common disorders of the digestive system
We specialize in all aspects of adult disorders of the digestive system. The following list represents some common problems we encounter day to day.
If you need more information, please call our office at 617/ 527-6200 to schedule an appointment.
Achalasia
Swallowing difficulties caused by abnormalities of the esophagus.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s natural defenses attack healthy liver cells. It is a condition that can lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and eventually liver failure.
Barrett’s Esophagus
This is a precancerous condition caused by repetitive damage to the esophagus lining.
Celiac Disease
Gluten intolerance; Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. It may lead to malnutrition.
Cirrhosis
Scarring of the liver that occurs because of injury or long-term disease usually from alcohol, infection, chronic inflammation, or chronic bile duct obstruction.
Colon Polyps
Abnormal growth of the tissue in the large bowel (colon). There are different types of colon polyps and not all have the potential to turn into cancer.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements, hard to pass stools or straining during bowel movements that is troubling to the individual.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common problem for many people and presents as painless, watery bowel movements. You should contact your doctor if you have fever, bloody stools or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dark urine, rapid pulse.
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
A disorder associated with to the contractions of the esophagus. It can disrupt normal swallowing ability and present with sensation of choking, and chest discomfort.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Pouching through weak spots in the colon wall. The condition of having pouches is called diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia means "bad digestion" but is generally used as a label for persistent or recurring upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE)
Eosinophilic esophagitis is one of many types of esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). It is caused by an abnormal accumulation of a type of blood cells called eosinophils in the lining of the esophagus. Often individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis have allergies (asthma, allergic rhinitis, or urticaria and food sensitivity.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis refers to a delay in emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine.
Foodborne Illness
Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food during harvesting or processing.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
When the valve at the end of the esophagus is too relaxed stomach acid and food may back up into the esophagus. This causes irritation and inflammation leading to burning sensation.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of liver disease that occurs when blood flow bypasses the liver and enters into the circulation. This unfiltered blood carries high levels of ammonia which enters the brain and affects normal function, causing altered level of consciousness and changes in personality/behavior.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection. Transmission of the virus occurs through contaminated blood.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when the top portion of the stomach pushes through a weakened opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus joins the stomach..
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that includes Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a condition associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel function, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating pattern of constipation and diarrhea.
Lactose and Fructose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk and dairy products. Fructose intolerance occurs when the body cannot readily digest fructose.
Microscopic Colitis
Microscopic colitis includes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. It is characterized by chronic diarrhea caused by inflammation in the colon.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
PSC is a chronic disease that damages the bile ducts of the liver.
Wilson's Disease
Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes excess copper accumulation in the body.
If you need more information, please call our office at 617/ 527-6200 to schedule an appointment.
Achalasia
Swallowing difficulties caused by abnormalities of the esophagus.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s natural defenses attack healthy liver cells. It is a condition that can lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and eventually liver failure.
Barrett’s Esophagus
This is a precancerous condition caused by repetitive damage to the esophagus lining.
Celiac Disease
Gluten intolerance; Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. It may lead to malnutrition.
Cirrhosis
Scarring of the liver that occurs because of injury or long-term disease usually from alcohol, infection, chronic inflammation, or chronic bile duct obstruction.
Colon Polyps
Abnormal growth of the tissue in the large bowel (colon). There are different types of colon polyps and not all have the potential to turn into cancer.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements, hard to pass stools or straining during bowel movements that is troubling to the individual.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common problem for many people and presents as painless, watery bowel movements. You should contact your doctor if you have fever, bloody stools or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dark urine, rapid pulse.
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
A disorder associated with to the contractions of the esophagus. It can disrupt normal swallowing ability and present with sensation of choking, and chest discomfort.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Pouching through weak spots in the colon wall. The condition of having pouches is called diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia means "bad digestion" but is generally used as a label for persistent or recurring upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE)
Eosinophilic esophagitis is one of many types of esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). It is caused by an abnormal accumulation of a type of blood cells called eosinophils in the lining of the esophagus. Often individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis have allergies (asthma, allergic rhinitis, or urticaria and food sensitivity.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis refers to a delay in emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine.
Foodborne Illness
Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food during harvesting or processing.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
When the valve at the end of the esophagus is too relaxed stomach acid and food may back up into the esophagus. This causes irritation and inflammation leading to burning sensation.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of liver disease that occurs when blood flow bypasses the liver and enters into the circulation. This unfiltered blood carries high levels of ammonia which enters the brain and affects normal function, causing altered level of consciousness and changes in personality/behavior.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection. Transmission of the virus occurs through contaminated blood.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when the top portion of the stomach pushes through a weakened opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus joins the stomach..
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that includes Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a condition associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel function, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating pattern of constipation and diarrhea.
Lactose and Fructose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk and dairy products. Fructose intolerance occurs when the body cannot readily digest fructose.
Microscopic Colitis
Microscopic colitis includes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. It is characterized by chronic diarrhea caused by inflammation in the colon.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
PSC is a chronic disease that damages the bile ducts of the liver.
Wilson's Disease
Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes excess copper accumulation in the body.
As always, if you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, and you are not able to reach our office at 617-527-6200 please dial 9-1-1 or go to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital or your local emergency room.
Privacy Notice:
We are HIPPA compliant and any information provided by you will not be shared with any third party without your consent.
Privacy Notice:
We are HIPPA compliant and any information provided by you will not be shared with any third party without your consent.