Q&A Sessions: General
GI Questions
Anil
Rustgi, MD, Chief, Penn Gastroenterology,
will be answering your questions about gastroenterology.
Click here to submit your
question >>
See also: Learn
about our Services and Programs at Penn
Nicki
asks:
I have growling and gurgling in my upper
and lower abdomen that does not correlate
with a specific action or food. I was
diagnosed with celiac
disease in 2008, but it turned out
to be a misdiagnosis. I eat healthy and
take care of myself, but I am never completely
free of this problem.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Stomach noises like gurgling and growling
are typically signs of normal digestion.
They can occur before, during or after
meals. When the body is hungry, the
stomach and intestines begin to contract
and release acids and digestive fluids
into the digestive system, which causes
the noises. The thought, sight or smell
of food is enough to trigger the digestive
system to act. Sometimes excessive
stomach noises can be a sign of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), but IBS is
usually accompanied by other symptoms
like bloating, cramping or diarrhea.
To schedule an appointment with Dr.
David Ingis, MD, a Penn gastroenterologist
who can determine the cause of your
symptoms, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Kelli
asks:
My mom is concerned about the following
symptoms: lower back and stomach pain,
gas, constipation, mucus and blood in
her stool. She has diverticulitis,
but the pain and symptoms are not going
away with medication.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula – small,
bulging pouches in the digestive tract
that are common in adults over age
40 – become infected or inflamed.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated
with diet changes, rest and antibiotics.
More severe cases may require surgery
to either remove the diseased part
of the colon or to drain the abscess
formed by the infection.
Since the pain has sustained over
time, I recommend seeing a gastroenterologist.
To schedule an appointment with David
Ingis, MD, a Penn gastroenterologist
who can advise you, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Cherie
asks:
I have been having pain on my right side
for about a month that is especially
painful at night. In the morning I vomit
bile and have diarrhea. I have gone to
my primary physician and had blood work
done, which comes back normal. I had
a laparoscopy done,
but now they are sending me to get an
MRI. I was given a prescription for Nexium®,
but I've had no improvement. The doctors
seem baffled. Do you have any ideas?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Right-sided abdominal pain, vomiting
and diarrhea can independently indicate
a variety of conditions, such as gallstones
or gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), among others. To schedule an
appointment with Dr.
David Ingis, MD, a Penn gastroenterologist
who can evaluate your symptoms, please
call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Beth
asks:
I have been having irregular bowel movements for the past few weeks along with some sporadic abdominal cramps and frequent, smelly gas. When I do have a bowel movement, it is soft, sticky and hard to eliminate. I haven't changed my diet and I am not taking any medication.
I was diagnosed with GERD four years ago but stopped taking Nexium® five months ago. I am trying to manage it by watching what I eat and using antacids. I've also gained about 10-12 pounds in the past three months. Help!
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Trouble with irregular bowel movements can usually be easily remedied by increasing the amount of fiber you consume in your diet, drinking more fluids, and increasing your activity level. Because of your history, I suggest you discuss your case with a Penn gastroenterologist. Please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online.
|
Staci
asks:
I am 38 years old. Three months ago I started having severe stomach pains on my right side. I had a colonoscopy during which my doctor found seven polyps, but he said everything looked good. I was concerned about IBS, but he said I didn't have it. I ruled out gastroenterology problems until I had a laparoscopy done two weeks ago and scar tissue was found on my small and large intestine.
I was told by this doctor he didn't know why I have scarring since I've never had GI surgery. I am still in a lot of pain on my right side, but my doctor wants me to give it time to heal and see if the pain goes away. What could this be? And is it normal to still have this much pain?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
There are a number of different problems that can cause pain on your right side, but if you are experiencing severe abdominal pain you should seek prompt medical attention. Some of the pain you're having now may resolve itself once your abdomen is completely healed from the laparoscopy.
Keeping track of your symptoms will help your doctor form a diagnosis:
- When do you have pain?
