At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our staff is pleased to provide individuals with diagnosis and treatment utilizing cutting-edge methods. This tool helps our doctors provide leading-edge services, more brief visits, and more accurate outcomes in contrast to more traditional techniques.

By offering FibroScan (liver elastography) to New Orleans, LA individuals, our doctors will be able to observe liver wellness and diagnose and supervise several different diseases of the liver. To hear more information on the ways FibroScan can help you improve your liver health, reach out to your nearest Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to book a consultation today.

What should I know about FibroScan?

As a nonsurgical liver assessment, FibroScan involves ultrasound technology to deliver a full image of your liver well-being, observe the progression of liver issues, and work to uncover liver problems. When you have this quick test, your GI specialist will request that you lie flat and put your right hand under your head. Your technician will pass a transducer, much like those involved in ultrasound tests, on your liver. As we perform this procedure, we can:

• Track liver wellness following a transplanted liver
• Test the health of the liver to determine the presence of liver scarring
• Detect problems in your liver
• Oversee the advancement of liver conditions
• Verify liver fibrosis

In the majority of circumstances, FibroScan can be used rather than undergoing a more invasive liver biopsy. Most individuals choose this method because there is no need for additional time off of everyday routines or seek out a person to take them home from the examination, and it is virtually painless. Though this test might not always take away the need for a biopsy test, it permits your provider to acquire swift images with more accuracy.

How is FibroScan performed?

When you have your FibroScan exam at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, the special device will utilize sound waves into your liver. The probe will inspect about three cubic centimeters of the liver – about 100 times the scale of a biopsy test. As soon as the sound pulses are emitted, it will take them longer to make their way through a healthy liver. However, the ultrasound pulses will travel through a stiff liver pretty fast, and possibly faster the stiffer the liver is.

The FibroScan test can also show the volume of fat in the liver by tracking the amplitude and intensity of ultrasound waves. Whenever the sound frequencies are delivered, they will be received into fatty livers more in comparison with healthier livers. The fatty liver has a higher rate of attenuation, although the healthier liver will have a lower attenuation rate.

All of these details will be documented using our specialized technology, which lets your GI doctor discuss your outcomes with you in real time. You can talk to your specialist about questions during your exam, or you can wait and discuss them once the results are shown in-depth.

Why would you have a FibroScan exam?

If you experience signs or symptoms of liver disease, such as abdominal pain, brown urine, yellow-colored skin or eyes, or something similar, your New Orleans, LA digestive health doctor might suggest a FibroScan to assess your liver function.

Depending on your problems, health history, and additional factors, our team might use FibroScan to assess or help our diagnosis of:

• NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)
• Alcohol liver disease
• Hepatitis B or C
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Excess iron

Receive a FibroScan in New Orleans, LA

If you find that you or a loved one has symptoms and signs of liver disease, have had liver disease in the past, or have a family history of liver problems, your GI doctor might order a FibroScan exam. This swift and effective exam could help detect liver disease and assess the total wellness of your liver, providing a more precise way to address and check for liver conditions.

To hear more about FibroScan and how it can help you maintain your liver and overall well-being, call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates now to set up an appointment.

As the weather cools down and we are gearing up for pumpkin spice, it is also significant to focus our attention on our health, including one of the most crucial and hardest working parts of the body — the liver. This organ is in charge of aiding in the digestive process, changing food into energy, and removing harmful materials from our systems so that we can stay healthy.

By and large, the liver is an important organ that performs a range of tasks, enabling us to enjoy ideal health. October is Liver Disease Awareness Month. This month serves as an important reminder that it is essential to monitor our liver health and ask important questions like: “What can I do to elevate my liver function?” or “How do I know if I’m at risk for liver disease?” The gastrointestinal specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are ready to address these questions and can help you access the best care possible for your health. Keep reading as our New Orleans, LA team explains additional details regarding conditions that affect the liver.

Are there different forms of liver disease?

