Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates Blog

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• What is a Capsule Endoscopy?

  

  When a doctor needs to see what is going on in a patient’s GI track, they may perform a capsule endoscopy. What, exactly, is a capsule endoscopy?  A capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera (in a pill-like capsule) that is essentially ingested and passes through your system, taking pictures of your digestive track.

   

  The capsule endoscope has a sophisticated wireless camera fitted into a capsule, about the size of a vitamin tablet. The patient swallows the capsule and images are then captured and transmitted back to a specialized recorder the patient wears around their waist. This is especially helpful for gaining images of the interior of the small intestine, without an invasive procedure. Your doctor will be able to view these pictures later, which may be able to provide you with useful information regarding your small intestine.

   

  In the past, the only way to achieve these kinds of images would be to insert a long, flexible camera on a tube. The tube had to be inserted via the rectum or down the throat. Some patients had a strong gag reflex and could not tolerate the procedure, others were not able to undergo a colonoscopy for various reasons. A capsule endoscopy can provide images of ongoing processes while also spotting abnormalities such as enlarged veins and polyps.

   

  Why would the capsule endoscopy be used?

   

  Capsule endoscopy is used when the doctor needs to evaluate the small intestine, and area that can not be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. It is most often used to find the cause of bleeding in the small intestine, detecting polyps, Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease), ulcers, or tumors of the small intestine.

   

  In order for the capsule endoscopy to be accurate, the patient’s stomach must be empty. Food or drink should not be consumed (including water) for at least 12 hours prior to the procedure. Doctor needs to be notified in advance about any medications and supplements, including any over-the-counter medications that are taken. 

   

  On the day of the capsule endoscopy, the health care team will review the procedure with the patient. If the recorder device has patches, they will be attached to the abdomen. Each patch has an antenna and wires that will connect to a recorder. This recorder will be worn on a special belt around the waist. The camera will send images it collects to the recorder where it will then store them until the doctor can retrieve them.

    

  Once everything is ready, the patient will then swallow the capsule with water. The capsule is covered in a slippery coating that will allow easy swallowing. Just like any pill, patient shouldn’t feel it after it is completely swallowed. The capsule endoscope will stay in the patient’s system until it is either removed after eight hours, or when it is completely passed through the digestive tract.

   

  If you have any questions or concerns regarding a capsule endoscopy, or any other topic related to gastroenterology, please feel free to contact Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates at (410) 224-2116. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.

   

   

   

• What Causes Peptic Ulcers?

  

  If you are like one out of every ten Americans, you may suffer from the burning, gnawing pain caused by a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are sores, or breaks in the lining of the stomach. Many people think that peptic ulcers are caused by stress, excessive gastric acid, or diet, however medical research has yet to bear this out. If it is not stress, excess stomach acid, or what you eat, what really does cause peptic ulcers?

   

  More About Peptic Ulcers

   

  Until recent decades, many people believed that drinking too much coffee, smoking, spicy foods, stress, alcohol, or a poor diet high in fatty foods caused peptic ulcers. Although stomach secretions do play a role, research has determined that certain bacteria called H. Pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is the main culprit. H. Pylori have not only been associated with peptic ulcers, but have also been shown to play a role in certain stomach cancers.

   

  Believe it or not, about two-thirds of the world’s human population are already infected with H. Pylori. And yet, in the vast majority of cases, they do not develop active peptic ulcers. Most people never develop any symptoms. The incidence of H. Pylori infections is actually declining worldwide, as more and more people have access to clean drinking water and better overall sanitation. As for why some people are more prone to developing peptic ulcers than others, no one really knows for certain.

   

  Some researchers believe that it may be caused by a combination of factors, including the balance of stomach acids and bacteria, which create natural mucus barriers to protect themselves from the acid in your stomach. In some cases, people who regularly take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or diclofenac may increase your risk of developing a peptic ulcer. Symptoms of a peptic ulcer include:

   

  ·      Belly or abdominal pain

  ·      Fatigue

  ·      Dark, tar colored stools

  ·      Paleness

  ·      Vomit that looks like coffee grounds

  ·      Loss of appetite

  ·      Unexplained weight loss

  ·      Belly bloating

  ·      Nausea or Vomiting

   

  A simple breath test can determine if you have a H. Pylori infection. In order to take the test, however, you cannot have taken antibiotics within at least four weeks of the breath test. If you are taking certain kinds of medications, such as a those that reduce stomach acid, the medications may also affect the test. A blood test is also available that can detect the antibodies your body produces to fight off H. Pylori. Other tests may be required, including a CT scan or MRI, a biopsy, fecal blood tests to check for hidden blood in the stool, endoscopes and others. Peptic ulcers are treatable, and treatment may include antibiotics and medications. 

