus, making it a better barrier to acid reflux.
Over-the-counter medicines can help treat occasional mild (once a week or less) heartburn:
- Antacids, such as Tums and Mylanta, neutralize the acid in your stomach. They work quickly, but only for a short time.
- H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and Zantac, reduce acid production. They take longer to start working, but provide relief for 6-12 hours.
In addition, these lifestyle changes are known to help prevent or reduce reflux and GERD symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just a few pounds may reduce your symptoms.
- Avoid trigger foods that promote reflux, such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, fatty foods and carbonated beverages.
- Avoid large meals and late-night eating, and don’t lie down after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
- Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, reduces the production of acid-buffering saliva, and causes coughing, which pushes acid into the esophagus.
Doctors Specializing in Gastroenterology
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
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