Topics

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

Uncomfortable or painful GI symptoms are not easy to deal with and often disrupt your day-to-day life. If you are experiencing GI symptoms for the first time or have been dealing with a GI condition and are struggling to manage it, trust the GI providers at Adult Gastroenterology Associates to help. Our providers frequently diagnose, treat, and manage numerous gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis, GERD, liver cirrhosis, and colon cancer in the Tulsa, OK community. Browse the GI symptoms and GI conditions we treat, as well as GI procedures that are often used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is often generalized as pain in your stomach; this could be a sign of a number of conditions and should be assessed by a GI provider.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Anal bleeding could be an indication of a more serious GI condition; request a consultation with a GI specialist to have your condition assessed.

Bloating

Bloating is caused by a buildup of gas in your digestive tract; understanding the cause of bloating will help you find relief from your symptoms.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in your stool indicates there is bleeding somewhere in your GI tract; it is important to see a GI specialist to identify the cause.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence occurs when you are unable to control your bowel movements; our GI providers can help you manage this to improve your lifestyle.

Constipation

Constipation is a GI symptom that occurs when you have three or fewer stools a week, usually caused by your stool being too hard to pass.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is described as frequent, watery or loose bowel movements; it is a common GI symptom, but could also be a sign of a more serious GI issue.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing is often a symptom of a larger issue; it is important to see a specialist to assess the cause of the issue and find a treatment.

Heartburn

Heartburn is described as the blistering feeling in your throat or chest and can be managed; chronic heartburn is often a sign of another condition.

Indigestion

Indigestion is the painful sensation in your upper abdomen and can be a sign of another GI issue; contact your GI specialists to assess the cause.

Nausea

Nausea is the sensation in your abdomen that makes you feel like you are going to throw up; it is often a symptom of an underlying GI issue.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unintentional weight loss or gain is usually a sign of a more serious problem; see a GI provider as soon as possible to assess the cause of this.

Vomiting

Vomiting is your body attempting to protect itself from a perceived threat; persistent vomiting is often a symptom of an underlying issue.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Yellowing of the eyes and skin is typically a sign of an ongoing condition and should be assessed by a GI specialist as soon as possible.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle between the esophagus and stomach is weak, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are small cuts in the thin tissue lining the anus; if you experience chronic anal fissures, contact a GI specialist for treatment.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Anemia occurs when there is a low level of red blood cells in your body, resulting in insufficient amounts of oxygen throughout your body.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is the damage to your esophagus caused by chronic GERD; if left untreated, this condition may result in a more invasive procedure.

Biliary Obstruction

When ducts that move bile from the liver to the gallbladder are blocked, a biliary obstruction occurs; they can cause severe damage if left untreated.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis occurs when C. difficile bacteria causes inflammation of the colon; if left untreated, it could cause a more severe condition.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease occurs when gluten enters the digestive system, activating an immune response; contact a GI specialist to help manage your symptoms.

Colitis

Colitis occurs when the tissue lining the digestive tract is inflamed; there are different forms of colitis that can cause different GI symptoms.

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer occurs when tumorous masses develop in the colon; this cancer can be prevented. See a GI specialist to learn more about prevention.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are benign growths that arise in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Though often harmless, these polyps can become cancerous.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease causes painful inflammation in your digestive tract, usually in the small intestine and colon; contact a GI provider to be assessed.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

CVS is described as cycles of persistent vomiting; if left untreated, CVS can cause severe damage to your body. Consult a GI specialist immediately.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs after diverticulosis; it is the infection or swelling of the small pouches caused by diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is when small pouches formed inside the intestine bulge outside the outer part of the intestine; seek a specialist for management.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the difficulty or inability to swallow food or liquid; there are different factors that can cause this. See a GI provider to be assessed.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

EoE occurs when certain white blood cells accumulate in the esophagus, causing inflammation; with the help of a GI provider, it can be managed.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder occurs when the musculature of the esophagus does not contract, making it difficult to swallow food or liquids.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is described as the inflammation of your esophagus that causes heartburn, pain in your chest, and other uncomfortable GI symptoms.

Fatty Liver Disease

FLD is a condition where fat builds up in your liver cells; if left untreated, more serious conditions like hepatitis or liver cirrhosis can develop.

Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal pathway between two organs; fistulae can affect your GI system in different ways and should be assessed by a specialist.

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when your body mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful and releases histamines to attack it, causing a reaction.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is the difficulty breaking down specific foods and is different from a food allergy; it commonly causes uncomfortable GI symptoms.

Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivity can cause GI symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating; your symptoms can be identified and managed by a GI specialist.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease refers to multiple conditions that negatively impact the gallbladder; seek help from a provider to have your symptoms assessed.

Gastritis

Gastritis is described as the swelling, irritation, or wearing away of the protective lining of your stomach; symptoms can include gas and vomiting.

GERD

GERD is a recurring condition where stomach acid enters your esophagus; it often presents as heartburn or other uncomfortable GI symptoms.

Gluten Sensitivity

You may have a gluten sensitivity if you experience symptoms like bloating, nausea, or fatigue after consuming gluten; seek help to manage symptoms.

Helicobacter Pylori

H. pylori is a bacteria found in your stomach that attacks your digestive system; if left untreated, it can cause ulcers and even stomach cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a common condition where veins near the lower rectum or anus become irritated and can result in multiple uncomfortable symptoms.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes swelling or inflammation of the liver; common variants include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when part of your stomach pushes through your diaphragm and into your esophagus; if left untreated, this can lead to GI issues.

Ileitis

Ileitis is the irritation or inflammation in the last part of the small bowel that meets the large intestine; seek a GI provider to be assessed.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel happens when a hardened stool blocks the function of your small or large intestine and causes symptoms like headache or nausea.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD describes the irritation in your digestive tract; if left untreated, IBD could develop into a more serious condition. Contact a GI provider today.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is described as the various lasting symptoms in your GI tract like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; symptoms can be managed by a GI specialist.

Jaundice

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin; it can be treated with the help of a GI provider.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not create enough lactase to break down lactose, causing uncomfortable GI symptoms like nausea and gas.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is the condition that occurs when the liver becomes inflamed and scarred; if left untreated, this condition could become fatal.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NASH is the inflammation and buildup of fat in your liver; if left untreated, this condition can cause serious health problems like liver failure.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is swollen and inflamed; this prohibits it from performing its primary functions and should be treated quickly.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the stomach or small intestine and cause pain and bleeding; see a GI specialist for treatment options.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

PBC is a rare liver condition that damages the bile ducts in your liver; it is a condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

PSC is a chronic liver condition that affects the bile ducts outside and inside the liver; if left untreated, serious health conditions could develop.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of IBD and creates uncomfortable swelling and ulcerations in your large intestine; symptoms can be managed with help.

GI Procedures

Capsule Endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy is a procedure where your GI provider will have you swallow a pill with a camera to capture a "movie" of the small intestine.

Chronic Care Management

Chronic care management is a medical team partnership for patients who have at least two chronic conditions and want health and wellness support.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings are important and recommended for anyone age 50 or older unless you are at higher risk due to your race or family history.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a vital procedure that is used to diagnose, treat, and prevent a number of diseases of the large intestine, like colon cancer.

EGD

An EGD may be performed to identify the cause of troublesome problems such as limited to heartburn, difficulty swallowing, intestinal pain, and more.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

An EMR is a minimally invasive procedure often used to remove tumors below the gastrointestinal lining without the need for an operation.

Endoscopic Ultrasound

An EUS is a procedure used to view your GI tract in detail, typically to diagnose a GI condition; it can also be used to examine other vital organs.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is often performed to identify the reason for gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, bleeding, or unusual x-ray results.

ERCP

ERCPs are performed to determine the cause of GI issues like pancreatitis, abnormal x-ray results, abdominal pain, odd liver test results, and more.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is performed to treat GI issues that come with the constricting of the esophagus, like GERD, cancer, and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

PEG is a GI procedure where a tube is inserted directly into your stomach to provide fluids, nutrition, and medication to your body.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure where a scope is placed in the rectum and moved throughout the lower part of the colon to analyze the lining.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid bandings is a procedure used to remove hemorrhoids by applying a rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid to block blood flow.

FibroScan®

FibroScan is an advanced ultrasound exam performed to detect liver stiffness and scarring. It can be used to monitor a variety of liver conditions.

H. Pylori Breath Test

An H. pylori breath test measures the carbon dioxide produced by the H. pylori bacteria in your stomach or small intestine.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

IV infusion describes the administration of medicines or fluids directly into your vein; this is often used when oral methods are not a viable option.

Lactose Breath Test

The hydrogen breath test measures the hydrogen levels found in your breath after consuming a specific sugar to monitor how your digestion is working.

Small Bowel Follow-Through

The small bowel follow-through is performed to diagnose conditions such as Crohn's disease, IBD, small intestinal cancer, and other conditions.