Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus.
Occasional heartburn is common. When reflux happens often — roughly twice a week or more — or starts to affect sleep, swallowing or daily life, it is usually called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A gastroenterologist looks at the pattern of symptoms, may recommend lifestyle and medication changes, and sometimes uses an upper endoscopy to check the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
Common reasons people get checked
- Burning in the chest after meals
- Sour taste or regurgitation
- Trouble or pain when swallowing
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
The official site, digestiveaz.com, has a dedicated Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD page.
Colon Cancer Screening
Finding and removing precancerous polyps before they become a problem.
Colorectal cancer screening aims to find polyps or early cancer before symptoms appear. US guidelines generally recommend average-risk adults begin screening at age 45; people with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier.
Colonoscopy is the screening test that lets a physician both find and remove polyps in the same visit. Your own doctor is the right person to tell you when and how you should be screened.
The official site, digestiveaz.com, has a dedicated Colon Cancer Screening page.
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the rectum or anus — common, and usually treatable.
Hemorrhoids can cause itching, discomfort or bright red bleeding. Many cases improve with fiber, fluids and simple care, while persistent ones can be treated in the office.
Rectal bleeding should always be checked by a clinician, because other conditions can cause it too.
Common reasons people get checked
- Bright red blood on toilet paper
- Itching or irritation
- Swelling or a lump near the anus
The official site, digestiveaz.com, has a dedicated Hemorrhoids page.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virus.
Hepatitis means liver inflammation. Viral hepatitis (A, B and C) is the best-known cause, but alcohol, fatty liver disease, medications and autoimmune conditions can be responsible too.
Hepatology — the care of the liver — is one of the specialties listed by Digestive Health Specialists. Blood tests and imaging are typical starting points.
Common reasons people get checked
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Abnormal liver blood tests
The official site, digestiveaz.com, has a dedicated Hepatitis page.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — chronic inflammation of the gut.
IBD is an umbrella term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, long-term conditions in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed. It is different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Care usually involves diagnosis with colonoscopy and other tests, then ongoing management. The official site notes the physician practice offers infusion services, which some IBD treatments require.
Common reasons people get checked
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
The official site, digestiveaz.com, has a dedicated Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) page.
Stomach Cancer
Cancer that starts in the lining of the stomach.
Stomach (gastric) cancer often causes vague symptoms early on, which is why persistent indigestion or other warning signs deserve medical attention.
An upper endoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to look directly at the stomach lining and take small tissue samples (biopsies) if needed.
Common reasons people get checked
- Persistent indigestion
- Feeling full after small meals
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting or black stools
The official site, digestiveaz.com, has a dedicated Stomach Cancer page.