The term “liver disease” describes health issues that cause inflammation in or damage to the organ. Liver disease is not a “condition” per se but rather a general term to refer to the varying types of conditions that can affect the liver. The causative factors behind the different types of liver concerns can vary as well. Some liver conditions result due to excessive alcohol consumption or infectious agents such as a virus. Others may result from an excess amount of bilirubin in the liver. Liver disease includes several conditions, such as:

• Bile duct diseases – These conditions cause blockage in the bile ducts and impede the proper flow of bile. Bile duct diseases may consist of:
  • Birth defects (such as biliary atresia)
  • Inflammation (which leads to scarring and can cause liver failure)
  • Gallstones
  • Cancer
  • Infections
• Fatty liver disease – A condition that develops when fat has built up inside your liver. This may result in liver cirrhosis.
• Jaundice – An overabundance of bilirubin in the liver causes the whites of the eyes and the skin to take on a yellow hue.
• Hepatitis – This involves an inflammatory issue of the liver.
• Cirrhosis of the liver – Healthy tissue within the liver is overtaken by scar tissue, resulting in impaired functioning.

Since there are varying differences involving the conditions mentioned here, it is advised to partner with a skilled digestive health specialist to determine the reason behind your liver condition so that a personalized treatment plan can be developed to help improve your health.

What are the signs and symptoms of liver disease?

Although varying liver issues can have different causes, many liver disease symptoms will be the same. It is important to consult a gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, so a proper diagnosis and treatment strategy can be identified. Common signs of liver disease include:

• Abdominal discomfort and swelling
• Nausea
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Yellowish hue to the skin and white portions of the eyes (jaundice)
• Itchy skin (pruritus)

In the event you experience any of these signs or symptoms listed here, contact one of our digestive health specialists in New Orleans, LA to request an appointment.

What can I do to boost my liver health?

Under the care of a GI specialist for conditions affecting the liver, you might be provided individualized instructions on what you can do to help address your unique needs. But there are some general tips that all individuals should consider to boost their liver health and function. These include:

• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
• Follow a balanced diet.
• Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
• Consume adequate amounts of water.
• Consume foods rich in fiber.

Learn more about liver disease treatment in New Orleans, LA

Around 1 out of every 10 individuals in the United States is impacted by some form of liver disease. As such, you or a member of your family might need help identifying treatment solutions for addressing liver concerns. In honor of October being Liver Disease Awareness Month, we invite you to contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to request an appointment and hear more about how our team can treat your liver issue or what you can do to help guard against it. For those already dealing with signs or symptoms of liver disease, our New Orleans, LA digestive doctors can listen to your concerns, render a diagnosis, and curate a treatment strategy that best suits your personalized health needs.

When we consider the type of person more likely to need treatment for a digestive problem, we usually think of a mature adult or those of advanced age. As much as age is a factor in the advancement of some gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, the truth is that kids are not immune to gastrointestinal (GI) problems — and can be more vulnerable to certain digestive issues.

If you believe your child may have a pediatric intestinal concern, the GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates may be able to help bring them back to health. Here is some key information to note when deciding if you should consult one of our pediatric gastroenterologists in New Orleans, LA.

How is a child’s gastrointestinal system different from an adult’s?

Similar to every other system present in the body, the gastrointestinal system takes some time to mature following birth. GI problems in babies are quite common during this period of development. For example, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), muscle tissue at the bottom of the esophagus that helps prevent stomach acid from flowing upward, is usually not completely formed in newborns, leading to problems with acid reflux.

Because proper nourishment is strongly linked to a child’s growth and development, it’s essential that you request a consultation with a pediatric GI physician if you feel your child is experiencing gastro problems. Pediatric gastrointestinal issues are more common than you might anticipate, with some even beginning at birth.

Which pediatric gastro complications are most commonly experienced?

Although children could be impacted by many of the digestive issues that are typical in adults, certain types are more likely to occur than others. Some of the more frequent issues involve:

• CVS (cyclic vomiting syndrome): This disorder causes excessive vomiting episodes that happen in frequent cycles and is usually observed in kids.
• Constipation: Constipation involves difficulty when passing stools.
• Abdominal distress: Several minor GI problems (like gas) will often work themselves out over time, but persistent or excessive pain warrants a visit with a pediatric GI provider.
• IBD (inflammatory bowel disease): IBD includes GI issues like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Food intolerances: Among kids, this often includes lactose intolerance (difficulty processing lactose products) and celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the duodenum or small intestine).
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): GERD involves the scarring and inflammation of the esophagus caused by recurrent acid reflux. This illness is very common among infants and newborns and is frequently evidenced by vomiting, hiccups, gagging, and an aversion to eating food.

