We’ve all experienced bloating before. It’s uncomfortable, often embarrassing and sometimes painful. While the occasional bout of bloating after a large meal will usually pass quickly and resolve itself, constantly feeling like you’re bloated may not be normal. If you’re dealing with frequent bloating, you’re in the right place. Let’s discuss some of the most …
Are you constantly battling belly pain, constipation, diarrhea or all of the above? It could be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The good news is, digestive distress doesn’t have to control you. Let’s cover the basics of IBS—the most common reason people see a gastroenterologist—and offer tips to manage those annoying symptoms. If you’ve already exhausted …
Everyone experiences an occasional bout of heartburn or regurgitation after a particularly heavy or fatty meal. But for many people, acid reflux is an all-too-common occurrence—and many don’t even realize that’s what’s happening. “Acid reflux can be a misdiagnosed and is an under-diagnosed problem,” said John Hyatt, MD, a gastroenterologist on the medical staff at …
If you often experience trouble swallowing that won’t go away, you may be living with eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE. This newly recognized chronic immune condition wasn’t on the radar until the 1990s but by some estimates, it affects 1 in every 2,000 people. Unless you’ve already been diagnosed with EoE, it’s probably not a condition …
Difficulty swallowing? It could be eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) Read More »
As many as 20% of US adults complain of heartburn and regurgitation—the classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. And proton pump inhibitors, known as PPIs, remain one of the most powerful medicines we have today to provide relief. In recent years, it’s become more common for people to ask about the possible side …
Are PPIs the answer for your acid reflux or GERD? Read More »
Colonoscopies sometimes have an undeserved reputation, especially among those who haven’t had one before. I hear my patients say they’ve heard something bad from their neighbor, their family or an online search. But often, these negative misconceptions go away once they have their first screening. As a physician, I believe in the scientific data behind …
Time for a colonoscopy? Here’s what to expect (and why it’s not that bad) Read More »
Bloating, excessive gas, abdominal discomfort and even diarrhea. These are all frequent symptoms that often lead people to seek a physician’s help, unsure of what is going on to trigger their discomfort after eating. Most often, the culprit is this—a food intolerance. You are likely eating a food that you’re actually intolerant to. In fact, …
Upset stomach? How to identify your food intolerances Read More »
When having a meal or even a snack leads to diarrhea or other gastrointestinal upset, how can you figure out what to eat or when? That is the dilemma people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face every day. IBD—an umbrella term for two conditions called Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—is a condition in which environmental …
IBD diet: What foods to eat, what to avoid, and more Read More »
GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common disease that affects 10-20% of the population. GERD is a frequent cause for doctors’ visits and prescription medications, but often can go undiagnosed if you doesn’t seek adequate care. The good news is this—simple changes to diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in …
Could your frequent heartburn be GERD? How to tell and what to do about it Read More »
For people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there are days it can be hard to live a normal life. IBD symptoms can interfere with the ability to work, go to school or just enjoy sports or other recreational activities. Many people give up and just stay at home because they have to be close …
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: How to know if it’s time for surgery Read More »