TOPICS

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

At Denver Digestive Health Specialists, we use safe techniques and cutting-edge technology to offer quality GI treatments for patients throughout Denver, CO. We address common GI symptoms like diarrhea and heartburn. We are experienced in treating GI conditions ranging from acid reflux to fatty liver disease. We also specialize in various GI procedures like argon laser therapy, colonoscopies, and hemorrhoid banding. Learn more about the services we can offer by browsing our complete list below.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain could have several causes and should be evaluated by a GI specialist, particularly if you also have back pain, bloody stool, or fever.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Anal bleeding usually presents as blood in the toilet, blood in the stool, or blood on toilet paper, and could indicate one of many issues.

Bloating

Bloating is due to the buildup of gas in the GI tract and could be caused by certain foods, difficulty passing stool, swallowing air, and more.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool may be nothing serious, but it could be a sign of a more pressing concern such as hemorrhoids, colon cancer, an anal tear, or more.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence can be a frustrating condition and take away your freedom to live life to the fullest; however, help is available in Denver, CO.

Constipation

Occasional constipation is normal; frequent constipation is not and should be evaluated by a GI specialist so you can find the relief you deserve.

Diarrhea

While diarrhea can be normal if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by a fever, dark urine, intense pain, or more, you should reach out for help.

Difficulty Swallowing

Dysphagia, commonly known as difficulty swallowing, can affect individuals of any age and should be addressed right away as it can become serious.

Heartburn

Many people experience heartburn after eating spicy food or something else; however, chronic heartburn can be addressed so you can find relief.

Indigestion

Indigestion can cause a great deal of discomfort in the upper abdominal region and can make carrying out daily tasks hard; help is available, though.

Nausea

Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the abdomen that is often caused as a result of a foodborne illness, a bacterial or viral infection, or another factor.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unintentional weight loss or gain might seem like no big deal; however, a change in your weight without trying could be an indication of a GI issue.

Vomiting

Vomiting is typically associated with food poisoning, sickness, or something else; persistent vomiting, however, should receive prompt GI care.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes is often linked to liver disease. It may be a symptom of an infection, cirrhosis, gallstones, liver cancer, and more.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

When the LES allows a portion of stomach acid to reverse up into the esophagus, it can lead to acid reflux, or what's commonly known as "heartburn."

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is when the thin tissue that serves as the lining of the anus, referred to as mucosa, is torn, often during a large bowel movement.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

A lack of enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body is anemia; iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is insufficient iron in the body

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a result of GERD and occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus becomes more like the tissue that lines your intestines.

Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction occurs when a duct, aiding in digestion, becomes blocked and obstructs bile from moving through the liver to the small intestine.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis occurs when a bacterium (passed through food, contact, or air) invades the body and causes swelling of the intestines.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease causes an autoimmune response when eating foods with gluten, like bread and pasta, and may cause damage to the small bowel and more.

Colitis

Colitis is the swelling of the inner lining of the large bowel and comes in various forms, like microscopic, infectious, and ulcerative colitis.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are a mass of cells on the lining of the rectum or colon and should be treated right away as they can lead to cancer.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a serious yet often preventable gastrointestinal disease that commonly arises from polyps found in the colon (large intestine).

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an IBD condition affecting any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, and may cause severe pain and irritation.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) can cause incessant vomiting and result from a range of GI issues related to illness, stress, food, and more.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when a person experiences infection or swelling in the small sacs that form in the lining of the intestine with diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when tiny pouches in the intestine protrude through the colon's outer wall. It can become diverticulitis if left untreated.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the inability to swallow or difficulty swallowing and can be caused by nerve damage, inflammation in the esophagus, a blockage, and more.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

EoE is an inflammatory disease that occurs when white blood cells called eosinophils accumulate in the esophageal lining and cause swelling.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder happens when the esophagus fails to contract, causing an inability to deliver food and liquid to your stomach.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis describes inflammation present in the esophagus. It can be caused by acid buildup, infections, certain medications, or allergies.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease happens when fat forms in the liver cells. It can cause hepatitis, which can advance to scarring and irreparable damage.

