Gastroenterology Topics

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

At Colorado Gastroenterology, our highly trained staff specializes in improving the lives of our patients throughout the Denver, CO area with preventive treatments like colonoscopies and colon cancer screenings, and treatments for more complicated issues like pancreatic cancer, peptic ulcer disease, and hemorrhoid banding. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, cost-effective treatments that improve quality of life. Learn more about the treatments we offer by browsing below. We look forward to being your trusted source for gastrointestinal wellness.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid and bile irritate the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and pain in the chest.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the delicate tissue that lines the anus. While not typically serious, they can be painful and uncomfortable.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Anemia, often caused by iron deficiency, happens when your blood does not produce enough healthy red cells to carry oxygen to all your organs.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a complication of GERD where the tissue in the esophagus transforms to more closely match the tissue in the small intestines.

Biliary Obstruction

A biliary obstruction is a condition that occurs when the ducts that transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small bowel become blocked.

C. Difficile Colitis

If you notice unresolved bloating, diarrhea, or discomfort in your gut, you might be experiencing the subtle, yet treatable, C. difficile colitis.

Celiac Disease

A disproportionate amount of American adults struggle each year with celiac disease, prominently showing symptoms of gluten intolerance and allergy.

Colitis

Colitis is a general inflammation of the internal lining of the colon. There are a number of causes of colitis including Crohn’s disease and ischemia.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer happens when mild masses known as polyps (clumps of cells in the lining of the colon) evolve into larger, cancerous masses.

Colorectal Polyps

Colon polyps are small growths that form on the lining of the colon that need to be removed before they develop into a serious issue.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease causing chronic inflammation of the GI tract that can cause stomach pain, fatigue, and malnutrition.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder that causes periodic episodes of intense nausea and vomiting. Triggers range from stress to caffeine.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of intestinal pouches that can form in your intestines. It causes abdominal pain and may need treatment.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a painful condition that occurs when pouches form and then penetrate the outer walls of the intestines.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is described as difficulty swallowing food and liquid, and can also refer to the sensation of food being stuck in the neck or chest.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

When your body is combatting an allergen in your throat, this is called eosinophilic esophagitis. It causes inflammation and abscesses,

Esophageal Stricture

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus due to the buildup of scar tissue, occurring because of damage caused by acid reflux.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder is a condition that prevents your esophagus from delivering foods and liquids into your stomach.

Esophagus Problems

Esophagus problems involve any interruption to the esophageal muscle contractions that help to swallow, burp, breathe, and vomit.

Esophagitis

Get relief from the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by esophagitis with an esophagitis treatment in Denver, CO at Colorado Gastroenterology.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease happens when fat forms in the liver cells, which can cause inflammation that will progress to scarring and irrecoverable damage.

Fistula

A fistula is an irregular passage between two hollow organs that may develop as a consequence of disease, injury, inflammation, or medical inducement.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance refers to the body's issues processing certain foods. Symptoms include diarrhea, joint pain, rashes, vomiting, bloating, and fatigue.

Gallstones

Gallstones are the hardened deposit of your digestive fluid (or bile) that has formed in your gallbladder. They range in size and can cause pain.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is an overarching term for the serious conditions that can harm your gallbladder, including cholecystitis, gallstones, and more.

Gastritis

Gastritis is the name for a group of conditions related to stomach lining inflammation. It increases the risk of ulcers, stomach bleeding, and cancer.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when acid reflux occurs 1-2x a week or when moderate/severe acid reflux occurs at minimum twice a week.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacterial infection found in your stomach that affects your digestive system.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins (similar to varicose veins) around the anus and lower rectum that protrude and cause extreme discomfort.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver and can range from types A, B, or C depending on the strain of virus a person has.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia occurs when the top of the stomach bulges through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm. It may present with symptoms similar to GERD.

Ileitis

Ileitis is inflammation or irritation of the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. It causes cramping, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel is when hardened stool is blocking the large or small intestine. It causes abdominal pain, a swollen stomach, and other symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes chronic disorders of the digestive tract like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic intestinal condition that causes pain in the stomach, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Jaundice

Jaundice develops when the liver cannot properly process red blood cells. The condition turns the skin and whites of the eyes a yellowish color.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose found in items consumed.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed and scar tissue has formed due to issues like alcoholism and late-stage liver failure.

