Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus — the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach — is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia. No signs or symptoms are associated with Barrett’s esophagus, but it is commonly found in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. A small number of people with Barrett’s esophagus develop a rare but often deadly type of cancer of the esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

When acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. Occasional reflux is common and does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. People of all ages can have GERD.

The esophagus carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. When an individual has difficulty or pain swallowing, dysphagia, it is typically attributed to one of two things. First, it could be that food is getting stuck in the esophagus, which is called “Esophageal Dysphagia”. It also could be that the individual has a nerve or muscular problem that weakens the throat muscles making it difficult to move food thru the esophagus. This is called “Oropharyngeal Dysphagia”.

Sometimes patients with swallowing disorders lose weight or become dehydrated since eating or drinking may be difficult. They may cough or have a gurgly sound to their voice after eating or drinking.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.

The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn’s disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. The range and severity of symptoms varies.

Ulcerative colitis is one type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It involves long-lasting inflammation and sores in the digestive tract which generally develop over time, instead of all of a sudden. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis can significantly affect day-to-day life, and can lead to life-threatening complications. We offer treatments that can greatly reduce symptoms of this disease, although there is currently no known cure.