Fistula

Fistulas result from unnatural tunnels forming between two hollow organs in the body. They happen because of disease, inflammation, or injury.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is trouble with breaking down certain foods. It can happen gradually and cause irritation, bloating, lack of energy, and diarrhea.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease describes various issues and diseases that negatively impact the gallbladder. They include gallstones, cholecystitis, and more.

Gastritis

Gastritis describes inflammation, irritation, and withering away of the stomach lining. It can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is characterized by persistent acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels back into the esophagus.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria in the stomach that negatively impacts your digestive system. It can lead to stomach ulcers and cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins around the lower rectum or anus that can be internal or external. They cause extreme discomfort and irritation.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a type of viral infection that causes liver swelling and inflammation. The virus is split into subtypes A, B, and C.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when the top section of the stomach presses up into the hiatus (tiny opening in the diaphragm) and into the chest.

Ileitis

Ileitis is a GI problem that causes irritation and inflammation of the ileum. The part of the small intestine that joins the large intestine.

Impacted Bowel

Impacted bowel (fecal impaction) describes the inability to pass stool or let out gas. It can cause abdominal pain and stomach bloating.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by inflammation in the GI tract. The most common forms are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that causes irritation in the GI tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Jaundice

Jaundice is when the whites of the eyes and the skin turn a yellow hue. It's a result of liver issues, gallstones, bladder inflammation, and more.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance refers to the inability to break down lactose. When ingested, it causes symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis causes the liver to become inflamed and scarred. As scar tissue develops, the essential function of the liver begins to diminish.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis describes a buildup of fat and inflammation of the liver. It can harm liver function when left untreated.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis describes the inflammation of the pancreas. It prevents digestive enzymes and hormones from releasing, disturbing the GI tract.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores or ulcerations in the stomach or upper small intestine. The ulcers cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, rare autoimmune condition impacting the liver ducts. It gradually harms the bile ducts over time.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a liver condition causing irritation, scarring, narrowing, and damage to the liver ducts.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting your large intestine that causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcerations.

GI Procedures

Anorectal Manometry

Anorectal manometry is an exam that evaluates the response and strength of the muscles needed to perform a regular bowel movement.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy is a light-emitting device. It absorbs specific pigments and helps to heal GI problems like hemorrhages, dysphagia, and strictures

Capsule Endoscopy

For capsule endoscopy, a pill with a camera on the end is ingested. It takes pictures of the small bowel or intestine to help address GI symptoms.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings are processes that evaluate the inside wall of the rectum to search for polyps or cancerous growths so they can be removed.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an exam where a scope with a camera is inserted into the rectum. It examines the entire colon to address GI symptoms and cancer.

EGD

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy examines the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine to check for abnormalities.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure allowing for the extraction of tumors present just beneath the gastrointestinal (GI) lining.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. It is utilized to address GI issues such as abdominal pain, bleeding, and more.

ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and more to check for GI issues.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is the process of stretching out (or dilating) a tightened or narrowed region of the esophagus to assist with swallowing.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry tests evaluate the contractile and relaxation function of the esophagus to help identify issues in the throat.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

Feeding tube insertion helps medication, fluids, and nutrition pass directly into the stomach when there’s trouble swallowing or consuming nutrition.

FibroScan®

FibroScan is a noninvasive ultrasound test (transient elastography) that measures the state of fibrosis or steatosis present in the liver.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic exam where a scope is inserted into the rectum to examine the colon and address troubling GI symptoms.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation) cuts off the hemorrhoid's blood supply at the base, causing it to wither away and drop off.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

IV therapy administers medication or fluids directly into the vein. It is utilized when oral or pill medications are insufficient or unavailable.

Sphincterotomy

A sphincterotomy fixes anal fissures (small tears) in the anus. The anal sphincter is stretched to release tension, allowing the fissure to heal.