Unraveling Digestive Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment Secrets

The human digestive process is complex and occurs in the digestive tract. It involves the functioning of various organs and starts with the esophagus, which helps to carry food to the stomach. The various organs involved in the digestive process are the gallbladder, pancreas, and esophagus, which break down food and produce digestive juices that help digestion.

Digestion is performed for breaking down and transforming food into micronutrients, passing through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, from where it is circulated. Distress or inflammation in the digestive system results in discomfort in the mind and body.

The distress or discomfort in the digestive system leads to digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, colon polyps, diverticular disease, anal fistula, perianal abscesses, hemorrhoids, constipation, and anal fissures. These disorders encompass numerous ailments and may lead to deadly symptoms like bloating, bleeding, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, pain, and constipation.

Some patients with chronic digestive illnesses require extensive diagnostic evaluations and treatments. Virginia's reputed digestive disease center performs detailed assessments and treatment for all digestive ailments.

Here's a detail of the possible digestive disorders, their diagnosis, and possible treatment options.

Diagnosis of Digestive Disease Disorders

The GI doctor in Virginia Beach performs detailed diagnostic tests to diagnose a specific digestive illness. It includes lab tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging tests.

Some of the common diagnostic evaluations for digestive issues are:

1. Lab Tests

Fecal Occult Blood Test

This blood test checks the hidden blood or occult in the stool. It involves placing a small volume of stool on a special card. The stool is tested in the lab, and the reports are sent to expert gastroenterologists.

Stool Culture

The stool culture determines the presence of abnormal bacteria within the digestive tract, which may result in diarrhea or other issues. A small stool sample is gathered and sent to the la. If the test reveals the presence of abnormal bacteria, relevant treatment is practiced.

2. Imaging Tests

Colorectal Transit Study

This test examines the flow of food through the colon. The movement of markers through the colon is monitored with abdominal X-rays taken multiple times in 3-7 days.

Defecography

It is an X-ray of the anorectal region, which assesses the completeness of stool removal, evaluates rectal muscle contractions, and determines anorectal abnormalities. In the exam, the patient's rectum is filled with a soft paste with the smooth consistency like stool.

The radiologist studies the X-rays to identify anorectal issues while the patient empties the paste from the rectum.

Computed Tomography Scan

The CT scan refers to an imaging test that uses a computer and an X-ray to make detailed images of the body. The CT scan reveals details of the muscles, organs, fat, and bones. It is more detailed than usual X-rays.

Lower GI Series

This test examines the rectum, lower part of the small intestine, and big intestine. Barium enters the rectum, and an abdomen X-ray discloses obstructions, narrowed areas, and other issues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

It is a diagnostic test that uses a combination of radio frequencies and large magnets to create detailed images of structures and organs in the body. The machine uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of the body from the inside. It is a painless test that does not involve radiation exposure.

Radioisotope Gastric-Emptying Scan

In this test, the patient eats food with a radioisotope, a radioactive substance shown in a scan. It is small and safe and allows the radiologist to see the food within the stomach and how fast it leaves the stomach.

Treatment for Digestive Disease Disorders

To help patients get rid of chronic digestive issues, gastroenterology consultants in Virginia Beach perform some advanced procedures for treatment.

ESD – Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection is a procedure performed for removing malignant, premalignant, and benign tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. It is a less invasive and less expensive procedure performed under general anesthesia.
ERCP – Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is a method for diagnosing and curing specific pancreatic and biliary ductal systems issues. It combines the use of fluoroscopy and endoscopy.
Dietary Changes – Heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive disorders occur from an inappropriate diet. It is caused because of indigestion and makes you uncomfortable. It is best to avoid aerated drinks and oily foods. The doctors suggest taking alpha-galactosidase, lactase supplements, probiotics, and simethicone.
Acid Reduction Therapy – Peptic ulcers lead to stomach pain and internal bleeding, which may lead to a hole in the stomach wall. Antibiotic treatment for 10-14 days and acid reduction therapy can soothe the condition.
Laparoscopy – Bile salts and cholesterol result in gallstones, which may need gallbladder removal. It is done through laparoscopy without making numerous external incisions.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation – It is done in patients suffering from gastroparesis because of diabetes. In this technique, a device is the muscles and nerves of the lower stomach.

In this condition, the muscles and nerves are affected, which delays in emptying of food from the stomach to the small intestines. It occurs in people with diabetes or nervous disorders.

Islet Auto-Transplantation – Auto-Islet transplantation is performed after a total pancreatectomy involving the pancreas's removal. It is done to cure Chronic pancreatitis, a severe ailment that causes inflammation of the pancreas and permanent damage.
Medications – Being examined for a disorder, a gastroenterologist may prescribe medications to control symptoms like nausea to offer comfort and support rehydration. At the same time, the expert suggests avoiding things like grease, spices, dairy, and fried items, which can aggravate the digestive system.

It impairs the ability of the patient to digest food and create pancreatic hormones. During the procedure, the patient's cells are separated from the pancreas and put back when the patient responds to insulin.

Contact the Gastroenterology Associates of Tidewater to Get a Diagnosis and Treatment of Your Digestive Disorder

An experienced and qualified gastroenterology specialist can offer expert treatment advice for any digestive disorder. You may contact the gastroenterology specialists at the Gastroenterology Associates of Tidewater for a detailed assessment and precise treatment for this problem. We offer treatment in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. You can fix an appointment with our gastroenterologists today to get immediate assistance.