Gastroenterology at Avita
Avita provides expert gastroenterology and hepatology care for your digestive health. Our specialists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system, otherwise known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, epiglottis, rectum, and anus. In the simplest terms, the GI tract is the pathway that food takes through the body from mouth to anus.
Gastroenterologists often use non-surgical procedures, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, to examine the GI tract and diagnose problems. Some of the common conditions treated include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Ulcers
- Intestinal Polyps
- Lactose Intolerance
- Liver Disease
- Diverticulitis
- Pancreatitis
- Celiac Disease
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, please consider reaching out to your primary care provider or an Avita gastroenterologist. For emergency medical treatment, visit the nearest emergency department.
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- Frequent heartburn
- Chronic Gas
- Constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
Avita Heartburn and Reflux Clinic
Avita Heartburn and Reflux Center uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most advanced medical and surgical treatment options for acid reflux, its symptoms, and related disorders. From diagnostic screenings to minimally-invasive surgery, we can help you eliminate heartburn, your dependence on antacid medication and its potential side effects, as well as reduce your risk of developing GERD-induced esophageal cancer.
Acid Reflux
Another term for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows backward into the esophagus. This often causes heartburn, which is described as burning discomfort in the chest, neck, and throat that can last for several hours.
Heartburn
Heartburn is most common symptom of acid reflux, and more than 15 million Americans experience it each day. If your heartburn symptoms occur two or more times a week, you should seek medical advice. If left untreated, acid reflux may cause a serious complication, such as Barrett’s Esophagus.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Approximately 10% of people who have acid reflux are diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. It’s a condition primarily caused from long-term exposure to stomach acid in the esophagus that results in changes to the cells of the tissue, which creates an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Hiatal Hernia
A condition in which part of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm muscle, causing food and stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. This often results in heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food.
Antacids
Millions of Americans take antacids on a daily basis and could benefit from more permanent options, such as minimally-invasive surgery for acid reflux. At the Avita Heartburn and Reflux Center, you may be able to eliminate the side-effects of medication, as well as your dependence on it. This means you can stop taking the pills and regain control of your daily life.