- Exactly where is the pain is located?
- What type of pain (such as aching, stabbing, throbbing or cramping)?
- How long does the pain lasts?
- What triggers the pain?
- What helps relieve the pain?
- How does the pain impact your life (such as limiting activities or missing work)?
Kashyap Panganamamula, MD is a Penn gastroenterologist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment. To make an appointment, please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or you can also request an appointment online. |
Penny
asks:
I have been diagnosed with a floater. My organs are not attached to my abdominal wall. So my intestines float and get twisted up. I would like to know what specialist or who is experienced in this situation to seek medical care.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
I recommend you schedule an appointment with a Penn gastroenterologist who can evaluate your condition. Please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online. |
Pam
asks:
Does your facility have a back-up scope in case the first one malfunctions?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Yes, all of our facilities have multiple endoscopes on hand. |
Diane
asks:
For the past week, every afternoon for about two or three hours I get bad gas. Also, my intestines are very noisy. Then it goes away and starts up again the next afternoon.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Flatulence — commonly known as gas — accompanied by noisy intestines can indicate a number of causes. These include swallowing air while eating, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption or simply eating foods that are difficult for your body to digest.
Here are some simple ways to improve your problem by adjusting your daily habits:
- Eat more slowly.
- Chew your food thoroughly.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Relax while you eat.
- Avoid beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages.
- Walk for 10 to 15 minutes after eating.
- Drink peppermint or chamomile tea after a meal.
- Try Beano® if you eat a high-fiber diet.
If these tips do not improve your symptoms, it may mean there is an underlying problem. To schedule an appointment with a Penn gastroenterologist, please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online. |
Pinkjade
asks:
I made a dish that included pimiento in its ingredients. I had that for dinner along with homemade cheesecake with strawberries. I went to use the bathroom and noticed there were some red objects in my stool. I've had some rectal bleeding before. I do know that I have external hemorrhoids — which I've been told is the cause.
I have become increasingly concerned about the possibility of colorectal cancer. I am a 26 year-old healthy female. I examined the red objects and thought them to be pimiento or possibly strawberries. Four days later I used the bathroom and once again saw this red "thing." It seemed to be the same as what I saw before. Could it be blood? Is it normal to see things you've eaten days ago in your stool?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
There are many possible reasons for blood appearing in stool. Some are harmless and temporary, while others may signal a more serious condition. Anytime you find blood in your stool, it is best to see a healthcare provider.
In addition to blood in the stool, hemorrhoids can cause:
- Anal itching
- Anal ache or pain, especially while sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
- One or more hard, tender lumps near the anus
A Penn gastroenterologist can evaluate you and determine if your symptoms are a result of hemorrhoids or indicate a more serious problem. To make an appointment, please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online. |
D
asks:
I was diagnosed with IBS-C spasmodic colon last year. Each month following my menstrual cycle, I have extreme pain, spasms and burning sensations in my abdomen for the next two to three weeks. I take over 800 mg of ibuprofen to cope. I am pain free for about a week and then the cycle starts all over.
I'm 44 years old and I have two small fibroid cysts on my right ovary. Could my menstrual cycle be causing my IBS to flare up and cause me this additional pain for weeks at a time? What can I do?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
IBS-C or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is a common intestinal disorder. The typically smooth and regular contractions of muscles in the intestines are replaced by irregular and sometimes painful contractions. Many women report that their symptoms worsen around and during the time of their menstrual period. It is believed to be the result of heightened hormone activity, but the exact reason is unknown.
Geoffrey Spencer, MD, is a Penn gastroenterologist who specializes in irritable bowel syndrome. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Spencer, please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online. |
OnHigh4Him
asks:
Is there a permanent feeding tube to the large bowel for persons not able to have the tube in their stomach?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Yes, a feeding tube can also insert into the small bowel. Gregory Ginsberg, MD is a national expert on this procedure. To make an appointment with Dr.Ginsberg, please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online. |
Mike
asks:
I am an asymptomatic 40 year-old male.