It’s essential to manage gastrointestinal issues in infants, toddlers, and newborns, as these conditions could interfere with a child’s ability to absorb the nutrients they require for growth and development. The GI physicians at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help you understand your child’s illness and explore the treatment options.

When is the right time to bring my child to a pediatric GI provider?

A proactive approach is generally recommended with any health issue. Even a common GI problem, such as diarrhea, can point to a greater issue if it occurs periodically. There are several clear indications that you should consult a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist, though:

• Blood in the stool
• Slow or little to no growth regardless of getting adequate nourishment
• Repeat vomiting or blood present in vomit
• Frequent diarrhea (loose, watery stools) or constipation

If you notice any of the above issues, please set up an appointment with a gastroenterology provider immediately.

Get pediatric gastro care in New Orleans, LA

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI providers offer treatment for a variety of pediatric digestive concerns and are devoted to assisting our patients so they can thrive. If you are concerned or worried about your child’s GI health and are seeking a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist in New Orleans, LA you can trust, contact our team today to request a consultation.

In the high-speed world, it is often tricky to get some time to slow down and focus on our physical health — especially our digestive health. It is sometimes easier to just get a to-go dinner as we rush the kids to the next football game or ballet practice. But as we know, our kids are surveying and learning from everything we do. That is why it is important that we dedicate ourselves to improving our kid’s digestive wellness.

Digestive health is important for the overall condition of our bodies, and there are many things we could do to enhance the digestive wellness of our youngsters. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we are committed to assisting everyone in your family so they can experience ideal digestive health for a lifetime. Read below as our New Orleans, LA gastroenterologists clarify how you might educate your children on wholesome digestive behaviors.

Why is it essential to improve my child’s GI health?

Gastrointestinal wellness can help improve a child’s complete health. GI disorders can involve many symptoms, including acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. It is essential to mirror strong eating behaviors in kids to lessen and control GI symptoms or even prevent more major issues in the future. To help the youngest people in the family understand healthy eating habits for a lifetime of GI wellness, our team is thrilled to provide the following advice below.

How can I help my child follow healthy eating behaviors?

There are many ways to help your child down a successful road to GI health. Some of the optimal ways to make sure you’re nurturing a healthy eater is to solidify good boundaries for them to adopt. You may also encourage your kid to:

• Eat junk food in moderation.
• Eat food at a well-balanced rate.
• Sustain a healthy diet.
• Drink lots of water other than soda or other sugary drinks (this may encompass things like juices, as they typically contain a wealth of sugar).

If you want to learn more about what specific foods or drinks to include in your kid’s diet to foster good digestive health, meet with our providers at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. We would be delighted to assist your child in the desired direction during an individualized meeting.

Are there alternative methods to improve children’s digestive health?

Although there are several ways to boost your child’s GI health, the key is to help them incorporate proper eating habits. There’s an additional piece that is key for regular gastrointestinal functioning — verifying persistent physical activity. Exercise improves the blood circulation to the digestive system muscles, assisting with food moving through the digestive tract. When we meld together healthy eating beliefs with exercise, our bodies can function at their peak performance. It is beneficial to set good examples for the children in your family to abide by and to ensure all members of your family get enough physical activity each day. Discover ways to incorporate exercise in the household and have fun while also being active and boosting the GI health of the whole family.

Locate digestive care for children in New Orleans, LA

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your child’s physical wellness and GI health, you can count on the experienced and considerate GI physicians at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. With the patient-centered approach we take toward medicine, we put the care of your children above all else. We hope to assist them in reaching their full power in GI wellness. To schedule a consultation with a provider who supports children’s GI care in New Orleans, LA, please contact our practice location nearest you. Our GI providers are here to help offer you advice and guide you and your child on the journey to ideal GI health.

Having a rumbling tummy or an occasional stomach ache is quite common for children and teens of all ages. But when the pains and aches happen frequently, are you aware of what remedies can help? In the event your child or teenager requires pediatric digestive care in New Orleans, LA, contact our gastroenterology specialists to find a remedy. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we have the experience and knowledge needed to provide personalized treatment options. Read on to learn further details about common childhood digestive disorders, along with a few insightful tricks and tips.

How frequently are children impacted by GI conditions?

As stated by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, 40 to 50% of appointments with a pediatric gastroenterologist are due to functional GI disorders. Constipation, or encopresis, arises in approximately 10 to 25% of children who are advised to visit a pediatric GI doctor, and approximately 17% of high school-age patients deal with symptoms representative of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Our New Orleans, LA gastroenterology specialists aim to help your family determine solutions for pediatric GI conditions.

