GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. As a result, you may experience non-cardiac chest pain. GERD can impair quality of life, and increase the risk of inflammation of the esophagus which may lead to complications. Let our providers find the root cause of your reflux today!

For example, the FDA recently issued a warning about Proton Pump Inhibitor medications. The FDA is warning physicians and consumers about a possible increased risk for fractures of the hip, wrist and spine with high doses or long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. The labeling on these products will be changed to describe these risks for both the prescription and OTC product versions, the agency said.

You’ve probably heard of the term IBS and IBD, but what do they really mean? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a non-inflammatory syndrome that is most likely a multifactorial, functional problem for the colon. Symptoms can vary by individual and IBS can be classified as IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation), and IBS-M (mixed).

Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition that can cause permanent damage to the colon and increase your risk of colon cancer. There are subtypes called Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn’s Disease. IBD can be caused by immune system dysfunction.

Our providers at AIIM are experts in investigating and finding the root cause of both IBS and IBD.

The term dysbiosis can be defined as a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body. Our body has many colonies of good bacteria in the GI tract, but when they go out of balance, one can experience a variety of symptoms. Gut bacteria may even affect your weight. Something in your gut could be making you hold onto weight— and it isn’t just last night’s pizza. The vast, diverse community of microbes inhabiting the intestines, scientists are finding, can influence metabolism and weight.

Symptoms can vary from upset stomach, to diarrhea or constipation, or excess gas and bloating. Finding the root cause of your dybiosis may require advanced functional labs such as a comprehensive stool profile, breath test, organic acid test or all of the above.

Gastritis can be defined as inflammation of the stomach lining. The causes may vary from food sensitivities, infections such as H. pylori, and even stress. It can be acute or chronic in nature and increase your risks of ulcers.

Peptic and Duodenal ulcers are erosions in the lining of the stomach (peptic) or small intestine (duodenal). Diagnosis is typically made from a breath test or biopsy via endoscopy.

Work with our providers as they utilize advanced functional medicine labs such as breath testing and stool testing to use safe and effective methods of treating such conditions.

Indigestion is a general term that describes upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, nausea, or feeling full after eating. It can result from lack of digestive enzymes, stress, inflammation from food (food sensitivity), medication side effects, infections and more.

As you can see, the causes and symptoms vary, which is why it’s important to individualize your specific symptoms and find the root cause of your indigestion.

Gallstones are very common and most people who have them are asymptomatic. They usually form from “sludge” over time from from microstones and bile. Gallstones can become an issue when they accumulate and block the bile duct, which is where bile travels from the gallbladder to the intestines to help with fat digestion. The duct can become inflamed and cause pain and colic and may require imaging and/or surgical intervention.

Constipation is a symptom rather than a disease. Most people with sluggish bowel transit times tend to have atonic constipation, which is more related to various lifestyle and metabolic factors. Although there is no established timeline for a true definition of constipation, most medical journals define it as a lack of bowel movement for 48-92 hours. Our providers will investigate and treat your version of what’s going on, as it can be multifactorial from diet, to low metabolism, to even stress.