If you have a sensitivity to gluten, you are not alone. It is estimated that 18 million Americans are affected, which is 6 times the amount of those with confirmed celiac disease. Although the causes and risk factors for gluten sensitivity are still not entirely known, there are a number of theories that suggest why gluten, and certain compounds found in grains, may trigger symptoms in some people. What Is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found naturally in grain plants such as wheat, barley, and ... [Read More]
Austin Gastroenterology
Facebook Live: COVID-19 & Immunosuppressants
COVID-19 & Immunosuppressants: Why it Might Be Dangerous for People with Autoimmune Conditions to Stop Taking Their Medications Join us on Wednesday, 4/22/20 at 12:00PM CST Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, Austin Gastroenterology has received a tremendous amount of calls from concerned patients asking if they should discontinue their immunosuppressant medications or infusion therapy. To help support patients with autoimmune conditions such as Inflammatory ... [Read More]
What Can a Colonoscopy Detect?
Undergoing a colonoscopy may seem daunting. Here at Austin Gastroenterology, we do our best to ensure that the process is smooth-sailing for you. A colonoscopy can help us detect and understand any problems in the large intestine as well as the rectum. While it may seem like an ordinary medical procedure, colonoscopy has the potential to save or prolong your life because of what it is capable of detecting. What Is A Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a way for us to gain insight into the possible ... [Read More]
Treatments for Hepatitis A
Your liver plays a vital role in your body, particularly in the digestion and processing of food. But sometimes, you can be exposed to a virus or bacterium that can cause inflammation of the liver – which is hepatitis. There are several different forms of hepatitis, and people can contract them in different ways. Hepatitis A, in particular, is a very contagious type of this disease, but it is also generally the most easily treatable. What Is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is caused by a virus. A ... [Read More]
How Is Pancreatitis Treated?
Behind the stomach and next to the small intestine is where the pancreas is located. It delivers insulin and glucagon, which like insulin assists the body in controlling how it processes food and energy. The pancreas also aids digestion by releasing enzymes into the small intestine. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed (“-itis” = “inflammation”). This often occurs when gallstones block the pancreas’ ability to release enzymes into the intestines. There are two types of ... [Read More]
