Gastroenterology Topics

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

Whether you're visiting for yourself, your child, or a loved one, gastrointestinal issues are never easy to deal with. That's why having the help of a trusted GI specialist can help make the process run a little smoother. At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, our Dallas, TX and surrounding area teams are proud to provide a variety of state-of-the-art GI services to help your GI tract function better. We offer diagnosis and treatments for common conditions such as acid reflux, Crohn's disease, GERD, hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, and more. Additionally, we perform common procedures such as colon cancer screenings, colonoscopies, hemorrhoid banding, and much more. Whether you're experiencing constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or something else, we urge you to contact our Dallas, TX network to help relieve your GI symptoms.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

There are many factors that can cause abdominal pain, but severe cases could indicate a more serious problem with your gastrointestinal health.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Bloody stool can be a sign of one of a number of GI issues, including colon cancer and more, which is why it's important to seek out help right away.

Bloating

Bloating is a feeling of discomfort caused by excess gas or fluids in the digestive tract, usually due to dietary habits or gastrointestinal problems.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool may show up as light or dark, but either way, it indicates bleeding in the digestive tract that should be examined by a specialist.

Constipation

Constipation is three or fewer bowel movements a week, and may indicate a need for dietary changes or could be a symptom of a gastrointestinal issue.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is loose, watery stool that happens three or more times a day and can be indicative of a larger gastrointestinal issue if persistent.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing is when moving foods or liquids from the mouth and throat, through the esophagus, and into the stomach becomes too difficult.

Heartburn

If you find yourself with a burning sensation after eating or difficulty swallowing, you may wish to pursue answers about heartburn treatment.

Indigestion

If you experience discomfort, bloating, loss of appetite, or feeling too full after normal amounts of food, look into scheduling an appointment today.

Nausea

If your feelings of nausea, or unrested/unsettled stomach, persist despite time, dietary change, and over-the-counter treatment, pursue treatment.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unintentional or inexplicable weight gain or loss, that happens without intention or change in other routines, should be given attention immediately.

Vomiting

Persistent vomiting may be your body's way of telling you a deeper issue is going on. Schedule your gastroenterology appointment if vomiting persists.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

People complain about the appearance of yellowing skin and eye whites, but there may be underlying causes that are important to catch early as well.

GI Conditions

Achalasia

Achalasia occurs when the esophagus becomes paralyzed, making it difficult or nearly impossible to swallow food, which could cause many issues.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is the burning sensation a person gets after eating, commonly called "heartburn," that is caused by acids getting into the esophagus.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a rip or cut in the tissue lining the anus, resulting in painful bowel movements and blood in the stool.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Anemia is a condition in which your blood lacks the healthy red cells needed to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen to the organs around the body.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a condition related to GERD in which the esophageal lining changes to more closely resemble the walls of the intestines.

Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is a blockage in the bile ducts that normally aid in the absorption of fats and breakdown of food in the digestive process.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis is a condition caused by the bacterium clostridioides difficile that causes inflammation or swelling in the large intestine.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the body after the consumption of gluten, a protein found in certain types of grain.

Colitis

Colitis is the inflammation of the lining of the large intestine. Colitis can be caused by a variety of sources including IBD and Crohn’s disease.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second most common general cancer found in men and women, but is also treatable and preventable with fast and effective treatment.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are a mass of cells on the lining of the colon or rectum that could become cancerous if left untreated during a colonoscopy.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can become extremely painful if left untreated.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

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

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a GI condition where an infection has set in within the tiny pouches that have formed through weak spots in the digestive tract.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a condition where small sacs or pouches are formed inside the intestine and bulge through the weak areas of the colon’s outer wall.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a condition that makes it difficult for an individual to eat or drink for a variety of reasons, including muscle spasms and more.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) plagues both adults and children, and is sometimes correlated with chest pain, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

There are many primary health concerns which may trigger disordered esophageal motility, such as pneumonia, anxiety, trouble swallowing, among others.

Esophagitis

Children and adults alike can suffer from inflammation of the esophagus, which is often a treatable phenomenon with our gastrointestinal experts.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition where fat bunches up in the liver and can cause irreparable damage and lead to liver failure if left untreated.

Bowel Incontinence

Fecal (bowel) incontinence is when a patient has difficulty controlling bowel movements, resulting in stool leakage before a bathroom is reached.

Fistula

Coming from a variety of different causes, fistulae that develop in the GI organs can negatively impact your health in a variety of debilitating ways.

Food Intolerance

It is important to work with your GI practitioner to distinguish food intolerances from allergies or indigestion, to address the root of the issue.

Gallbladder Disease

Digestive issues which go unnoticed may often be attributed to gallbladder issues, which can manifest in a variety of ways all impacting digestion.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a blanket term for any underlying cause that causes the lining of the stomach to inflame and interferes with digestion and absorption.