  To learn more about peptic ulcers, or other gastric conditions, or to schedule an appointment with one of our highly qualified gastroenterologists, call Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, at (410)-224-2116 today, or complete our convenient online form to schedule an appointment online. Life doesn’t have to be this way. We can help.

• What Is Diverticular Disease?

  

  You can thank poor modern eating habits for one of the most common health problems plaguing millions of people in the Western world. Diverticular disease isn’t something most of us like to talk about, but it’s certainly something we all need to pay attention to – and guard against.

  Diverticular disease refers to three conditions that can affect the walls of the colon: diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and diverticular bleeding.

  What Is Diverticulosis?

  Diverticulosis is the formation of tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. Most common in the lower portion of the large intestine, these diverticula can range in size from as small as a pea to much larger pockets.

  These pockets are formed by increased pressure on the weaker spots of the intestinal walls by gas or excessive waste. They can also develop due to straining during a bowel movement, such as when you’re constipated.

  Diverticulosis is quite common, occurring in about 10 percent of people over age 40 and up to 50 percent of people over age 60. Most people have few if any symptoms. Nevertheless, complications occur in one in five cases of diverticulosis, including rectal (or diverticular) bleeding or an infection known as diverticulitis.

  What Is Diverticulitis?

  Diverticulitis is the infection and subsequent inflammation of diverticula. This condition can occur suddenly without warning when there are inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula.

  This usually happens when pouches become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up. Symptoms of diverticulitis may include alternating diarrhea and constipation, painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen, and often chills or fever.

  At the first sign of possible diverticulitis, it is important to consult with your doctor who’ll ask questions about your bowel habits, diet, and current medications, and they’ll perform a physical exam. In dealing with chronic diverticulitis, one or more diagnostic tests may be necessary, including X-rays, a CT scan, ultrasound testing, a colonoscopy, and blood tests to search for signs of infection.

  Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications. For one thing, a tear or perforation of the intestinal wall can result in intestinal waste material leaking into the surrounding abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis (a painful infection of the abdominal cavity), abscesses, obstruction of the intestine, or a fistula – an abnormal connection between two organs, such as the bladder and colon, requiring surgery to remove the fistula and the affected part of the organ.

  What Causes Diverticular Bleeding?

  Diverticular bleeding is the result of chronic injury to the small bloodvessels that are next to the diverticula. When a tiny blood vessel in a pouch (diverticulum) in your colon bursts, it causes this bleeding.

  It can happen if the patient already has diverticulosis. In cases involving heavy rectal bleeding, an angiography may be required to locate the source of the bleeding.

  How Can I Prevent Diverticular Disease?

  Diverticular disease can be prevented – or the risk of complications reduced – by maintaining good bowel habits, such as eating appropriate amounts of the right kinds of fiber, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly, in order to avoid constipation and straining and to keep your bowels regulated. 

  The American Dietetic Association recommends the consumption of 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. You can get your daily allowance by eating foods such as whole grain breads, cereals, and crackers; berries; and vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, squash, brown rice, and beans; as well as other foods your doctor may recommend.

  Also, you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and monitor any changes in your bowel movements.

  Who Can Help with My Digestive Health?

  At Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates (AAGA), our 13 board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are dedicated to making a positive impact on each of our patients by providing the highest-quality gastrointestinal care. We use the latest technology and diagnostic testing to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and correctly identify your condition.

  If you are experiencing symptoms of a digestive disorder like diverticulitis, diverticulosis, or other digestive issues that may be related to diverticular disease, call us today at (410) 224-2116 for an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.

• What to Expect from a SIBO Breathing Test

  

  What is a SIBO Breathing Test, and Why is it Used?

