Summertime is headed in our direction which, for the majority of us, is just another reason to have fun in the sun with our treasured break time. Ahead of breaking out your beach towels or hopping on a plane to go on your next grand adventure, don't lose sight of how important it is to keep helpful habits that add a boost to your digestive health. With temperatures and exhaustion on the rise, your intestinal health is in danger of getting burned out. At Austin Gastroenterology, our ... [Read More]
Gastroenterology
How Is Hepatitis A Diagnosed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hepatitis A cases in the United States has increased significantly over the past few years, with 12,474 total cases reported in 2018 alone. The numbers could be higher – possibly closer to 24,900 cases – as there are people who have the disease but do not develop symptoms and therefore do not get properly diagnosed. In this blog, you’ll learn more about hepatitis A, specifically its symptoms as well as how it’s ... [Read More]
Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
If you are overweight, obese, or live a sedentary lifestyle, you are putting yourself at risk for many health problems. Your lifestyle can take a toll on your digestive health. If you find yourself experiencing pain in the upper right-hand corner of your abdomen, it could be due to gallstones. It is not only people who are overweight who have this problem. Pregnancy, diabetes, gallbladder disease, and liver cirrhosis can also put you at greater risk for gallstones. Let’s talk about ... [Read More]
What Kind of Doctor Is Best for a Colonoscopy?
The colon, which is the large intestine, is a key part of the digestive system. Its function is to remove water, salt, and nutrients from partially digested food, and to prepare waste for elimination. Your risk of developing colon issues increases with age, and it is now recommended that you have your first colonoscopy at age 45. If you have colon cancer or rectal cancer in your family (grandparent, parent, sibling, or child), then your doctor may recommend that you have your first ... [Read More]
Is My Heartburn Severe Enough to Require Treatment?
Heartburn literally feels like burning in your chest. The burning is a result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should seal itself to prevent this from happening, but for those who suffer from heartburn, it relaxes and allows acid reflux to develop. Almost every person at one point will experience heartburn symptoms, and it is usually due to something they consumed that triggered it. Spicy, acidic, fried, and fatty foods and caffeinated ... [Read More]
