Gastrointestinal Health Specialist

Apex Medical Center

Pain Management Physicians & Internists located in Las Vegas, NV

Maintaining optimal gastrointestinal health is critical to ensuring your body has the fuel it needs to thrive. Many different issues can negatively impact your digestive system. Fortunately, there are also numerous treatment options. By working with David Ezeanolue, M.D., C.I.M.E., Alafuro T. Oruene, M.D., or Blanche Y. Bonnick, M.D. at Apex Medical Center, Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, residents can determine the source of gastrointestinal discomfort and find lasting relief.

Gastrointestinal Health Q & A

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal disease?

Everyone experiences an occasional stomachache, and the discomfort usually passes over the course of a few hours. More persistent pain, however, could be a sign of a more serious condition.

The following symptoms should prompt a call to your doctor:

Persistent nausea or vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Unusual weight loss or gain
Bloody stool
Excessive bloating or constipation
Uncontrolled diarrhea

Some digestive issues worsen over time, which is why it’s important to seek medical care at the onset of symptoms.

What is GERD?

GERD stands for gastrointestinal reflux disease, a condition also known as acid reflux. The primary symptom is a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, which often happens at night or after meals.

Accompanying symptoms include nausea, chest pain, bad breath, tooth erosion, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. If these symptoms occur more than twice a week, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Approximately 20% of Americans suffer from GERD. There’s no need to allow this gastrointestinal issue to dictate the course of your day. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and, in some cases, surgery.

How is diet linked to gastrointestinal health?

The food you eat can have a significant impact on your gastrointestinal health. The human body evolved to process natural food items, and the food we eat today is often far-removed from its natural state.

As a result, many people experience gastrointestinal issues. The foods you eat can even worsen problems not caused by dietary factors.

Part of treating many gastrointestinal conditions involves making changes to your diet. One very effective method to determine if food is complicating your health issues is to adhere to a strict, limited diet of bland foods for a short period.

Once your system has adjusted, you can add foods back to your diet one at a time, evaluating how your body reacts. Doing so allows you to easily identify foods that trigger digestive issues and customize your diet to your needs.

If you’re suffering from ongoing digestive discomfort, call Apex Medical Center to schedule an appointment.

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