TOPICS

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

The providers at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates have decades of experience treating gastrointestinal conditions and liver disorders; from revolutionary treatments for Barrett’s esophagus to standard treatments for issues like colorectal polyps, constipation, and more. Our GI practice in Lubbock, TX is well-equipped to perform tests for GI issues like acid reflux, colitis, and difficulty swallowing. There’s also routine colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, breath testing, and upper endoscopy testing to help you monitor and safeguard your digestive health. Browse below to discover more about our services, and contact our providers to discuss how we may enhance your GI health.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

A common symptom of many GI illnesses, abdominal pain can describe any variety of discomfort manifesting in the body between the chest and pelvis.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is a symptom characterized by blood being discharged through the anus and can indicate a source of bleeding in your GI tract.

Bloating

Bloating is an uncomfortable, swollen feeling that occurs when you retain excess fluids or gas as a result of overeating or some GI disorders.

Blood in the Stool

Blood showing up in your stool indicates that there is bleeding somewhere in your GI tract that should be investigated by a gastroenterologist.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence refers to the inability to completely control one's bowel movements, with cases ranging from minor leaks to total loss of control.

Constipation

Constipation occurs when the stool in your large intestine dries and hardens, making it more difficult to comfortably pass out of your body.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the occurrence of loose, liquid bowel movements. While it's a common digestive symptom, severe cases could indicate a serious problem.

Difficulty Swallowing

Allergies, esophagitis, and muscle problems can all lead to difficulty swallowing, making it harder to get enough nutrition or take medicines orally.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a searing feeling in the chest, often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, that might happen after eating or when you lie down.

Indigestion

Indigestion refers to certain uncomfortable symptoms you might have after eating, including bloating, fullness, nausea, and/or burning in the abdomen.

Nausea

Nausea is the term for an unwell feeling in the stomach that might create an urge to vomit, with persistent or severe symptoms signaling a GI issue.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexplained weight loss or gain is a symptom in which your weight changes with no clear cause and may indicate a serious digestive health problem.

Vomiting

Vomiting is one of the body's defenses against toxins and other invasive threats, but severe or persistent vomiting may be a sign of a GI disorder.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes describes when your skin and the whites of your eyes exhibit a yellowish color, usually due to a disorder in the body.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when a muscle in the esophagus fails to shut properly, allowing acid to flow up and causing the painful symptom we call heartburn.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a small cut in the tissues surrounding the anus. Fissures can lead to uncomfortable bowel movements or blood in your stool.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Anemia, often caused by a lack of iron in the body, is a condition in which the blood cannot carry a sufficient amount of oxygen to parts of the body.

Barrett's Esophagus

A consequence of untreated GERD, Barrett's esophagus describes a change in the esophageal tissue to closely match the tissue of the small intestine.

Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction describes a clot or blockage inside the biliary system that hinders your body's ability to properly digest the foods you eat.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis is an inflammatory colon disease caused by a bacteria known as clostridium difficile, with symptoms ranging from minor to severe.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a disorder caused by a faulty immune system reaction to foods containing gluten, inflicting damage to the small intestine over time.

Colitis

Colitis is a disorder marked by inflammation of the colon's inner wall and often comes in two primary forms: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is an avoidable form of cancer if the proper preventive measures are taken. A GI specialist can help detect early signs of the disease.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are nonmalignant nodules that may grow inside the colon or rectum. Normally harmless, they can develop into colon cancer over time.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a GI condition that causes colon inflammation. There is no cure, but it can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cycling vomiting syndrome (CVS) causes sufferers to experience intense vomiting episodes that may last for hours before suddenly feeling fine again.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis, a potential follow-up condition of diverticulosis, occurs when pockets on the wall of the intestine become irritated or infected.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is recognizable by the development of small pouches that begin to push outward through the outside wall of the large intestine.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing food or liquids and can often stem from muscle issues or acid reflux scarring.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an ailment characterized by irritation of the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, and reflux.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder refers to several conditions that affect the muscles of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food or liquids.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis refers to swelling and tenderness in the esophagus, which may be caused by acid reflux, allergies, infections, or several other factors.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is an ailment caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, triggering inflammation and potentially permanent liver damage.