However, a recent physical blood test
showed an aspartate
aminotransferase (AST) in the mid
80s and glycosylated serum protein (GSP)
near 270. All other numbers were within
normal ranges. (ALP near 60, ALT near
30, CGT near 15, TBIL 0.5mg/dL, total
protein 7.5, albumin just under 5.0 and
ALB/GLO of 1.8) Are these results worthy
of seeing a gastroenterologist, and what,
if any, concerns could there be?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Elevated aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) and galactose single point (GSP)
levels involve enzymes of the liver
and can sometimes be an indication
of a more serious problem. There are
too many potential scenarios to list
here, but I recommend getting further
testing done.
Karen
Krok, MD, is a Penn
hepatologist – a doctor who specializes
in liver disease. She sees patients
at the Perelman Center for Advanced
Medicine at the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania. You can schedule an
appointment with Dr. Krok by calling
800-789-PENN (7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Emily
asks:
I had a colonoscopy today that was
normal. On the comments, the doctor
wrote, "A vascular pattern found
in the hepatic flexure, transverse
colon, descending colon and sigmoid
colon."
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Since your colonoscopy was normal,
then the vascular pattern found in
the hepatic flexure, transverse colon,
descending colon and sigmoid colon
are not a cause for concern.
If you
would like further explanation of
the procedure or a second opinion
on your findings, you can schedule
an appointment with one of our Penn
gastroenterologists specializing
in colonoscopies by calling 800-789-PENN
(7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Angel
asks:
A family member is in his early sixties
and has not been able to eat for almost
two months. He has a feeding tube because
he cannot eat anything without food entering
his lungs instead of his stomach. Prior
to his eating trouble, he discovered
he had suffered from two strokes without
knowledge of them at the time. He had
an episode of fainting because
his blood
pressure dropped and soon after
that his inability to eat began.
He
has visited two different hospitals
and been hospitalized for six weeks
without an answer. He has lost a
significant amount of weight and
just wants help. Could you tell me
what we should do and who we should
see at Penn?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Difficulty swallowing is a condition
also known as dysphagia.To
schedule an appointment, please call
800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Heather asks:
Do you test and treat for food
allergies such as gluten
intolerance?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Gluten intolerance is a lifelong
disorder also known as celiac disease,
an inherited, autoimmune disease.
Celiac disease occurs when there
is damage to the small bowel from
consumption of gluten, wheat, barley,
rye and possibly oats. In the small
bowel there are threadlike projections
called villi, which absorb nutrients
from food we ingest. If left untreated,
these villi become flattened and
can not absorb nutrients properly.
There are several ways to diagnose
celiac disease, such as:
The only treatment for Celiac disease
involves elimination of gluten, wheat,
barley and rye from your diet.
Geoffrey
Spencer, MD is a Penn gastroenterologist
specializing in the diagnosis and
treatment of celiac disease, please
call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Rachel
asks:
My father has pancreatitis with
cysts on the pancreas and a blood
clot in his lung. He is in severe
pain and being treated with Coumadin®,
antibiotics and morphine for pain. What
is normally the outcome of such severe
pancreatitis, and what should we expect
along the road to recovery?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the
pancreas – an organ whose function
is to release certain hormones and
help with digestion. Cysts on the
pancreas are a complication of chronic
pancreatitis, meaning there is long
term inflammation. This inflammation
causes irreversible scarring of the
pancreas, inhibiting its production
of enzymes to digest food.
The treatment for chronic pancreatitis
is pain medication and rest. Abstaining
from solid food gives the pancreas
a break from producing the enzymes
needed for absorption, which can help
relieve severe episodes of pain. In
some cases, surgery is required to
remove the pancreatic cysts or to remove
dead pancreatic tissue.
