The term digestive disease encompasses any disease of the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive disease affects millions of Americans each year. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment options can range from simple diet and lifestyle changes to intensive surgeries and medication regimens.

Dr. Chanu Dasari is a top Digestive Health Specialist in Centennial Hills. He is committed to providing the highest quality, personalized care to each of his patients.

Any condition which affects the digestive (or gastrointestinal) tract is considered a digestive disease. Digestive diseases consist of common and rare conditions that can be caused by poor diet and exercise habits, genetics, and other factors. Digestive diseases include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Lactose intolerance

• Celiac’s disease

• Gastritis and gastric ulcers

• Hemorrhoids and other rectal problems

• Gallstones

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Hepatitis B and C and other autoimmune diseases which affect the liver

• Pancreatitis

• Esophagus complications like stricture or esophagitis

These are a few of the more well-known conditions of the digestive tract, however you’ll want to talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and possibly undergo the appropriate tests, to reach the proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal complications are usually pretty straightforward; any persistent problems that you experience with any part of your digestive system, starting with the esophagus and ending with the rectum, typically warrant a visit to a digestive disease specialist. Talk to your primary care physician about getting a referral to a specialist if you have recently experienced:

• Blood in the stool

• Pain in the abdomen

• Trouble swallowing

• Unexpected weight changes

• Nausea or vomiting

• Incontinence

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Persistent heartburn

• Bloating

• Appetite changes

Any combination of these symptoms can be an indicator of serious digestive health concerns. If you have been affected by one or more of these symptoms for a week or longer, be sure to make an appointment with a Centennial Hills digestive health specialist immediately. They will evaluate your symptoms, as well as recommend tests such as colonoscopies, blood tests, and digital exams using CT scans and MRIs.