Topics

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

At GI Alliance of Arkansas, our board-certified providers combine their wealth of experience with the latest in gastrointestinal treatments to serve the health needs of the community. In addition to helping Arkansas patients manage their digestive diseases and symptoms, our specialists routinely perform preventive procedures, including colonoscopies and cancer screenings. We welcome you to browse through the information provided here to gain a better understanding of the GI services we offer.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain refers to any kind of discomfort experienced around your stomach area, with severe pain being a sign of a potential health issue.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Anal bleeding is usually assumed to come from the lower colon or rectum and may be indicative of health problems ranging from minor to severe.

Bloating

Bloating is an uncomfortable feeling around your stomach and may be caused by fluid retention or a buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood in the Stool

Whether it appears light or dark, blood in the stool is evidence of bleeding somewhere in your GI tract and should always be reported to your doctor.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence refers to difficulty controlling your bowel movements, with issues ranging from small, infrequent leaks to total loss of control.

Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which your stools become dry and hard, making them difficult to pass. Severe symptoms should be treated by a GI doctor.

Diarrhea

While diarrhea (watery, loose stools) is extremely common, severe symptoms may signal a larger problem that needs attention from a GI specialist.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing may be caused by muscle dysfunction, food allergies, esophagitis, or a handful of more serious gastrointestinal problems.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a fiery feeling in the chest accompanied by an acidic taste in the mouth and may occur after eating or when bending or lying down.

Indigestion

Indigestion may make you feel more full after eating, create a bloated feeling in the upper abdomen, and cause general discomfort in your GI tract.

Nausea

Nausea is an unsettled feeling in your stomach that may make you feel like you need to vomit, and persistent nausea may be a sign of a GI problem.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexplained weight gain/loss refers to unintended changes in an individual's weight, and it may point to an underlying gastrointestinal disorder.

Vomiting

Vomiting is how your body responds to threats like poisoning or infection, but you should contact a GI physician if it's persistent or severe.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Certain traits and diseases may cause the skin and eyes to take on a yellowish color, a sign that you should consider consulting a physician.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, the condition known to cause heartburn, can develop when the muscle that keeps stomach acid out of the esophagus fails to close properly.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a tiny rip in the tissue around the anus and may be the reason for painful bowel movements or blood appearing in your stool.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Anemia describes a common condition in which your blood doesn't have the red cells required to maintain a healthy supply of oxygen to your organs.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus may develop as a consequence of GERD, changing the esophageal lining to more closely resemble the tissues of the small intestine.

Biliary Obstruction

A biliary obstruction is a clog or similar problem that stops bile flowing from the biliary system to the small intestine, where it breaks down food.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon caused by the bacteria clostridium difficile. Its symptoms may be mild or severe.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, is an autoimmune disorder that hinders the body's ability to process gluten and causes GI discomfort.

Colitis

Colitis describes general inflammation in the inner wall of the large intestine and may be caused by several conditions, including Crohn's disease.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are small cell clusters may form in the large intestine. They are not dangerous on their own but may become cancerous in time.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a disease that often begins as benign growths in the colon or rectum. They may be identified and removed during a colonoscopy.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease and may be responsible for pain, bleeding, and a range of other GI symptoms.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder that can cause severe bouts of sickness in which a patient may vomit anywhere from six to 20 times.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a possible consequence of diverticulosis that can occur when the outer wall of the intestine becomes inflamed or infected.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pockets of the intestine push out through the colon's outer wall, possibly advancing into diverticulitis.

Dysphagia

Patients with dysphagia have difficulty or lack the ability to swallow food or drinks, usually because of muscle spasms or a range of other problems.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder that causes swelling in the esophagus, leading to symptoms like acid reflux, pain, and issues swallowing.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder is a general term describing a group of conditions that can make it difficult to swallow, affecting your ability to eat.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is a broad term describing inflammation in the esophagus, which may be caused by acid reflux, allergies, infection, and some medications.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a health problem in the liver caused by swelling and scarring brought on by a buildup of fatty tissue inside the organ.

Fistula

A fistula is an atypical passage that forms in the body to connect one hollow organ to another and may happen due to medical issues or injury.

Food Intolerance

A food intolerance affects the body's ability to process certain foods, causing vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue when those foods are eaten.

Gastritis

Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed, tender, or eroded, increasing the risk of developing stomach cancer and/or ulcers.

GERD

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or the frequent presentation of acid reflux caused by a failure in the lower esophageal sphincter.

Helicobacter Pylori

H. pylori is a bacteria found in the stomach that has a chance to infect the GI system, leading to the development of stomach ulcers and cancer.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, uncomfortable spots that form when a vein swells up inside or around the anus, causing pain and sometimes blood in the stool.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a set of diseases that disrupt and cause inflammation in the liver, the most frequently diagnosed types being hepatitis A, B, and C.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes out through a small hole in the diaphragm called the hiatus, causing symptoms like acid reflux.

Ileitis

Ileitis is a disease that causes soreness and swelling in the ileum, the last segment of the small intestine. It's often linked to other conditions.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel occurs when a dry, hardened block of stool becomes lodged in the colon, causing pain and affecting your ability to move your bowels.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, two immune system disorders that cause inflammation in the colon.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the broad designation for a range of uncomfortable symptoms caused by irritation in the gastrointestinal system.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition characterized by the appearance of a yellowish color in the skin and eyes and may result from a number of health concerns.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs in people whose bodies don't produce enough of the enzyme (lactase) needed to break down lactose in dairy products.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis refers to scarring in the liver, which can seriously interfere with the proper function of the liver if it develops to a severe stage.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disorder that occurs due to excessive fatty tissue in the liver, leading to swelling and liver damage.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation in the pancreas and may be caused by risky behaviors (like smoking), infection, abdominal surgery, or gallstones.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open wounds that develop in the stomach or upper small bowel, allowing acid to leak out and damage the surrounding tissues.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare liver disorder that destroys the bile ducts, damaging the liver and some of the surrounding organs.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disorder in the liver that causes the bile ducts to become blocked, potentially leading to cirrhosis.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes the inner wall of the colon to become irritated, but it can be relieved with medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.

GI Procedures

Capsule Endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy is a procedure in which a pill-mounted camera is swallowed and used to capture images to diagnose issues in the small intestine.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings are the best way to help prevent colorectal cancer and are recommended for anyone over 45 and people with higher cancer risk.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an exam carried out to check for signs of colon cancer and remove polyps. A routine colonoscopy is advised for anyone 45 or older.

EGD

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy allows your GI physician to diagnose problems in the upper digestive tract with a scope inserted through the mouth.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is an endoscopic exam in which a scope is passed through your mouth into the small bowel to assess your gastrointestinal health.

ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a GI exam that checks for problems in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and bile ducts.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a simple procedure carried out when a patient has difficulty swallowing due to having a narrowed or blocked esophagus.

Esophageal Manometry

An esophageal motility study is an assessment used to check the esophagus for symptoms related to chest pain, swallowing problems, and acid reflux.

FibroScan®

FibroScan is a noninvasive ultrasound technology used to assess fatty change and fibrosis in the liver without the need for surgery or a biopsy.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a type of endoscopic exam that provides a look inside the colon, allowing your GI doctor to assess for abnormalities.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is a technique used to cut off the flow of blood to a hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and die.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

Infusion (or IV) therapy is a method used to administer medication directly to the veins, aiding in the treatment of certain digestive disorders.

Sphincterotomy

A lateral internal sphincterotomy is a surgical treatment for anal fissures used when other more conservative options haven't provided relief.