What kinds of GI disorders are common in teens, children, and infants?

A sample of the pediatric GI disorders that are commonly identified in teenagers, children, and infants include the following:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Frequent heartburn in infants and children could lead to a GERD diagnosis. Common signs and symptoms are burping, lack of a desire to eat, vomiting, abdominal pain, hiccups, and choking or gagging.

Lactose intolerance: This treatable issue is among the GI disorders that can affect teens, children, and infants. It happens when a child’s body is unable to metabolize the sugar present in dairy, known as lactose. Loose or watery stools, a stomach ache, gas, or bloating after ingesting dairy products are all indications of this condition. Taking lactase enzymes before eating dairy products can allow the body to process lactose properly.

Constipation: Constipation develops when stool is dry, large, and/or difficult to pass. Among children, constipation can cause them to avoid going to the bathroom. Not having regular bowel movements could result in more constipation and additional gastrointestinal discomfort.

IBD (inflammatory bowel disease): This digestive health concern may develop in teenagers and children. It describes two individual GI conditions. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the large intestine (colon) while Crohn’s disease can impact all parts of the digestive tract. Common signs and symptoms of both conditions may involve watery or bloody stool and stomach pain.

Celiac disease: Celiac disease is a digestive health issue that arises when an adverse reaction happens in the wake of ingesting gluten. Gluten is a protein present in barley, rye, and wheat. If the disease is left uncontrolled, it could damage the small intestine and prevent your child’s body from absorbing the necessary nutrients from food.

EoE (eosinophilic esophagitis): This disease develops in the esophagus. It can result in chronic allergic inflammatory disease. Kids can experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and a burning sensation similar to acid reflux. Additionally, they may gag frequently and report swallowing difficulties.

What can parents do to promote good digestive health in children?

We know that as a parent, you want the best for your family, from planning doctor appointments to ensuring they eat a healthy and balanced diet. Some ways to help your child maintain GI health are to incorporate these suggestions into their day-to-day life:

• Sit down as a family to eat: Strive to make mealtime pleasant for every member of your family and designate a family mealtime. Doing so provides consistency and stability, helping to ensure the time spent sharing family meals is enjoyable for all. Allowing your toddlers to feed themselves during mealtimes is also a good way to help them develop a healthy association with food.
• Monitor portion sizes: The amount of food eaten can impact how food is processed and digested. If a child eats in excess, it could cause problems with digestion and result in stomach upset.
• Slow down when eating: We understand that between after-school activities and spending time with friends, it is easy for your teen to quickly snag a snack from the pantry before heading out the door. Encourage them to take time to enjoy the food they consume to prevent digestive upset.

To learn more tips on how to help your child enjoy good GI health, request a consultation with us at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our digestive health providers will partner with you to find an approach that meets your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Find care for pediatric digestive conditions in New Orleans, LA

Children’s gastrointestinal issues do not have to cause ongoing, unmanageable symptoms. You can access solutions for everyone in the family when GI concerns arise. For further details about the common GI issues affecting children, request a consultation at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our gastroenterology team proudly offers pediatric digestive care in New Orleans, LA that can help your child experience optimal GI health as they grow.

In the event you or someone you love has GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), you understand that this digestive condition can be painful and may sometimes make daily life troublesome. The good news is you don’t have to live with chronic acid reflux. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of GERD with transoral incisionless fundoplication, commonly referred to as the TIF procedure. For additional information about how this GERD treatment option could help you experience relief from your acid reflux symptoms or locate a specialist who offers the TIF procedure in New Orleans, LA, please request an appointment with our gastroenterology team today.

What is GERD?

You could be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease if you have mild to moderate acid reflux several times a week or severe acid reflux a few times a week. While the disease commonly develops in adults aged 40 or above, you can potentially develop GERD if you:

• Routinely eat spicy foods
• Have a hiatal hernia or scleroderma
• Drink coffee
• Are overweight
• Are pregnant
• Consume large amounts of food late at night
• Lay down immediately after eating
• Drink alcohol or use tobacco

Though you can attempt to avoid consuming foods and other known triggers to ease GERD symptoms, medical intervention is necessary at times. Our team is pleased to provide the TIF procedure in New Orleans, LA as a treatment for chronic reflux.

