SERVICES

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

When you or someone you love is struggling with gastrointestinal symptoms, it may not be the easiest to discuss, but help is available. The skilled gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Center have the knowledge to assist you and the compassion to make you feel at ease while discussing your GI concerns. With state-of-the-art services and unparalleled care, we are proud to assist patients throughout Ocean Springs, MS in diagnosing, treating, and managing various GI conditions such as GERD, dysphagia, acid reflux, and Crohn’s disease. Our digestive health specialists are expertly trained to perform routine procedures such as colonoscopies, hemorrhoid banding, liver biopsies, and sphincterotomies. If you find yourself struggling with bothersome GI symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, we encourage you to contact Digestive Health Center to connect with one of our GI specialists who are well-equipped to handle your GI concerns and aid you in your journey to gastrointestinal wellness.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain manifests as general discomfort or localized pain between the pelvis and chest and, when severe, could mean more serious GI issues.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Anal or rectal bleeding is a GI symptom that occurs when blood emerges from the rectum due to GI conditions such as an anal ulcer or hemorrhoids.

Bloating

Bloating is a symptom of various GI issues or overeating that results in fluid retention in the abdomen or the accumulation of gas in the GI tract.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool is a GI symptom that requires evaluation as it is indicative of bleeding occurring somewhere within the gastrointestinal tract.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence is the inability to manage bowel movements, ranging from a complete loss of control to irregular stool leakage while passing gas.

Constipation

Constipation is a common symptom that occurs when stool becomes excessively dry or hard, which makes moving it through the digestive tract difficult.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom of various GI conditions that presents as loose, watery stools occurring more than three times within a 24-hour period.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing can indicate various issues and is described as the strenuous movement of foods and liquids from the esophagus to the stomach.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a GI symptom that presents as a painful burning sensation in the chest that often intensifies after bending over, lying down, or eating.

Indigestion

Indigestion is described as discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling of fullness following a meal.

Nausea

Nausea is a symptom attributed to various GI conditions and illnesses that manifests as an uneasy feeling in the stomach and the urge to throw up.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexplained weight loss or gain is defined as a significant change to one’s weight by either gaining or losing without trying to make any changes.

Vomiting

Vomiting may occur when your body feels threatened due to something ingested, causing your stomach to contract and forcefully expel its contents.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes causes a yellowish hue to form on the whites of the eyes and the skin as a result of an excessive amount of bilirubin.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a GI condition where acid reverses back into the esophagus, causing painful heartburn due to the LES's failure to close completely.

Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are small tears occurring in the tissue lining the anus, which may cause symptoms like discomfort with bowel movements or bloody stools.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Anemia is often caused by iron deficiency and occurs when the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry ample levels of oxygen throughout.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a GERD-related condition characterized by the normal tissue in the esophagus changing to mirror tissue from the GI tract.

Biliary Obstruction

A biliary obstruction, or bile duct obstruction, occurs when a bile duct becomes blocked, and bile cannot move freely through the biliary system.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the large intestines, stems from an infection of the bacterium clostridioides difficile.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, a genetically inherited autoimmune disease, causes digestive issues that are triggered when the body ingests items containing gluten.

Colitis

Colitis, which may be caused by sources like IBD and Crohn’s disease, is described as the general inflammation of the lining of the large intestine.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are harmless clumps of cells found in the lining of the colon or rectum; however, if left untreated, they can become cancerous.

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is unique in that it can be preventable when caught early on, which is why tests like colon cancer screenings are vital.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease, a type of IBD that generally targets the small bowel and colon, can be improved through diet and proper treatment from a GI provider.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CVS, is a GI condition with no known cause that manifests as sudden, repeated attacks of severe nausea and vomiting.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a GI complication that can occur when the diverticula pouches that have formed with diverticulosis become inflamed and infected.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches or sacs form on the interior of the intestines and push outward through the weakened lining of the colon.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is an inability to swallow or ingest foods or liquids easily due to various causes, such as muscle spasms or internal structural issues.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory disease where the esophagus becomes inflamed and swollen due to an accumulation of eosinophil cells.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder occurs when the esophagus cannot effectively move items into the stomach due to the muscles not contracting correctly.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is the general term used to describe the inflammation of one’s esophagus. Various factors or conditions can cause esophagitis to occur.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease occurs when fat gathers in the liver cells causing inflammation, which can lead to scarring, possible cirrhosis, or liver failure.

