The gastrointestinal consultants at Bay Area Gastroenterology share the causes, effects and how to treat fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or “Fatty liver” is a long-term condition that affects the liver. The liver is a big organ in the upper right side of the belly. When people have NASH, fat tissue builds up in their liver, and the liver gets inflamed. People who drink too much alcohol can get a condition similar to NASH. But NASH happens in people who do not drink alcohol or drink only a little alcohol. Why some people get fatty liver and some do not is still not clear. We do know that it is associated with the following conditions: Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain medication use. Unfortunately most people do not have symptoms, so it is hard to detect. Only signs may be abnormal liver tests on routine annual exam.
There is no cure for NASH, but it can and should be controlled. Untreated NASH can transform into liver cirrhosis which is essentially scarring of liver with its many life threating complications. Please discuss with one of the gastrointestinal consultants at Bay Area Gastroenterology regarding treatment plan for this potentially serious condition.
The Houston gastroenterologists at GI Bay hear nearly every patient who has had a colonoscopy reply “the procedure was easy, but it was the horrible colonoscopy preparation the day before that was challenging.”
Patient anxiety and compliance to the preparation is both a limiting factor and a barrier to quality control in colonoscopy. Nearly 1 in 4 preparations in some studies have shown that fair to poor quality preparation leads to non-detection of polyps, including pre-cancerous polyps. The advent of better choices as well as patient education prior to colonoscopy prep is key for a successful and clean preparation.
But preparation is only one part of the examination. There are technical factors too that are involved in getting a quality colonoscopy. So when you go for your next colonoscopy examination here are some tips to consider:
Was there any mention of the quality of my preparation?
Was the procedure easy or difficult due to technical reasons –ex: more chances of missing polyps in a long and redundant colon that is “loopy”?
Was the cecum (end of the colon where it joins the small bowel- terminal ileum) reached and an image taken for documentation.
What is the cecum-rectum retrieval time (by some studies – minimum of 7 minutes is adequate for a good examination).
What is my gastroenterologist ADR (Adenoma Detection Rate) – i.e. – how often does my doctor find polyps that are precancerous? This is important as missed flat polyps particularly in the right colon maybe responsible for some of the interval cancers noted in subsequent colonoscopies.
If the polyp was removed was it removed completely or partially that will require a sooner interval for follow-up. Flat polyps also which are hard to detect unless you are very careful in examination also require closer follow-up surveillance.
In conclusion, getting a quality Houston colonoscopy requires a compliant patient who understands the need for an excellent preparation prior to the procedure and a conscientious, quality driven physician who will take his or her time to give a detailed evaluation of your colon. Despite that polyps will be missed due to the nature of the anatomy of the colon and multiple other variables. But at least both the patient and the Houston gastroenterologist have tried their best what is under their control.
Houston Gastroenterology shares March as colon cancer awareness month. Colonoscopy has been getting a lot of media attention lately. A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) indicates that “colonoscopies do save lives.” A team of researchers/gastroenterologists followed 2,602 patients who had adenomatous polyps removed during colonoscopies from 1980 to 1990. Through the end of 2003, 1,246 of the patients who had adenomas removed had died. Just 12 of those deaths were from colon cancer, far lower than the 25.4 colon cancer deaths that would have been expected in otherwise similar patients in the general population, according to the study results. Although such excellent results cannot be expected to be replicated in other populations, this study does highlight the benefits of regular colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. Protect yourself by scheduling your Houston colonoscopy at the recommended time. Consult your Houston Gastroenterology Doctor at Bay Area Gastroenterology with any questions or concerns about colon cancer awareness.
New Hepatitis C treatments are available through the Houston Gastroenterologists at Bay Area Gastroenterology. Hepatitis C is a viral disease that is usually spread through contact with contaminated blood or blood products. As of May 2011, two new medicines were approved by the FDA for treatment of Hepatitis C. These are Boceprevir (brand name: Victrelis) and Telaprevir (brand name: Incivek). These medicines work in people with type 1 Hepatitis C, which is one of the most common types. Your doctor can do a blood test to find out what type you have.
These newer medicines greatly increase the chances of curing a person with type 1 Hepatitis C, and both can be taken by mouth. If your doctor starts you on Boceprevir or Telaprevir, he or she will also put you on 2 other medicines called Peginterferon and Ribavirin. Peginterferon comes in a shot that you give yourself once a week. Ribavirin comes in pills taken twice a day with food.
These medicines can cause several side effects, but not everyone gets them all. The side effects of the 2 medicines are different but can include: anemia, feeling tired, nausea, and rash. The rash can be mild, but sometimes it can be severe and include an itching and bitter taste in your mouth. Please discuss with your health care provider at Bay Area Gastroenterology if you have are interested in the options for new Hepatitis C treatments.
The gastroenterology consultants at Bay Area Gastroenterology have a few helpful tips for your good health. Super Bowl the great American ritual is here again when we see the modern day gladiators at their finest! it is important to follow the middle path of moderation when it comes to alcohol and food.
Millions of pounds of pizza, chips and meat will be consumed during this Super Bowl. Be mindful of what you eat , eat slowly and enjoy the food. This way you eat less and get more enjoyment. Overindulgence in fried foods, alcohol and spice can cause acid reflux. Excess calories unless burnt off become excess body fat. Here are a few helpful reminders when setting out the snacks – use baked chips instead of fried, use carrots/ celery, broccoli and cauliflower, use a non fat dip based on yogurt instead of mayonnaise or cream. Vegetables are a great source of your daily fiber intake. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews are rich in healthy polyunsaturated fats and curb the appetite for high calorie foods. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats and also make for a tasty dip.
Eat slowly with mindfulness and watch your calories. If you overindulge, work off the calories over the next couple of weeks. If your favorite team is losing take a deep breath and get some fresh air to cool off.