GERD

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is usually diagnosed in someone who gets acid reflux once or more a week—relief is available, however.

Helicobacter Pylori

H. pylori is a type of bacteria that, if it gets in the stomach, could cause ulcers and more, creating pain and irritation, or even lead to cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, while not often a serious health issue, can be irritating and make everyday tasks uncomfortable; treatment and relief is possible.

Hepatitis

If left untreated, hepatitis can cause liver cancer and liver failure; treatment is possible and vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when your gastrointestinal issues affect your hernia with prolonged inflammation. DHAT is here to help you get control again.

Ileitis

Often, but not always, a result of Crohn's disease, ileitis may cause discomfort in the forms of weight loss, chronic cramping, and frequent diarrhea.

Impacted Bowel

Bowel impactions are caused by various factors which range in terms of severity. Before progressing too far, contact our office to cure yours today.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease occurs when the GI tract is inflamed and can cause issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloody stool, mouth sores, and more.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS symptoms include stomach pain, cramps, nausea, constipation, and more; it can be treated, however, with diet and lifestyle changes and medication.

Jaundice

Some babies suffer from jaundice, which happens when the liver cannot properly process red blood cells, however, it is highly treatable with care.

Lactose Intolerance

Not to be confused with allergy, lactose intolerance refers to the body's inability to produce lactase, a key enzyme in properly breaking down dairy.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis, or hepatic cirrhosis, is when the liver becomes inflamed or scarred from issues such as late-stage liver disease or alcoholism.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is characterized by inflammation and built-up fat in the liver and could lead to cancer or liver failure if untreated.

Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts are sac-like pockets in the pancreas and can lead to back or abdominal pain, infection, bleeding, vomiting, and much more.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis develops when the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen and may cause symptoms like fever, abdominal pain , nausea, and more.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open wounds that form in the stomach or upper small intestine, resulting in pain, discomfort, nausea, and bleeding.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, rare, autoimmune disease that gradually damages the intrahepatic bile ducts found in your liver.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

(PSC) is a chronic liver condition that causes the bile ducts to become irritated, scarred, damaged, and constricted, ultimately leading to cirrhosis.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an IBD condition that creates inflammation and ulcerations in the large intestine that cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Zenker Diverticulum

A Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is a pouch that can form on the esophagus, trapping food particles and causing difficulty swallowing and speaking.

GI Procedures

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy utilizes argon gas-powered light beams to treat a range of symptoms like hemorrhages, strictures, dysphagia, and mucosal lesions.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings can help detect early signs of colon cancer so it can be effectively treated, and can even prevent it in some cases.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is often performed on individuals 45 years old (or earlier for those at higher risk) to provide a thorough check for colon cancer.

EGD

Upper GI endoscopies (or EGD) determine the reason for gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and more.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection is a nonsurgical procedure to remove abnormal tissues or tumors located below the intestinal lining in the GI tract.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a scope is inserted into your small intestines to examine and identify the cause of GI conditions.

ERCP

An ERCP is performed to examine the inner wall of the esophagus, stomach, and more and is performed to diagnose pancreatitis, stomach pain, and more.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is the process of expanding the esophagus to relieve symptoms from esophageal cancer, EoE, GERD, an inflamed esophagus, and more.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

Feeding Tube Insertion or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a tube providing nutrition, medication, or liquids directly into the stomach.

FibroScan®

FibroScan is an assessment that provides the ability to check the condition and function of the liver and make a diagnosis without entering the body.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a scope is used to examine and identify issues in the lower section of the large intestines.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding is a noninvasive way to get rid of one or a few hemorrhoids by banding the base, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and go away.

High-Res Anorectal Manometry

High-resolution anorectal manometry is performed to judge the strength of the anal sphincter, often for those with constipation or fecal incontinence.

High-Res Esophageal Manometry

High-resolution esophageal manometry tests assess the function of the esophagus when a person has severe GERD, chest pain, regurgitation, and more.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

Infusion therapy (or IV infusion) is the process of administering medications or fluids directly into the vein to help treat certain GI conditions.

Motility Testing

Wireless capsule motility testing is performed to identify the cause of GI issues such as nausea, constipation, and more by ingesting a SmartPill.

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of digestive disease and conditions in children ages 0 – 18.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) can be used to release pressure in the distal esophagus and act as a minimally invasive treatment for achalasia.

Sphincterotomy

If you experience persistent pain or bleeding when passing bowel movements, see one of our gastroenterologists for sphincterotomy treatment.

TIF® Procedure

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) helps individuals who have GERD, and doesn't include any incisions/implants and is minimally invasive.