How does the TIF procedure work?

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is a minimally invasive, advanced treatment performed to address GERD. This procedure reinforces the tissue joining the upper stomach and esophagus to improve the function of the gastroesophageal junction.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is often sought out and deemed an attractive solution because it involves no incisions or metal implants, and the recovery phase is commonly fast. It is also a safe procedure that can allow individuals who have failed to experience acid reflux relief to receive the treatment they need.

Is transoral incisionless fundoplication an ideal option for me?

If you think the TIF procedure could be the right solution for your GERD, we encourage you to request a treatment consultation at a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you. Our skilled GI specialists can help you decide if this solution is suitable for your GI needs.

When you visit for a personalized consultation, our New Orleans, LA TIF specialists will inquire about your symptoms and health history to decide if this is the ideal option for you. You might also require additional testing to evaluate your candidacy for transoral incisionless fundoplication. Such diagnostics may entail esophageal acid exposure testing, an esophageal motility study, and endoscopy.

You may qualify for transoral incisionless fundoplication if you:

• Experience chronic heartburn
• Have GERD even after modifying your diet and lifestyle
• Want to avoid the side effects of acid reflux medication
• Have acid regurgitation or other GERD symptoms
• Do not have a hiatal hernia larger than one inch

Get GERD relief with the TIF procedure

If you have been diagnosed with chronic acid reflux or GERD, you probably find it difficult to enjoy daily life. If other treatment strategies have failed to relieve these symptoms, the TIF procedure for reflux at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates could be an appropriate solution for you. To receive treatment for GERD or connect with a provider who offers transoral incisionless fundoplication in New Orleans, LA, get in touch with our practice without delay.

Beautiful blue skies, sunny weather, BBQs, and laughter by the pool are all indications that summer is upon us. But, the summer weather might not be the one and only thing heating up. If you’re dealing with GI issues during these warmer months, you’re not the only one. You can request a consultation with a gastrointestinal doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as you’re able to learn how you can boost gut health.

Give your body the break it deserves in the hotter months with a few tricks and tips on how you can manage your GI symptoms. Read below to learn more from our New Orleans, LA GI specialists.

How might hot temps impact GI issues?

Rising temps will influence the body’s resilience and digestive capabilities. This can include loss of appetite on hotter days, symptoms of dehydration, or other heat-related illnesses (like heat exhaustion and heat stroke).

Heat waves change the bacterial composition of your GI tract, according to a study performed by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This could help us understand why some stomach pain and issues rise once the temperature rises.

The higher temps cause blood flow to divert to help regulate body temperature. Our GI system is affected more when this happens. Consequently, we may notice gastrointestinal concerns that may cause increased stomach pain and diarrhea.

Even if you take proactive steps to avoid dehydration and additional symptoms related to heat, it’s not guaranteed to totally thwart it. Persistent symptoms need to be assessed by our GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Schedule an appointment with our GI specialists to get the proper medical attention for your GI symptoms.

Tips to improve gut health

Taking control when temps rise is vital to help you focus on your time with friends and family. A few easy things to keep in mind when you’re going to be in the sun can include:

• Avoid consuming milk products: While milk might offer temporary relief after it’s ingested, it might actually heat the body. This even includes dairy products such as butter, ice cream, and cheese.
• Make working out a routine: Brisk walking, a running routine, and yoga help with digestion. Adding movement to your daily routine can assist with stomach pains and even reduce stress.
• Consider your hydration needs: Get enough water to make up for your loss through your sweat. This includes drinking 8 ­­– 10 glasses of water daily.
• Incorporate probiotics into your diet: Drinking kombucha, eating yogurt, and taking a probiotic may be ways to encourage good gut bacteria.

Keep food poisoning from ruining your summer fun

During summer, the likeliness of food poisoning is greater. Preparing food outside usually will make safe food handling challenging since bacteria can multiply faster than normal during warm weather.

Understanding food poisoning symptoms is important in order to better understand the treatment. Some symptoms are:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Queasy stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Don’t let the temperature increase impact your health. When you’re expecting a heat wave, take the time to focus on your health by paying attention to the needs of your body. Drink a lot of water, eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and oranges, and get proper assistance from our GI doctors in New Orleans, LA when you need help.

