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Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

The GI providers at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates regularly treat a variety of gastrointestinal issues, like Barrett's esophagus, unexplained weight loss or gain, or GERD, with state-of-the-art technologies and innovative treatment options. Our practices in San Antonio, TX are all equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to aid our gastrointestinal specialists in diagnosing GI symptoms like heartburn, vomiting, or anal bleeding. To help maintain and protect your GI health, we offer GI procedures like a colonoscopy, CT scans, or a capsule endoscopy. Please take some time to browse the below list of symptoms, conditions, and procedures to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal digestive health.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is any form of discomfort located between the chest and the pelvis that can be caused by a wide variety of different conditions.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Anal bleeding is any bright or dark red blood that passes through the rectum and is typically noticed in poop, on toilet paper, or in the toilet.

Bloating

Bloating occurs from the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract or fluid retention, which can produce a feeling of tightness in the stomach.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence (fecal incontinence) happens when you’re unable to control bowel movements, ranging from complete loss to irregular leaking.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool means you are bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract, like the rectum or colon, and it is treated in San Antonio, TX.

Constipation

Constipation is when stool in the GI tract is too hard and dry to pass through the rectum, resulting in fewer than three bowel movements a week.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as having three or more bowel movements a day of loose, watery stools and can be a symptom of a more serious digestive issue.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing is when you have a challenging time moving food and liquids from your mouth, throat, or esophagus, to your stomach.

Heartburn

Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest that can worsen with various activities, such as eating, lying down, or bending over.

Indigestion

Indigestion is a sign of various conditions characterized by discomfort or pain along with a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating.

Nausea

Nausea is an unsettling feeling in your stomach that gives you the urge to vomit or throw up and can be caused by various illnesses or conditions.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexplained weight loss or gain could indicate the possibility of a severe illness or condition and should be investigated by a gastroenterologist.

Vomiting

Vomiting occurs when your body forcefully expels the contents of the stomach as a natural reaction to possible threats, such as viruses or poisons.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

The yellowing of the skin and eyes is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin. It is often found in newborns and may signify a more serious condition.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid getting into and irritating the esophagus, producing the burning sensation in the chest known as "heartburn."

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a tiny tear in the thin tissue lining of the anus, usually caused by passing a large, difficult stool during a bowel movement.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body to create red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to all major organs.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is when the tissue lining the esophagus changes to resemble the tissue lining the small intestine as a complication of GERD.

Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is when one of the ducts is blocked, preventing bile from being carried from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis, also known as clostridium difficile, is a bacteria that infects the body, causing irritation and inflammation in the colon.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that gets activated when gluten (protein in grains) is ingested, injuring your small bowel lining over time.

Colitis

Generally speaking, you may suffer from colitis if you have an inflamed GI tract. Our providers are experts at treating inflammation and expert care.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer often occurs around or after age 45; it can be detected or prevented early on, however, with procedures such as colon cancer screenings.

Colorectal Polyps

Colon polyps are unusual growths formed by a cluster of cells that develop on the lining of the colon or rectum and can become cancerous over time.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract from the anus to the mouth and lead to complications.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition that is characterized by sudden, repeated episodes of vomiting and severe nausea. CVS has no known cause.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a GI condition where small, infected sacs (diverticula) bulge through the outside lining of the intestine and become inflamed.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is what happens when balloon-like sacs in the intestine protrude through to the outside lining of the colon, causing stomach pain.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the difficulty or inability to swallow food or drink and also refers to the feeling of food being stuck in the neck or chest area.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory disease that causes the lining of the esophagus to swell due to the accumulation of eosinophil cells.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder is a condition where the esophagus cannot properly contract the muscles needed to deliver food and drinks to the stomach.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is a condition pertaining to the generalized inflammation of the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach, the esophagus.

Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease are conditions where fat accumulates in the liver, leading to liver failure if left untreated.

Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal tunnel between two organs. It is associated with symptoms like digestive discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance refers to the body's difficulties digesting certain foods. Symptoms of food tolerance may include diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is a broad term used to describe the conditions that can trouble your gallbladder, such as gallstones, cholecystitis, and others.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a group of conditions indicating stomach lining inflammation. It can cause pain, indigestion, bloating, and long-term digestive problems.

GERD

GERD is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs one or more times a week causing the symptom of heartburn, but relief is available in San Antonio, TX

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is a potentially serious condition that happens when the top of the stomach pushes through the hiatus and enters the chest cavity.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterial infection found in the stomach that can cause ulcers, pain, bloating, and even lead to stomach cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, occur when the veins in the rectum or anus become inflamed and swollen, causing pain, discomfort, and bleeding.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a condition that causes liver inflammation and commonly comes in types A, B, or C depending on the strain of virus an individual has.

Ileitis

Ileitis is inflammation of the last part of the small intestine and is often associated with Crohn’s disease. It causes diarrhea and weight loss.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel occurs when hardened stool blocks the colon or rectum. It can lead to severe GI symptoms and complications if it is not addressed.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease, also called IBD, is a collective term for the diseases that cause chronic swelling in the gastrointestinal tract.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that occurs because of dysfunction of the GI tract, but help is offered in San Antonio, TX.

Jaundice

Jaundice causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to develop a yellowish hue from abnormal bilirubin levels; there is usually an underlying cause.

Lactose Intolerance

For those who do not produce enough of the correct digestive enzymes, lactose intolerance can be a widespread issue that plagues a number of adults.

Liver Cirrhosis

If left untreated, liver cirrhosis can be a debilitating disease that affects your entire GI tract. Contact our office today for liver cirrhosis care.

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is inflammation and accumulated fat in the liver that results from the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can develop in acute or chronic form and is defined as inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large gland that helps digestion.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores or ulcerations that develop in the stomach or upper small intestine when the stomach lining is worn down by acid.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Patients who suffer from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) may expect a diagnosis through blood tests and obtain management treatment at our office.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) may be a precursor for liver cirrhosis. We can help with symptom management at one of our San Antonio locations.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes abdominal pain, swelling, and ulcerations within the inner lining of the colon.

GI Procedures

Anorectal Manometry

Anorectal manometry is an examination that evaluates the strength and function of the muscles that are used to produce a normal bowel movement.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy uses a device that delivers argon gas to treat GI symptoms, such as dysphagia, mucosal legions, hemorrhages, and strictures.

Capsule Endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a tiny camera that is placed inside of a pill, so pictures can be taken as it travels through the GI tract.

Chronic Care Management

Chronic care management (CCM) can help those with at least two chronic conditions get the care required for improved health and overall wellness.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy performed in San Antonio, TX uses a slender scope that is passed through the anus to examine the colon for abnormalities.

Colon Cancer Screening

A colon cancer screening can help prevent cancer from going undetected inside the colon or rectum by checking for polyps and cancerous tumors.

EGD

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an exam where a slim scope with a camera is used to examine the small intestine, stomach, and esophagus.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a treatment that expands a constricted esophagus and addresses symptoms that appear from the narrowing of the esophagus.

Esophageal Manometry

An esophageal manometry test uses a slim, flexible tube to evaluate the contractions in the esophagus if you are having pain or trouble swallowing.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

Feeding tube insertion (PEG) is a treatment where a tube is inserted into the stomach to provide nutrition, fluids, and medication.

FibroScan®

FibroScan is ultrasound technology that examines the condition and function of the liver by measuring the scarring and fatty changes within it.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is performed endoscopically and used to closely examine and identify any issues in the lower portion of the large intestines.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure offered in San Antonio, TX that places a rubber band at the base of a hemorrhoid to shrink and remove it.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

IV infusion therapy allows medications for certain GI conditions to be administered into the bloodstream if oral/pill medications aren't an option.

Sphincterotomy

When less invasive treatments are unsuccessful, a sphincterotomy is a procedure often used to treat anal fissures (a tear in the lining of the anus).