- Osteoporosis
- ArthritisA. The most common causes are medications such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen-based products), alcohol, smoking, stomach infections such as the Heliobacter pylori bacteria or loss of the protective layer of the stomach lining. Less common causes are eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances, bile reflux, autoimmune disorders (like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), excess stomach acid or viral infection.
- Medical Weight LossCeliac Sprue is a medical term that describes a condition found in individuals with an allergy to gluten, a dietary protein found in wheat, barley and rye. The allergic reaction causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine, which is the part of the body between the stomach and large intestines where nutrients are absorbed. As a result, many people with celiac sprue may develop signs of malabsorption because the bowel becomes inflamed and will not properly absorb nutrition. In this case certain complications may arise including iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, bone fractures, defects in dental enamel, infertility, miscarriages or menstrual irregularity, impaired blood clotting and recurrent sores in the mouth. Many patients with celiac sprue may also have diarrhea and weight loss.
- Nutritional CounselingMedical nutrition counseling services are offered as a way to help patients learn how to manage chronic GI illnesses and conditions.
- Primary CareCoordinate all required referrals with your primary care physician and submit to your AGA physician at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Emergency CareTelehealth appointments are available for both new and established patients, and they are great for non-urgent care, such as evaluation of digestive symptoms, management of medications, and follow-up visits.
- ColonoscopyColonoscopy is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases of the large intestine. As a result of the progress made in the field of fiber optics, colonoscopies are now considered a safe, relatively simple and highly effective diagnostic technique. Increased awareness of the value of early diagnosis has made the procedure part of many people’s comprehensive physical examination.
- Constipation
- Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – also known as spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis and nervous or functional bowel – occurs when the colon does not contract normally (that is, with smooth, rhythmic contractions). Instead, it seems to contract in a disorganized and sometimes violent manner. The contractions may last for prolonged periods of time. You may also experience abdominal discomfort or pain that moves around the abdomen rather than remaining localized in one area.
- DiarrheaFecal incontinence (or bowel incontinence) is the inability to control your bowel movements, causing stool to leak unexpectedly from the rectum at unwanted times. Normal continence requires the ability to sense the presence of stool in the rectum while being able to contain stool when a bowel movement is not warranted. Proper functioning of the rectum, anus, and nervous system all contribute to our ability to hold stool.
- ImmunizationsYou should also discuss vaccination against hepatitis viruses A and B with your physician in order to avoid further infection and additional complications.
- Pregnancy
- GastroenterologyFrom minor GI complaints to chronic digestive conditions, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates offers a wide range of services to our patients. In this section, you’ll find information on some of the more common services we offer.
- Kidney StonesA. Yes. Skin rashes, fistulas, liver inflammation, joint disease (like arthritis), eye inflammation, kidney stones and clotting problems can all result from its effect on other organs
- Colon CancerBlood loss anemia (iron deficiency) – May be caused by ulcers, colon cancer, less commonly broken blood vessels in the gut, or excessive menstrual flow.
- EndoscopyThe upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the site of many disorders, usually related to diet, environment and heredity. These disorders can develop into a variety of diseases or symptoms, which can be diagnosed with a procedure called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).
- Mental HealthA. Constipation is usually caused by not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water, lack of physical activity, or delaying going to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Stress, travel or other changes in your routine can also interfere with normal bowel function. Bowel diseases, like irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, certain medications, pregnancy, neurological diseases, mental health problems or conditions such as an underactive thyroid or cystic fibrosis, can also be contributing factors.
- Diabetes Care
- ThyroidA. Yes. Some adults may have a painful, itchy, gluten-sensitive skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis that causes raised red blotches on the elbows, knees and buttocks. Insulin dependent diabetes, liver enzyme abnormalities and thyroid disorders may also be associated with sprue. If the inflammation in the small intestine is not controlled, people with the allergy also have a greater risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, osteoporosis and intestinal malignancies. These risks can be reduced by avoiding all products containing gluten.
- UltrasoundAn EUS, or endoscopic ultrasound, is an outpatient procedure used to closely examine the tissues in the digestive tract. The procedure is done using a standard endoscope and a tiny ultrasound device. The ultrasound sensor sends back visual images of the digestive tract to a screen, allowing the physician to see deeper into the tissues and the organs beneath the surface of the intestines. An EUS allows the physician to get a much clearer view of an area, making this a very reliable test and preferable to more invasive procedures.
- MRIA. The capsule should pass through your body naturally in a bowel movement. If you can’t verify that the capsule has been excreted, it is common to have an abdominal X-ray to make sure. You should not undergo an MRI or get an MRI unless you are certain the capsule has passed.
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyThe disease can be identified by a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonscopy, both of which involve the insertion of a flexible tube into colon, allowing the physician to visually examine specific areas of the colon and collect samples of tissue. Barium enemas, CT scans, MRIs and X-rays of the abdomen are also commonly employed in the evaluation process.
- ChemotherapyA. In cases where surgery is an option, the cure rate is approximately 25 percent. When radiation or chemotherapy is used to treat a localized cancer, the cure rate is somewhat lower. If cancer has spread beyond the esophagus, it is usually not curable and treatment is directed primarily toward palliative care (efforts to alleviate symptoms and make the patient as comfortable as possible).
- Radiation TherapyA. If the cancer is localized in the esophagus, surgery to remove it is the preferred treatment. If you can’t tolerate surgery or if the disease has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used. In some cases, surgery is performed in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. At other times local therapy is performed using an endoscope and may include dilation of the esophagus, insertion of a plastic or metal tube or stent, or photodynamic therapy. These endoscopic procedures are often done to help relieve difficulties in swallowing.
- UlcerA. Depending on the cause, some cases of gastritis will resolve over time without treatment. For others, antacids or other medications are needed to decrease or neutralize stomach acid, eliminate symptoms and promote healing. You will need specialized treatment if you have a gastric ulcer.
- PsoriasisAGA provides infusion therapy to treat patients with autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. We also offer iron infusions to treat anemia to patients.
- Physical Therapy