Liver Masses or Cysts

Liver masses are fluid-filled sacs that appear on the liver that may resolve on their own, or develop into a larger problem that causes stomach pain.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a fatty liver disease caused by the accumulation of fat buildup in the liver.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that’s formed in the pancreas when cells start to grow disproportionally. It often goes undiagnosed until the advanced sta

Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts are pocks of semisolid matter or fluid that can be cancerous or benign with symptoms that include bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is defined as the inflammation of the pancreas. It can start suddenly and last for days, or occur for years.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcer disease is a GI condition in which sores or ulcerations arise in the lining of the stomach or the top portion of the small intestine.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

PBC is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the bile ducts found in your liver gradually over time. Although believed to be genetic, PBC is rare.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

(PSC) is a chronic liver condition that attacks the bile ducts causing them to become scarred and damaged. PSC ultimately leads to liver cirrhosis.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract in the lining of the large intestine.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can present as any manner of discomfort between the pelvis and the chest and severe or chronic pain should be evaluated by an expert.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Anal or rectal bleeding is any blood emerging from the anus, which could be bleeding in the colon or anus and should be checked out by a GI doctor.

Bloating

Bloating is the tight and full sensation in the abdomen that is caused by a buildup of gas or excess fluid retention in the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool suggests there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract and our experts advise you to seek diagnostic help as soon as possible

Bowel Incontinence

If you frequently experience little or total loss of control over your bowel movements, schedule an appointment with us today to reclaim your life.

Constipation

Many adults will be plagued by constipation throughout their life — find out more today about this issue and what treatments will be best for you.

Diarrhea

You may wish to consult one of our specialists if you are experiencing significant amounts of loose, runny, or uncontrollable stools with no relief.

Difficulty Swallowing

If you struggle with swallowing, or if some foods are harder to eat than others, you may wish to pursue therapy to take control of what you eat.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a common condition triggered by foods and lying down. With heartburn, you feel a burning pain in your chest behind your breastbone.

Indigestion

Indigestion is pain and discomfort in your upper abdomen, generally caused by foods and drinks. Common symptoms are bloating and burning sensations.

Nausea

For persistent nausea in Denver, CO, our team of GI specialists can develop a custom treatment plan to help you get real relief and feel better.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain in a patient is often a sign of a more serious illness or condition and should be examined by a GI physician.

Vomiting

For persistent vomiting affecting your health and quality of life, get relief with personalized treatment at Colorado Gastroenterology in Denver, CO.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

The yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes may indicate a serious condition that requires prompt treatment or consultation by a GI physician.

GI Procedures

Anorectal Manometry

Anorectal manometry is an exam performed to assess the muscles needed to perform a normal bowel movement for those with incontinence or constipation.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy uses argon gas to produce laser energy that can treat GI conditions like hemorrhages, dysphagia, mucosal lesions, and strictures.

Capsule Endoscopy

A small bowel capsule endoscopy is a procedure where a pill (with a camera inside) gets swallowed by the patient to take photos of the GI tract.

Colon Cancer Screening

A colon cancer screening checks the inner wall of the rectum and colon for cancerous polyps (growths) when no other GI symptoms are present.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a scope is positioned through the rectum and fed through the colon to check for abnormalities.

EGD

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to be examined to treat GI disorders.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

If you have GI nodules around the intestinal wall, you may qualify for a non-surgical, minimally-invasive treatment utilizing endoscopic technique.

Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a diagnostic test that captures real-time images of your upper digestive system to evaluate the tissue and organs to check for issues.

Enteroscopy

If you are having trouble getting answers about what the cause of your GI issues are, an enteroscopy might be an ideal procedure to yield answers.

ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure where a scope is placed to assess the stomach, intestine, and pancreatic duct.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a treatment that enlarges the narrowed or clogged section of your esophagus to address the constriction of the esophagus.

Esophageal pH Monitoring

Esophageal pH monitoring is a test where the pH level of your esophagus is monitored over a 24-hour period to evaluate the cause of GI upsets.

Esophageal Manometry

An esophageal manometry measures the function of the esophagus to ensure there’s no swallowing difficulties, pain, or regurgitation issues.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

If you or a loved one has difficulties eating, chewing, or swallowing, talk to your gastroenterologist about feeding tubes for preserving nutrition.

FibroScan®

FibroScan® is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses special ultrasound technology to evaluate fibrosis and steatosis in the liver.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is used by our doctors to view the lower colon and rectum. They are looking for signs of polyps, cancer, inflammation, etc.

Sphincterotomy

A sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat anal fissures, which are tears in your anus' tissue lining and are painful and uncomfortable.

Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure where a small camera is inserted through the mouth to detect and fix upper GI problems to help with treatments.