Nuzhat
Ahmad, MD and Gregory
G. Ginsberg, MD are Penn gastroenterologists
who specialize in pancreaticobiliary
disease. To schedule an appointment
with either of them, please call
800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
CreativeWriter27
asks:
I've been having a lot of pain on my
right side, which a nurse practitioner
thinks may be deferred pain from cysts that
I have. My ob/gyn doesn't think the cysts
are large enough to hurt, so I'm getting
another test. Do you think it could be
gastrointestinal pain?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
There are many different problems
that could cause pain on your right
side, but if you are experiencing
severe abdominal pain you should
seek prompt medical attention. Tracking
the following information will help
your doctor form a diagnosis:
- When you have pain
- Exactly where the pain is located
- Type of pain (such as aching, stabbing,
throbbing or cramping)
- How long the pain lasts
- What triggers the pain
- What helps relieve the pain
- How the pain affects you (such
as limiting activities or missing
work)
Kashyap
Panganamamula, MD is a Penn gastroenterologist
can evaluate your condition and recommend
the best treatment. To make an appointment,
please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or
you can also request
an appointment online. |
Ann asks:
Do you perform capsule endoscopies at Penn
Medicine at Radnor?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Unfortunately, capsule endoscopies
are not done at our Radnor location.
David
Jaffe, MD is a Penn gastroenterologist
who performs capsule endoscopies
at the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania. Capsule endoscopies
are also performed at Penn Presbyterian
Medical Center. To schedule an appointment,
please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Joelee
asks:
I had a G-tube put in two weeks ago.
Now I experience mental fatigue and confusion
constantly, which gets worse when I use
the tube. I have tried varying supplements
and amount of food and calorie intake.
I've even tried continuous feeding.
My symptoms improve somewhat when
the time between meals is greatest
and get worse whenever food enters
the stomach. I don't understand what
is happening or how to correct the
problem. How can this be remedied?
Are there sub-specialists who deal
with such issues?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
The gastrostomy tube
(G-tube) is a type of feeding
tube insertion in which a
tube passes through the skin
and the stomach wall, directly
into the stomach. A feeding
tube transports liquid nutrition
to the stomach. The G-tube
is a more permanent type
of feeding tube and is used
for many patients that have
difficulty swallowing.
Following a G-tube insertion, the
stomach and abdomen generally heal
in 5 to 7 days. In most cases, pain
is managed with medications. If you
are taking new medications for pain,
check with your doctor about any possible
adverse reactions to the medications
you are already taking.
Alternatively, the symptoms you describe
may be caused by not getting enough
nutrition from your feedings or the
feeds may be causing the dumping syndrome
characterized by sweating, belly discomfort,
low blood sugar and diarrhea.
Dumping is caused by undigested sugars
flooding the small bowel and may occur
with highly concentrated feedings being
delivered too quickly. Check with your
gastroenterologist to ensure your G-tube
is functioning correctly and you are
using the correct type and amount of
nutritional formula.
Penn gastroenterologists are experienced
in both the insertion of feeding tubes
and care for patients with feeding
tubes. To make an appointment, please
call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Kimberly
asks:
I was diagnosed with a transmesenteric
hernia after a colonoscopy and
CT scan showed a compression on the transverse
colon. I actually saw the bulge on the
screen and felt severe pain on my left
side when it was pressed during the procedure.
My
GI doctor said there's no reason to
fix the hernia because it's not obstructing
anything. I've had chronic pain for
several years – it
has been continuous and very bad for
one and a half years. Do you think I
should just live with it and try to ignore
it, or get another opinion?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
A hernia occurs
when part of an internal organ or
body part protrudes through an opening
into another area where it ordinarily
should not be located. There are
many different types of hernias.
A transmesenteric hernia is a type
of internal abdominal hernia.
These
hernias are rare and more difficult
to diagnose. Although not all hernias
need to be operated on, hernias that
cause symptoms or that become larger
should be repaired by a surgeon.
Significant pain at the site of a
hernia can be the first sign that
it is incarcerated or strangulated.
A Penn gastroenterologist can evaluate
your condition and provide a second
opinion. To make an appointment, please
call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Kate
asks:
I have an issue with bowel movements.
