According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hepatitis A cases in the United States has increased significantly over the past few years, with 12,474 total cases reported in 2018 alone. The numbers could be higher – possibly closer to 24,900 cases – as there are people who have the disease but do not develop symptoms and therefore do not get properly diagnosed. In this blog, you’ll learn more about hepatitis A, specifically its symptoms as well as how it’s ... [Read More]
Gastroenterologist Austin TX
Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
If you are overweight, obese, or live a sedentary lifestyle, you are putting yourself at risk for many health problems. Your lifestyle can take a toll on your digestive health. If you find yourself experiencing pain in the upper right-hand corner of your abdomen, it could be due to gallstones. It is not only people who are overweight who have this problem. Pregnancy, diabetes, gallbladder disease, and liver cirrhosis can also put you at greater risk for gallstones. Let’s talk about ... [Read More]
Signs you need to visit a gastroenterologist
Gastrointestinal issues are hard to ignore. They almost always make themselves known, if not through pain, then through vomiting and issues with bowel movements. It is not always easy to determine where the pain is coming from, because there are many organs that make up the gastrointestinal system. For this, you need a specialist to determine what is causing your symptoms. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases of the digestive ... [Read More]
How Frequently Should a Colonoscopy be Performed?
A colonoscopy is a gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. The procedure entails doing a “prep,” which helps empty the bowels completely for accurate viewing. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a lighted, flexible instrument to view the rectum and colon, and check for abnormalities that may point to cancer. Precancerous polyps can also be removed during a colonoscopy. One of the most frequently asked questions about a colonoscopy is how often it should be performed, and the answer ... [Read More]
Pros and Cons of a High-Fiber Diet for Digestive Health
Fiber is a part of a healthy diet. Fiber refers to foods that cannot be broken down by the digestive system. As a result, it helps move food through the intestines and prevents constipation, which helps maintain digestive health. Examples of high fiber foods include apples, beans, broccoli, berries, avocado, pears, nuts, and whole grains. Balance is key when trying to incorporate fiber into your diet, and gradually increasing the amount of fiber in your diet is the way to go. How Much Fiber ... [Read More]