Chronic or persistent symptoms such as heartburn, constipation, or abdominal discomfort are signs of a possible digestive disorder. Gastroenterologists have the skills and expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues affecting the digestive system. If you are experiencing digestive problems, the skilled gastroenterologists at Houston Digestive Diseases Consultants in Houston, TX, can perform diagnostic tests and screenings to identify the problem and develop a custom treatment plan for you.

Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms

Occasional bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or other related symptoms that go away after a short period and can be treated with over-the-counter medications are often due to over-eating or an acute illness, such as the stomach flu. However, when such symptoms are persistent or occur regularly, that could be an indication of a digestive or gastrointestinal disorder.

Some of the gastrointestinal conditions diagnosed and treated by the experienced gastroenterologists at our offices in Houston, TX, include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Colorectal cancer
• Celiac disease
• Diverticulitis

Gastrointestinal disorders can be associated with various symptoms that flare up periodically. For many conditions, symptoms can be managed with the right treatment so it is important to see a gastroenterologist. Some common symptoms of different gastrointestinal and digestive disorders include:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Incomplete bowel movements
• Rectal bleeding
• Bloody stools

Diagnostic Tests and Screenings

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal and digestive issues. They perform various diagnostic tests and screenings to identify the exact problem, and then develop an appropriate treatment plan to correct the condition or manage symptoms.

Diagnostic tests and screenings make it possible for the doctor to more closely examine a specific area of the gastrointestinal system, such as the colon. Many tests or screenings are performed using a special tool called an endoscope, which enables the gastroenterologist to examine internal areas (like the intestines) without invasive surgery. The endoscope can also be used to extract tissue samples, such as polyps, that can be biopsied to test for cancer.

Examples of some of the different screening tests that might be performed when diagnosing a gastrointestinal condition or digestive disorder include:

• Colonoscopy
• Capsule endoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Upper endoscopy (EGD)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Esophageal Manometry
• Anorectal manometry
• Pancreatoscopy

Chronic or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms could be an indication of a digestive disorder. Gastroenterologists have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to accurately diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan. To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call Houston Digestive Diseases Consultants in Houston, TX, at (713) 777-2555, in Smith Tower at (713) 796-8627, or at the Memorial Hermann Greater Heights location by calling (713) 880-8707.