Whenever I eat, within 15 to 20 minutes
of starting the meal, I have to run to
the bathroom. I usually will go 2 or
3 times within the hour. I have had blood
work, an endoscopy and a colonoscopy.
All the tests came up with nothing. I
am a 24-year-old female and this problem
is causing my quality of life to suffer.
Any suggestions?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Altered bowel
movements are usually caused by bacteria,
viruses, parasites, certain medicines,
food intolerances and diseases that
affect the stomach, small intestine
or colon. If this is a chronic problem,
you should see a gastroenterologist,
as this may be an indication of a
more serious problem.
If you experience
abdominal pain in addition to the
symptoms you describe, you may have irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS). As
many as 55 million Americans – the
majority women – suffer from
IBS.
Mark
Osterman, MD, MSCE is a Penn
gastroenterologist who specializes
in motility and bowel disorders,
including inflammatory bowel conditions.
To schedule an appointment with Dr.
Osterman, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Mel
asks:
My mom has a condition where her esophagus
is always having spasms. She's had the
Botox® injections, with no relief,
and also had the esophagus dilated twice
and still had no relief. Is there anything
else that can be done for this condition?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Esophageal spasms
occur when the muscles in the esophagus
irregularly contract. This causes
difficulty swallowing food or drink
and can sometimes cause severe chest
pain. The cause of esophageal spasms
is unknown, but eating very hot or
very cold foods can trigger them,
as well as an esophageal disease,
like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux
disease) or achalasia. Achalasia
is a rare motility disorder of the
esophagus that can present with spasms
and difficulty swallowing. Achalasia
can be diagnosed by barium X-ray
but the best test is an esophageal
manometry which should always be
done before considering dilation
or Botox® injections.
In very rare cases, surgery can become
necessary. The surgery options are
a myotomy or an esophagectomy. A myotomy
is performed to weaken the contraction
of the muscles in the esophagus, whereas
an esophagectomy is removal of part,
or all, of the esophagus. This is an
extreme measure and all other treatments
should be exhausted before coming to
this decision.
I recommend your mom see one of our
esophageal specialists – David
Metz, MD or Geoffrey
Spencer, MD – for further
evaluation. To make an appointment,
please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Beth
asks:
I have recently been diagnosed with eosinophilic
esophagitis (EE) and have been trying
to avoid the trigger foods as recommended.
However, I have now lost 15 lbs. in a
month and still am having chest pains,
which was the reason for having the endoscopy
that led to the diagnosis of EE. Are
foods always the trigger for EE? Do you
have anyone on staff who has experience
treating adults with EE?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Eosinophils,
a type of white blood cell, are a
part of the immune system, helping
our bodies fight off certain types
of infections. When a large number
of eosinophils occur in the body
without a known cause, an eosinophilic
disorder may be present. Many different
problems, including gastrointestinal
disorders, can cause high numbers
of eosinophils in the blood.
- Eosinophilic esophagits is
a recently recognized disorder
that is thought to stem from an
allergic response to ingested foods.
Although an elimination diet is
often helpful, many adult patients
also require immunosuppressive
therapy to reduce the immune response
that causes the eosinophils to
infiltrate the esophagus. Pediatric
patients are sometimes treated
with an elemental diet which is
often difficult to tolerate. Many
gastroenterologists treat EE with
swallowed asthma inhalers containing
steroids (rather than inhaling
the medication as designed for
asthma).
