Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia LLC
Gastroenterologists located in Macon, Gray, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville, GA
Diseases of the stomach can be uncomfortable and can significantly affect your quality of life. If you’re suffering from stomach pain or other symptoms, schedule a visit with Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia. Their team of medical experts in Macon, Georgia, works with you to diagnose and treat your stomach disease so that you can get back to living your life. Book your visit today by calling the office.
Diseases of the Stomach Q & A
What does the stomach do?
Your stomach is responsible for taking in food from your esophagus and breaking it down so that the small intestine can absorb the nutrients.
Your stomach breaks down your food with a combination of secretions collectively called gastric juices. Gastric juices are made up of incredibly potent ingredients, such as hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin.
In order to prevent auto-digestion from its own gastric juices, your stomach also produces mucus-like secretions that protect its inner walls. The balance struck between this mucus and your gastric juices is delicate, and when it’s thrown off, it can lead to painful symptoms.
What are some symptoms of stomach disease?
Diseases of the stomach can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Gas and bloating
Weight loss
Weight gain
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia. Their team of medical professionals can work with you to determine what is causing your stomach condition.
What are some common diseases of the stomach?
Some of the various diseases of the stomach include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
This is a chronic condition where stomach contents, including digestive juices, travel backward to your esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and coughing.
Gastric ulcer
A stomach ulcer is a painful sore in the lining of your stomach. An ulcer can develop if your stomach isn’t secreting enough mucus to protect itself from its digestive juices, which then eat away at your stomach tissue. Gastric ulcers are most frequently caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or an infection of H. pylori bacteria.
Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of your stomach that causes pain and nausea. It can be brought on by a variety of factors, including infection with H. pylori bacteria, certain medications, or alcohol.
How do you treat diseases of the stomach?
First, the team of experts at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia diagnose your stomach disease. They can do this with a variety of tests, including:
Upper endoscopy Capsule endoscopy (pill cam)CT scan
MRI
pH testing
Barium swallow
Gastric emptying study
Stomach biopsy
H. pylori test
Depending on your diagnostic results, stomach condition, and unique needs and preferences, your doctor might suggest any number of procedures to treat your stomach disease, such as:
Histamine (H2) blockers
Proton pump inhibitors
Antacids
Motility agents
Stomach surgery
Antibiotics
To learn more about how the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia can diagnose and treat your stomach disease, schedule a visit today by calling the office.