Gastroenterology

Celiac disease is a hereditary condition in which the affected individual can not ‘tolerate’ gluten, which is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Ingestion of gluten containing food can result in many different problems, including bloating, diarrhea, malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, decreased bone density, and many other issues. We can diagnosis whether or not you may have this condition.

Colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible camera with a light on the end is safely inserted into the rectum and carefully guided to the cecum (the end of the colon). This procedure takes roughly 20-30 minutes to complete. The procedure is performed while you are asleep and is extremely safe. There are many reasons that patients may require this procedure. We perform colonoscopies every day of the week, over a thousand times every year.  The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends a colorectal cancer screening for people beginning at age 45.

Constipation is very common. We see patients almost on a daily basis with this symptom. Possible causes are many, including lack of fiber and water intake, medication side effects, and lack of exercise. Many people have chronic constipation for years, or even their whole lives. We treat and help manage acute and chronic Constipation. We have lifestyle and dietary modifications, as well as several medications that can successfully treat Constipation.

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your intestines as if they were a bacteria or virus. This causes damage to the lining of the small and large intestine. Symptoms are most often diarrhea (sometimes with blood) and abdominal pain. The condition is chronic, without an official cure. We can diagnosis and treat this condition with the latest medications available.

We see many patients who have intermittent or chronic diarrhea. The possible causes are many, including an infection, medication side effects, reactions to foods, and others. We treat and help manage acute and chronic Diarrhea. We have dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as prescription medications that can successfully alleviate your symptoms.

Diverticulosis are little pockets in the wall of the large intestine (colon). It is very common, especially as we enter our 50s, 60s, and beyond. Most of the time they do not cause problems, although it can cause crampy lower abdominal pain (usually left lower). Rarely, one of the pockets can get infected, and this is called Diverticulitis. We treat and help manage diverticular disease, including Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), is a condition affecting the esophagus. The main symptoms are difficulty swallowing solid foods, and the feeling that foods (especially meats) are getting stuck in the esophagus. It usually affects young men, but can also affect women. It is thought to be related to food allergies. We can diagnosis and treat this condition.

An ERCP is a procedure where a flexible camera is safely inserted into the mouth and carefully directed to the bile duct opening in the duodenum. The procedure is done most of the time to remove stones and treat blockages of the bile duct. An ERCP is performed while you are asleep, and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform. We are experts in this procedure, and have performed hundreds and hundreds of them safely.

GERD, or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, is quite common. It refers to the abnormal flow of stomach contents/acid into the esophagus. When this happens, we may feel a burning sensation or pain in the chest, an acid taste in the mouth, belching, and regurgitation of food. Most of the time, it just causes these annoying and bothersome symptoms, however it can occasionally lead to damage of the lower esophagus. We have dietary and lifestyle modifications that will help reflux. We also provide upper endoscopy and prescription medications to control/cure your reflux.

A Hiatal Hernia is a condition where the top part of your stomach protrudes up through your diaphragm and into your chest. Small hiatal hernias are very common, and may be asymptomatic (not cause any symptoms). Symptoms, when present, commonly include discomfort at the lower sternum, especially when bending over. It can also cause acid reflux symptoms. Hiatal hernias that are large or cause refractory symptoms, may require an operation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is very common, and reportedly is the number one diagnosis that we Gastroenterologists see in the office. Symptoms include abdominal pain, along with either constipation or diarrhea (or both alternating). There is no official test to determine whether you have this condition, rather we rule out other possible conditions first. We treat and help patients manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Liver diseases are very common, especially in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. There are many reasons for this. We see patients with liver problems and cirrhosis just about every single day. We treat and manage disorders of the liver, including Hepatitis A, B, and C, Fatty Liver/NASH, Cirrhosis, Hemochromatosis, PBC, PSC.

Many people have the occasional feeling that food is going down slowly. However, with some people, this happens frequently. There are multiple reasons for difficulty with swallowing. Some are benign and some are not. Problems often occur with solid food, such as steak, chicken, and pork. However, different causes can also cause a problem with even liquids. We can evaluate your symptoms and figure out what is causing your individual problem.

Many people have the occasional feeling that food is going down slowly. However, with some people, this happens frequently. There are multiple reasons for difficulty with swallowing. Some are benign and some are not. Problems often occur with solid food, such as steak, chicken, and pork. However, different causes can also cause a problem with even liquids. We can evaluate your symptoms and figure out what is causing your individual problem.

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your large intestine (colon) as if it was a bacteria or virus. This causes damage to the lining of the large intestine. Symptoms are most often bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. The condition is chronic, without an official cure. We can diagnosis and treat this condition with the latest medications available.

An Upper Endoscopy (EGD), is a procedure where a flexible camera with a light on the end is safely inserted into the mouth and guided carefully to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The procedure takes roughly 15 minutes. The procedure is done under sedation and is extremely safe. There are many reasons why patients undergo this procedure. We perform EGDs every day of the week, over a thousand times every year.