Since you are losing weight and still
have symptoms, I suggest you consider
seeing one of our esophageal specialists – David
Metz, MD or Geoffrey
Spencer, MD. To make an appointment,
please call 800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Renee
asks:
I've had burning and aching abdominal
pain for several months. Nothing
I take seems to relieve the pain. After
evaluating me for less than 10 minutes,
my primary doctor claimed it's gastritis and
prescribed AcipHex®. I haven't taken
the medication because I feel uncomfortable
with the diagnosis. Should I see a gastroenterologist?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Gastritis is an inflammation or swelling
of the stomach lining. The most common
causes are:
In addition to abdominal pain, symptoms
often include:
Pain is associated with many types
of gastrointestinal conditions. A Penn
gastroenterologist can properly diagnose
these conditions and recommend the
best course of treatment. To schedule
an appointment, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or request
an appointment online. |
RB
asks:
I am at my wit's end with a GI condition
that has yet to been diagnosed. I have
lost 85 pounds in six months and am in
constant pain. All blood work and tests
have been negative except for an exploratory
surgery which showed an enlarged spleen
and accessory spleens (which were removed).
My neurologist thinks I may have Whipple's
disease — I have 14 out
of the 16 symptoms, including non-epileptic seizures.
I am progressively getting worse
with weakness, joint
pain, memory
loss and ability to focus.
I have an endoscopy scheduled
with Penn Gastroenterology.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
An enlargement of the spleen beyond
its normal size is called a splenomegaly.
Because of its wide variety of functions,
the spleen may be affected by infection, cancer, liver
disease, parasites and many conditions
involving the blood or lymph system.
Extra "accessory"
spleens are separate from and very
much smaller than the main spleen.
Failure to remove all of these tiny
extra spleens may cause certain spleen
problems.
Whipple's disease is an extremely
rare condition in which an infection
prevents the intestine from properly
absorbing nutrients. This disorder
primarily affects middle-aged white
men, and the onset of symptoms is usually
slow. Without treatment, it may be
fatal.
An endoscopy is a diagnostic test
involving an endoscope (a
medical device consisting of a camera
mounted on a flexible tube). The endoscope
is inserted through the mouth, anus
or small incision. A sample of suspicious
tissue is removed for testing. Based
on the results of your endoscopy, your
Penn gastroenterologist will suggest
further tests and recommended treatment. |
Richard
asks:
Is there a connection between having
a colonoscopy procedure
and then developing a spigelian hernia?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
A colonoscopy is an internal examination
of the colon and large intestine,
using an instrument called a colonoscope
(a small camera attached to a flexible
tube). The colonoscope is inserted
through the rectum and advanced to
the other end of the large intestine.
Bleeding and puncture of the colon
are rare but possible complications
of colonoscopy.
A spigelian hernia — named for
the Flemish anatomist Adrian van der
Spieghel — is located just below
the navel, to the side of the abdominal
muscles. This type of hernia is relatively
uncommon and tends to occur in patients
around 50 years of age. This is no
known connections between the colonoscopy
and a spigelian hernia. In fact, there
is usually no obvious cause of a hernia,
although they are sometimes associated
with heavy lifting.
To schedule an appointment with a
Penn gastroenterologist who can evaluate
your hernia and recommend the best
course of treatment, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Arthur asks:
I'm constantly bloated.
I have irregular bowel movement and there
is a lump formed by the left side of
my pelvis. What could be the problem?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
I recommend starting with your primary
doctor. The lump may or not be the
result of a gastrointestinal problem.
Your doctor knows you best and based
on the details of your symptoms,
he or she can help diagnose the problem
and if necessary, refer you to Penn
Gastroenterology. |
SK asks:
Last year, I turned 50 and had a colonoscopy.
Since then, my stomach is always making
gurgling noises – as though liquid
is rushing through my intestines. I'm
in great shape for my age. Can the colonoscopy
procedure stretch or relax your intestines?
Could my hormones be causing this? Is
there a medical reason to have this checked
out?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
A colonoscopy is an internal examination
of the colon and large intestine,
using an instrument called a colonoscope – small
camera attached to a flexible tube.
The colonoscope is inserted through
the rectum and advanced to the other
end of the large intestine. Bleeding
and puncture of the colon are rare
but possible complications of colonoscopy – this
is accompanied by severe abdominal
pain and rectal bleeding.