  A SIBO test, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth test, is used to measure the hydrogen and or methane gases in your small intestine. The small intestine is part a long tube that runs from the stomach to the anus. Roughly 90% of the nutrients your body absorbs from the food you eat are processed in the small intestine. In a healthy gut, certain bacteria help you digest your food. Additionally, good bacteria help by producing vitamins like vitamin K and folic acid. They also protect your intestines, keeping out bad bacteria.

  Normally, the human gut is surprisingly clean. Food is churched and broken down in the stomach and then passed along the small intestines in a slushy mix. Once the nutrients are fully removed, the waste is turned into feces and removed from the body.

  Sometimes the bacteria that should be confined, gains entry to the small intestine and begins to grow. This can occur when immunoglobulin and bile levels, which help keep bacteria in check, drop below normal levels. It can also be caused by slower gut speeds or other causes, such as stool that refluxes from the colon in the large intestine.

  However it occurs, bacterial overgrowth can cause symptoms such as bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion. If allowed to progress unchecked, the bacteria interfere with the small intestine’s ability to properly digest and use the nutrients from food. This can result in vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. In many cases there is an underlying disorder that is causing these bacterial overgrowth conditions to occur.

  By measuring specific gases in the small intestine, doctors can determine how much, and what kinds of bacteria are living in your small intestines (Certain bacteria produce methane and hydrogen as waste products). Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is a serious digestive problem which must first be evaluated in order to be treated. Other tests such as biopsies may also be required to rule out other disorders.

  The SIBO test is non-invasive and simple. It can be done in the doctor’s office or even at home. The patient is given a substrate packet to swallow. The breath is then sampled every 20 minutes for 3 hours. The samples are then mailed to a laboratory for testing. Before taking the test, patients are required to eat a very specific diet for 12 hours. This is followed by a 12-hour period of fasting, although you can brush your teeth. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions prior to taking the SIBO test. They can also explain what kinds of bacteria they suspect and prescribe any necessary medications.

  If you would like to know more about the SIBO test or any other intestinal disorder, or to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our highly qualified gastroenterologists, call Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates at (410)-224-2116 today, or complete our convenient online form to schedule an appointment online. We’re here to make sure everything is in proper working order, so you can lead a happy and healthy life.

• I Am Really Gassy – What Could It Be?

  

  Does your stomach gurgle and make noises? Are you often gassy and bloated? Do you find yourself belching, burping, or passing gas often? 

  Excess gas in the body can cause bloating, discomfort, pain – and embarrassment. If gas is starting to interfere with your daily life, it’s probably time to see a gastroenterologist to help control your excess gas.

  Causes of Excess Gas

  Let’s take a look at what might be causing your gastrointestinal (GI) issues:

  Food 

  We’ve all had a meal or eaten a certain food that upsets our digestion, causing bloating and painful gas. Foods are one of the major causes of excessive gas, and different foods affect people differently.

  Similarly, some foods cause more gas than other foods. In general, high-fiber food, starchy food, and food with natural sugars have a tendency to cause gas because the body may have difficulty breaking them down.

  Some foods that are common culprits of excessive gas are:

  • Beans
  • Dairy products
  • Fruits like apricots, raw apples, prunes, and bananas
  • Onions
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Corn
  • Peas
  • Foods with artificial sweeteners
  • Oat bran
  • Wheat
  • Potatoes
  • Pasta

  To find out which foods affect your body negatively, pay attention to what you eat and how your body reacts to it. If you suffer from bad gas after you eat a certain food, then cut back on it to see if that helps.

  Swallowing Excess Air

  We may not be aware of it, but eating and drinking causes us to ingest a lot of air. There are also certain activities that we do every day that cause us to swallow too much air and can lead to problems with gas, such as:

  • Chewing gum or sucking on candies
  • Eating or drinking too quickly
  • Smoking
  • Drinking with a straw
  • Drinking carbonated beverages, like sodas or beer
  • Excess swallowing (which we tend to do when we’re nervous)
  • Wearing dentures that are too loose

  If you’re doing any of these activities, try cutting down on them or eliminating them altogether to see if your symptoms get better.

  Health Conditions and Medications

  Certain medications that we take to treat various health conditions can cause excessive gas. In fact, excessive gas is listed as one of the side effects of many common medications, such as those used to treat Type-2 diabetes, as well as fiber supplements.