The gastroenterology consultants at GI Bay educate on the difference between food intolerance and food allergies. Food intolerance is fairly common and results in symptoms such as gas, bloat, nausea, abdominal pain and change in bowels. These tend to be mild and often get better with the withdrawal of the offending food. The only way to determine this is by trial and error and avoiding foods that cause symptoms. Lactose intolerance occurs in many people as they grow older and can be triggered by infections. It is also common in certain ethnic groups and is genetically determined. It is a milk intolerance and NOT an allergy. There is much truth to the adage “One man’s food is another man’s poison.”
Celiac Sprue is a common disorder that is often overlooked that results in a variety of ailments. It is caused by a genetic defect that causes an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is found in several foods that are wheat, barley and oats based. Recently several celebrities are using a gluten free diet for a sense of enhanced well-being. The Bay Area gastroenterologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of Celiac Sprue.
Food Allergy on the other hand is a true allergic reaction that results in itching, flushing, hives, asthma, abdominal pain and at times a severe fatal reaction from anaphylactic shock. This starts in childhood and may improve with age. Those with severe reactions need to avoid the food items and carry Epipen injections for emergency use. 90 percent of food-allergy reactions stem from just eight items: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts (including almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios and walnuts) and wheat.
This is a disorder that requires an Allergist/ Immunologist for evaluation and therapy. The rule of thumb is to avoid foods that cause symptoms and consult a health care professional for information and testing. The gastroenterology consultants at Bay Area Gastroenterology would be happy to discuss these issues and suggest appropriate therapy and referrals.
Houston Gastroenterologists at GI Bay recognize that the gut is often considered the second brain. In fact it may be the primary brain in some animals and lower forms of life. The gut is the sounding board of emotions – stress, anxiety, and depression are often experienced as abdominal symptoms. The role of stress in the causation and aggravation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is well known. More recently experts have looked at the effects of the gut on emotions. Researchers have noted that rats that have electrical stimulation of the intestinal nerves have greater depression, anxiety and irritability. Bacteria in the intestines seem to be responsible for the well being and function of the colon. Alterations in bacterial counts may have far reaching effects on the mind, emotions and overall health. Children with autism have specific digestive problems that appear to form overgrowth of certain bacteria. It appears tempting to postulate that the gut may be the trigger for several chronic conditions including some forms of depression, sleeplessness and anxiety. Vagus nerve stimulation in the gut appears to relieve some forms of chronic pain, depression and epilepsy. The commonly used antidepressants such as Prozac and the SSRI family of compounds increases levels of serotonin in the brain. The same substance, serotonin, is found in abundance in the intestines. This suggests a link between the mind and the gut as a two-way axis, each one controlling and influencing the other. The intestines are further influenced by food, bacteria and other substances that reside in the gut.
The Bay Area Physicians at GI Bay wish to discuss the recent advances in the role of the Gut in the association of several difficult disorders. We strive to keep abreast of all advances and incorporate newer Holistic approaches to evaluation and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Further research is underway at this time all over the world.
It might turn out that the intestines may be the starting point of several disorders of the Body and the Mind. Houston Gastroenterologists remind you that we need to Mind the Gut.
The Bay Area Physicians at GI Bay encourage you to start off the New Year with a plan to improve your health by improving your eating habits. “Eating healthier” is not the easiest phrase to define, but one indisputable improvement is the benefit of eating more fruits and vegetables. Not only is this a great way to improve digestion by an increase in fiber intake, the varieties of fruits and vegetables have unique properties that benefit your health and even fight cancer.
Although some may balk at the idea of more veggies, it’s now widely recognized that vegetarian dishes are already enjoyed by vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Who doesn’t like fruit salad, peanut butter and jelly, or beans and rice? You don’t have to switch away from meat completely, but can gradually substitute healthier options to improve your overall gastrointestinal health. Make your New Year’s resolution of a healthy lifestyle a reality with advice from the Bay Area Physicians at GI Bay.
The Houston Gastroenterologists at GI Bay can easily detect and treat Celiac Sprue. This is an under recognized condition that appears to be increasing in prevalence. It manifests with abdominal pain, cramps, bloating,diarrhea, change in bowels and poor nutrient absorption. Our Houston gastroenterology consultants are proficient in the management of Celiac sprue. A recent article highlights the challenges in diagnosis and therapy. Several sports stars and celebrities are on a gluten free diet, which is the treatment for this condition. It entails avoidance of all gluten in the diet. Contact your Houston Gastroenterologists at GI Bay today for more information.
Bay Area Gastroenterology has experience treating numerous stomach bacteria such as H Pylori. The bacteria Helicobacter Pylori is the cause of stomach ulcers, cancer and rare forms of stomach lymphoma. Patients with indigestion, stomach pain, excess acid and dyspepsia may have infection with H Pylori. The infection is cured with antibiotics and prevents serious problems in the future.
Helicobacter Pylori (HP) is a small, gram-negative spirochete inhabiting the mucous layer overlying the gastric epithelial cells in humans. It is the most common chronic human bacterial infection and the most common cause of gastritis, with incidence rates as high as 50% worldwide. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, HP is classified as a type 1 carcinogen and is the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas.
Recent trials have shown the efficacy of multiple antibiotic combinations that can successfully eradicate the bacteria. Once discovered, treatment is recommended. The latest combination involves Levofloxacin, Omeprazole, Alinia and Doxycycline- LOAD. This results in a cure rate of close to 90%.
The gastroenterology consultants at Bay Area Gastroenterology are experts in the management of stomach, intestine and Colon disorders. For more information, contact Bay Area Gastroenterology online or by phone at 281-480-6264 to book an appointment today.
