Are you experiencing pain or difficulty swallowing along with heartburn, chest pains, and acid reflux? If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, even after taking antacids, you may have esophagitis. Esophagitis happens when your esophagus is inflamed. You need to control esophagitis early on to prevent it from developing into more severe conditions like Barrett’s esophagus. In this article, you’ll find the best strategies you can take to cope with esophagitis. Limit Intake of ... [Read More]
Austin Gastroenterology
Consequences of Chronic Constipation
If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, frequent difficulty starting a bowel movement, or pain while passing stool, you may be suffering from chronic constipation. The good news is that constipation itself is rarely associated with a serious medical condition. However, if left untreated, chronic constipation can lead to more serious medical consequences. Let’s talk about what can happen if you have chronic constipation, and where you can go in Austin for a medical evaluation ... [Read More]
Treatments for Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious but vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact or sharing of needles. Symptoms of hepatitis B include abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and unexplained fatigue. The incubation period for hepatitis B is between 60 and 150 days, and many patients with the disease do not feel any of the symptoms unless it progresses. If ... [Read More]
Common Myths About Digestive Health
A key part of the human digestive system is the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is a large swath of many, many millions of nerve cells coating your esophagus all the way to your rectum. This is nicknamed the body’s “second brain” that works with, yet independently from, the central nervous system (CNS) – which comprises the brain and spinal cord. The process of digestion starts in the mouth, as saliva and the action of chewing begins to break down food. The enteric nervous system then ... [Read More]
Colonoscopy Prep: Austin Gastroenterology in Central Texas
What Is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive test that is used to discover abnormal growths and disease conditions in the anus, rectum, large intestine, or colon. Done on an outpatient basis, a colonoscopy is an effective tool in screening patients for a variety of GI problems, including colorectal cancer. This malignancy is the third most deadly form of cancer in the United States today according to the Centers for Disease Control. Why Do I Need a Colonoscopy? If you are age ... [Read More]
