Gastroenterology refers to a type of medical specialty focusing specifically on the diagnosis & treatment of disorders/issues associated with the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. A gastroenterologist, like Dr. Anubha Sinha, of Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists, can help identify and customize a treatment plan for a variety of digestive issues from our two locations in Flemington and Hillsborough, NJ.
Common Gastrointestinal Conditions
Gastroenterologists are trained to manage a wide variety of chronic & acute disorders and diseases impacting the digestive system. In addition to treating common conditions – like constipation, diarrhea, and the stomach flu, a GI specialist will also have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to treat -
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is described as the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus. The result of this regurgitation causes difficulty swallowing and irritating symptoms like heartburn, etc.
Gastritis
Gastritis refers to a condition in which the stomach lining becomes inflamed for various reasons that may include –
- An infection (i.e., Helicobacter pylori).
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Long-term use of specific meds.
- Autoimmune disorders, etc.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional GI disorder that results in bloating, stomach pain, and changes to bowel habits.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD refers to chronic GI inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). The inflammation of the GI tract can cause symptoms that include weight loss, stomach pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Peptic Ulcers
When the stomach lining, esophagus, or upper small intestine has an open sore, it is known as a peptic ulcer. These ulcers develop over time due to erosion that can be caused by acid in the stomach. A peptic ulcer causes bloating, bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Gallstones
Gallstones, which refer to hard deposits within your gallbladder, have the potential to cause discomfort and pain – significantly when someone afflicted eats excessively fatty foods.
Celiac Disease
This autoimmune disorder, which causes various GI symptoms, is triggered when someone who is vulnerable ingests gluten – a specific type of protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Diverticular Disease
This involves the formation of small pockets along the colon's lining, which, when infected or inflamed, causes diverticulitis.
Lactose Intolerance
This condition happens when the body lacks a specific enzyme – lactase, which is required to properly digest the lactose (i.e., sugar) found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance can lead to GI distress and a host of uncomfortable symptoms.
Contact a Leading Gastroenterologist with Two Locations - Flemington and Hillsborough, NJ
If you or someone you love/know needs help managing a gastrointestinal condition, contact Dr. Sinha or a member of our Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists' professional staff at (908) 788-8200 or online.