It is usually to your advantage to
have any gastrointestinal changes checked
by a physician. A Penn gastroenterologist
can evaluate your symptoms and recommend
a treatment plan if necessary.
It is important for anyone over 50 — or
younger if you have a family history
of colon cancer — to have a screening
colonoscopy. Penn gastroenterologists
perform this important
test at several locations, including
Penn Medicine at Radnor. To schedule
an appointment, please call 800-789-PENN
or request
an appointment online. |
Ruth
asks:
I am experiencing severe pain in
the upper abdomen by the sternum
area with pain in the back between
both scapular muscles. I have a hiatal
hernia and GERD.
I do not experience GERD symptoms
very often.
About two years ago, I
had my gall bladder removed. There
were only a few very small stones,
but my gallbladder was severely inflamed.
I am confused as to what is going
on inside of me and need direction
on where to proceed to find out what
is causing this pain.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
If you are experiencing severe abdominal
pain, you should seek prompt medical
attention. Tracking the following
information will aid your doctor
in a diagnosis:
- When you have pain
- Exactly where the pain is located
- Type of pain (such as aching, stabbing,
throbbing or cramping)
- How long the pain lasts
- What triggers the pain
- What helps relieve the pain
- How the pain affects you (such
as limiting activities or missing
work)
A Penn gastroenterologist can evaluate
your condition and recommend the best
treatment. To make an appointment, please
call 800-789-PENN (7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Ruby
asks:
My nephew has been in the hospital several
times with nausea and
pain that makes him double over. Doctors
cannot find out what is wrong and discharged
him again. He has lost 40 pounds in about
five months. They removed his gallbladder,
but he still has the same symptoms. What
can we do?
Roberta asks:
My son is 45 and has been vomiting
continuously for months. He also
gets hot and cold sweats. He recently
had his gall bladder removed but
still getting sick – no matter
what he eats. Please tell me what
we can do.
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Pain and nausea are often associated
with many types of gastrointestinal
conditions. A gastroenterologist can
properly diagnose these conditions
and recommend the best course of treatment.
To schedule an appointment with Penn
Gastroenterology, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Rob
asks:
I am having pain on
my right side under the rib cage and
dry heaving during the night. I've had
an x-ray, CT
scan, ultrasound,
and endoscope done – they
could not find anything. Do you have
any suggestions?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Nausea
and vomiting can be a
symptom of many conditions.
Pain near the rib cage can
suggest a rib injury, but
could be one of many conditions.
If these diagnostic tests
did not reveal the source
of your problem, your doctor
may consider an MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging) test.
To schedule an appointment with a
Penn gastroenterologist, please call
800-789-PENN (7366) or request
an appointment online. |
Brent
asks:
I am a healthy 44 year-old male. Several
months ago, I developed symptoms of bloating,
lots of gurgling (even after eating)
and chronic diarrhea. The gurgling seems
to be located on my left side slightly
above the belly button. I eat healthy
food and quantity does not seem to affect
symptoms. Any thoughts?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
Diarrhea and bloating are
usually caused by bacteria,
viruses, parasites, certain
medicines, food intolerances
and diseases that affect
the stomach, small intestine
or colon. If you are experiencing
chronic diarrhea – lasting
more than three days – you
should see a gastroenterologist,
as this may be an indication
of a more serious problem.
To schedule an appointment with a
Penn gastroenterologist, please call
800-789-PENN (7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Penny
asks:
My mother-in-law has something called
a "frozen pelvis." She
has had surgeries but nothing relieves
the pain. Now she is on TPN and still
vomiting. Is this something you
deal with?
Anil
Rustgi, MD responds:
A “frozen pelvis” usually
refers to marked inflammation within
the pelvic tissues, the most common
cause being endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a gynecological
condition that can cause widespread
problems, including bowel problems.
She should see a gynecologist and
colorectal surgeon.
To schedule an appointment with a
Penn physician who can evaluate her
condition and recommend the best course
of treatment, please call 800-789-PENN
(7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
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Digestive System Illustration
Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. |