  Excessive gas may also be caused or exacerbated by certain health conditions themselves, such as:

  ·      Crohn’s disease

  ·      Irritable bowel syndrome

  ·      Acid reflux or GERD

  ·      Peptic ulcers

  ·      Lactose intolerance

  ·      Gluten intolerance

  Treating Gassiness

  If excessive gas is causing you pain and discomfort and is interfering with your life, it’s time to get help. Your gastroenterologist can help diagnose the cause of your gas symptoms and determine appropriate treatment.

  Be sure to tell the doctor about your symptoms, your dietary habits, and any changes you’ve noticed in your bowel habits. The doctor may order tests on your blood or stool, as well as imaging tests to see whether a gastrointestinal condition is causing your symptoms.

  Once the issue is identified, your doctor will work with you to treat your gas issues.

   

  Who Can Help Fix My Gas Problems?

   

  Don’t let gas and other stomach issues bother you anymore. The board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists at Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates are dedicated to making a positive impact on each of our patients by providing high-quality GI care.

   

  Call our office today at (410) 224-2116 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to helping you feel better so you can enjoy life!

  
  

• What Causes a Hernia?

  

  Do you or a loved one have a bulge sticking out of your abdomen or groin that wasn’t there before? There is a chance that you may have developed a hernia Hernias are common, can be harmless, and are fixable. But before you do anything, it’s important to confirm whether it really is a hernia or something else entirely. Either way, you won’t know for sure until you see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. If you suspect you may have a hernia, here is some more information on what causes hernias to help you understand your condition.

  What does a Hernia Look Like?

  A hernia is a noticeable bulge or lump that wasn’t there before. It can be pushed back in easily with your fingers but will likely come right back out. When you lay down, it will likely disappear due to gravity pushing it in place. Sometimes, an action such as laughing, coughing, straining in the bathroom, or a strenuous physical activity can cause the lump to reappear or be more prominent.

  Straining the Abdomen

  Your abdomen is an area full of organs with a layer of muscles around them. Repeated pressure and stress puts a strain on your abdomen. The constant strain causes your organs and connective tissue to push against the muscles. This can cause one of them to push through a weak area in the muscles, causing the bulge to appear. One way this happens is if you suffer from constipation and strain on the toilet. Going to the bathroom should not put such a strain on your body. If you suffer from digestive issues such as constipation that cause you to strain on the toilet, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

  Another way this can happen is if you have a persistent cough. Repeated and heavy coughing puts a similar strain on your abdomen. Remember, your abdominal muscles are not invincible! If enough strain is put on them, it can cause an organ or connective tissue to go through weak areas of the muscle, resulting in a hernia. Finally, heavy physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects can also lead to a hernia. When lifting a heavy object, make sure to get a friend to help. Don’t try to do it yourself! Also, if you do weight lifting, make sure to follow the suggested safety tips and pace yourself. It’s not worth trying to reach your goal if it leads to a hernia!

  Health Conditions

  There are actually certain health conditions that could lead to a hernia. An example of this is cystic fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is a respiratory condition that can cause chronic coughing and digestive issues like severe constipation. These conditions put a lot of strain on the abdomen and can lead to hernias.

  How Do I Know I Have a Hernia?

  The first and most prominent symptom is a bulge. Some other symptoms of a hernia are swelling and pain in the area. You can also experience pain when doing a physical activity that involves strain such as lifting a heavy object. You will also notice the bulge gets bigger over time, as more tissue pushes through the abdominal wall.

  It is entirely possible to have a hernia that is visible but not feel any pain. But it is also possible to have a hernia that is not visible but causes a variety of other symptoms. A non-visible hernia, called a hiatal hernia, cannot be seen outside of the body. This type of hernia causes symptoms such as indigestion, chest pains, and difficulty swallowing.

  Your doctor will be able to determine if you have a hernia by doing a physical examination of the area. Hernias can be safely treated through very common surgical procedures. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to determine if you really have a hernia or if there is another underlying issue causing the symptoms.

  If you are experiencing any symptoms that correlate with having a hernia, it’s important to speak to a doctor immediately. The medical professionals at Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates can use the latest technology available and expertise to find solutions to your health condition. Call 410-224-2116 to make an appointment today, or request an appointment online.