Fistula

A fistula is an atypical tunnel connecting two hollow organs within the body and may develop as a result of disease, injury, or medical induction.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is a condition that makes it difficult for the body to process certain foods, causing uncomfortable symptoms when triggered.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is a term encompassing several conditions that impede the gallbladder's function, including gallstones and cholecystitis.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a stomach condition marked by swelling and/or irritation caused by erosion of the stomach lining, raising the risk of ulcers and cancer.

GERD

GERD describes the uncomfortable effects of recurring acid reflux; symptoms can include bloating, chest pain, and unexplained weight gain.

Helicobacter Pylori

H. pylori is a type of bacteria that attacks your digestive system; if left untreated, this infection can cause ulcers and even stomach cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids form when veins swell within the rectum or on the anus, causing symptoms like itching around your anus or pain during bowel movements.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a virus that causes liver inflammation; there are various forms, the most common being hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when your stomach pushes upward into your hiatus and chest; symptoms can include acid reflux, vomiting blood, and chest pain.

Ileitis

Ileitis is the swelling of the ileum, often caused by other diseases like Crohn's disease; symptoms can be managed with the help of a GI provider.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel occurs when a hardened stool blocks movement in your intestine, causing uncomfortable GI symptoms like nausea or abdominal bloating.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD describes diseases that cause swelling in your digestive tract like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; symptoms include diarrhea and fever.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS describes symptoms that affect the GI tract that can be caused by foods, anxiety, or life concerns; symptoms can be managed by a GI provider.

Jaundice

Jaundice describes the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes and is usually a sign of another condition that may require treatment.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when the body produces insufficient amounts of lactase, which is used to break down lactose.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a disease where your liver becomes scarred and inflamed from problems like alcoholism and advanced liver disease.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NASH is a severe form of NAFLD that causes harmful damage to the liver that, if left untreated, can cause scarring, cirrhosis, or liver failure.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is inflamed, preventing it from functioning properly; symptoms can include fever, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers occur when the protective lining of the stomach is damaged, allowing stomach acid to erode the tissue of the stomach or duodenum.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

PBC is a chronic liver condition that slowly damages the bile ducts in your liver, causing irreversible damage and scarring.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

PSC is a chronic liver condition that causes the bile ducts outside and inside your liver to narrow and become scarred, damaged, and inflamed.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD that causes painful swelling and ulcerations in your intestinal tract; symptoms can be managed by a GI specialist.

GI Procedures

Anorectal Manometry

Anorectal manometry is performed to assess the strength and responsiveness of the muscles in the anus, rectum, and colon needed to pass a stool.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy can be used to address a number of GI conditions using argon gas to create a stream of light that allows for precise treatment.

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy uses a small pill-sized capsule equipped with a camera to capture thousands of images to assess your small bowel.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings are done as a preventive measure to search for polyps or cancerous growths on the wall of the colon and rectum.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is used to screen for multiple GI symptoms and conditions and is one of the best diagnostic tools for screening and removing polyps.

EGD

An EGD uses a scope with a camera to assess the condition of the small intestine; this is done to find the cause of uncomfortable GI symptoms.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

An EMR uses a scope to assess the GI tract in great detail; it is an outpatient procedure that can be completed by your trusted GI provider.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy uses a scope to assess the jejunum; this procedure is typically done to diagnose GI conditions or to analyze atypical x-ray results.

ERCP

ERCP uses a scope to view the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and pancreas; it can be used to diagnose conditions like pancreatitis.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a treatment that uses a balloon to expand the esophagus, alleviating eating issues; multiple treatments may be needed.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal motility tests are used to determine the contractile function of the esophagus; this helps diagnose issues like spasms and regurgitation.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

PEG allows nutrients, fluids, and medication to pass through a tube, directly into your stomach; this can help individuals who have difficulty eating.

FibroScan®

FibroScans use ultrasound technology to noninvasively assess the entire liver, typically looking for signs of fibrosis or steatosis.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a scope to view the lower third of the colon; its often used as a screening tool for colon cancer and other conditions.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding is a nonsurgical procedure used to treat hemorrhoids by placing a band at the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict blood flow.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

Infusion therapy administers medications or fluids via the vein for quicker absorption when pills or oral medications are insufficient or unavailable.

Sphincterotomy

A sphincterotomy is a procedure used to heal anal fissures by releasing the pressure on the sphincter, allowing for the anal fissure to heal.