Fistula

A fistula is a connection that occurs between two hollow organs within the body, which can form due to disease, injury, or may be medically induced.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance occurs when certain foods trigger GI symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting because they cannot be broken down and digested properly.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease describes the various conditions that can affect the gallbladder, including biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, and gallstones.

Gastritis

Gastritis is the general swelling, irritation, and wearing away of the stomach lining, which can elevate one's risk for stomach ulcers and cancer.

GERD

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a term to describe acid reflux that occurs multiple times per week, often accompanied by heartburn symptoms.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria in the stomach that can cause ulcers damaging the lining of the stomach and potentially leading to stomach cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a GI condition where veins near the lower rectum or anus have become irritated and bulge, often causing discomfort and bleeding.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the swelling or inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis virus comes in various forms, with hepatitis A, B, and C as the most well-known.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias can cause issues such as heartburn and acid reflux and occur when the upper portion of the stomach presses up and enters the diaphragm.

Ileitis

Iletis is a condition often caused by Crohn’s disease that presents as the inflammation or swelling in the last section of the ileum, or small bowel.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel, or intestinal obstruction, occurs when a blockage occurs in the GI tract that will not allow gas or fecal matter to pass as needed.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a term used to describe swelling in the digestive tract. IBD is a disease that needs management through a GI provider.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that can be managed with proper treatment.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to develop a yellowish hue due to a buildup of excessive amounts of bilirubin.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to be able to break down the lactose found in certain items.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis describes a condition where the liver is inflamed and scarred, most often caused by late-stage liver failure or chronic alcoholism.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a more severe version of NAFLD characterized by fat accumulation on the liver combined with liver inflammation.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed and unable to function adequately. Causes may include issues like infection, trauma, or gallstones.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are a common GI condition presenting as open sores within the upper small intestine or stomach causing discomfort, bleeding, and pain.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis is a rare, chronic liver condition that can destroy the intrahepatic bile ducts and lead to severe liver complications.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, is a chronic condition where the liver's internal and external ducts become inflamed, scarred, and restricted.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in your GI tract, targeting the colon's inner lining.

GI Procedures

Anorectal Manometry

An anorectal manometry tests the reflexes and strength of the muscles needed to expel a regular bowel movement for those struggling with bowel issues.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy uses argon gas to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as dysphagia, mucosal lesions, or strictures by emitting beams of light.

Capsule Endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy is a test where a pill with a camera is ingested to capture images of the small bowel to identify the cause of bleeding or anemia.

Chronic Care Management

Chronic care management (CCM) can help patients with at least two chronic conditions get the ongoing care needed for improved health and wellness.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings should be performed starting at the age of 45 or for anyone at an elevated risk as they can detect and prevent colon cancer.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic test used to explore the colon's interior to diagnose intestinal symptoms and conditions and test for cancer and tumors.

EGD

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is an endoscopic exam used to view the small intestine and diagnose GI symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection is a nonsurgical procedure that allows for the removal of tumors or growths located beneath the gastrointestinal lining.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a thin scope is placed into the mouth and advanced to the jejunum to diagnose various GI symptoms.

ERCP

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a diagnostic test used to identify issues with the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a therapeutic procedure to dilate a constricted section of the esophagus to alleviate the symptoms accompanying a stricture.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry, or a motility study, is an examination done to test how well the esophagus contracts in order to diagnose swallowing disorders.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

Feeding tube insertion is a treatment where a tube is placed directly into one’s stomach to allow the delivery of liquids, nutrients, and medications.

FibroScan®

A FibroScan is an ultrasound-based exam that allows your provider to noninvasively examine the liver and measure the fibrosis and steatosis within it.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure where a scope is advanced into the lower third of the large intestine to identify any abnormalities.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding is a nonsurgical method of removing hemorrhoids by placing a rubber band around the base to cut off the blood flow to the area.

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating digestive health conditions in children ages 0 – 18.

Sphincterotomy

A lateral internal sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure to treat a tear in the lining of the anus when other methods of treatment have not worked.