Maintain your digestive health over the summer months

Your gut health shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying the summer months with your loved ones. Help your stomach cool off this season with assistance from a GI doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our awareness and expertise can help educate you. Don’t hold up your summer plans and request a consultation at your nearest location in New Orleans, LA.

In the event you or a loved one experience a problem involving your esophagus, it’s imperative to have it evaluated so that the appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach can be carried out. But what does that involve? At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI providers carry out an array of tests to diagnose esophageal disorders that could be interfering with your health. Please do not let an esophageal problem continue to negatively affect your life. To hear more about the types of evaluations and treatments for esophageal disorders in New Orleans, LA, request a visit with one of our GI providers. Read below to learn more about how each test work.

When is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) recommended?

Commonly referred to as an EGD, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a test that is conducted to assess the upper part of your digestive tract. Additionally called an upper endoscopy, it uses a small camera fitted on the end of the endoscope, or tube.

During the exam, the tube is passed down through your throat to help our doctors see the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine, or duodenum. The camera transfers the pictures that are taken to a computer screen so that your gastroenterologists can assess them. When the pictures have been reviewed, our team of GI providers can determine a diagnosis and explain the appropriate treatment plan necessary for your health. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure might be advised if you’ve noticed the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Anemia
• Persistent acid reflux
• Non-cardiac chest pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting blood
• Frequent nausea or vomiting
• Swallowing difficulties
• Functional indigestion (dyspepsia)

The team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can provide more information about this approach and if it can be beneficial to your health.

How does a CT scan detect and treat esophageal disorders?

A CT or computed tomography scan is a helpful tool for your digestive health physician when it pertains to esophageal conditions. These images function as the first step in the process of examining the esophagus. As radiographic procedures, CT scans generate a clear image of the area in question. The images are then provided to your doctor, who examines them and can determine the next steps to take to help ease your esophageal disorder.

Our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists may order a CT to accurately diagnose esophageal conditions. These x-ray images can assist with:

• Detecting inflammation or irritation
• Detecting esophageal cancer
• Detecting abnormalities in the esophagus
• Determining if esophageal cancer has metastasized

When would a barium x-ray be needed?

A barium x-ray is scheduled when a radiographic assessment of your digestive tract is warranted. These procedures are commonly used to detect concerns, like tumors, polyps, ulcers, hernias, inflammatory conditions, and strictures.

The barium utilized in the exam is a dry and white chalky powder-like consistency. This powder is mixed with liquid so that it can be swallowed. Following ingestion, it will spread over the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. The clarity of the barium permits our gastroenterology specialists to evaluate for irregularities that might not be seen when conventional x-rays are captured.

There are different types of barium x-ray tests in use. These include a barium enema to look at the lower gastrointestinal tract, a small-bowel follow-through, and a barium swallow to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract. If you or someone you love needs an esophageal evaluation, request an appointment with us without delay.

Find advanced esophageal treatment in New Orleans, LA

When you need treatment for esophageal issues, you can rely on the experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our staff will work closely with you to design a treatment plan that addresses your condition. Call us today to request a visit with one of our esophageal specialists in New Orleans, LA. We look forward to helping you get the care you deserve.

Positioned in the center of the chest, the esophagus is the top part of the digestive system. Though the esophagus can vary in size among individuals, esophageal conditions can affect everybody. Regardless of whether you require acid reflux relief, treatment for Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer treatment, finding the right medical experts to help you is imperative.

When you’re searching for ways to manage esophageal concerns, it’s important to have an experienced and dedicated group of gastroenterology providers you can rely on. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI physicians are available to help. Request an appointment with a member of our team today to receive help for esophageal disorders in New Orleans, LA.

How many individuals experience esophageal disorders?

Esophageal conditions are experienced by a large percentage of people in the United States. As reported by the American College of Gastroenterology, gastroesophageal reflux disease, often referred to as GERD, is experienced by 20% of the nation’s population, and cancer of the esophagus ranks within the top 10 most common cancers across the globe. Some esophageal cancers are associated with lifestyle habits, like tobacco use and alcohol consumption, while other types are associated with persistent acid reflux in individuals with GERD.

On average, acid reflux is experienced by approximately one-third of adults, and the chronic allergic inflammatory disease eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is experienced by around 1 in 2,000 people. Dysphagia, a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties, can affect one out of every six adults, as reported by the Dysphagia Research Society.

In the event you think you may be having esophageal issues and are looking to find the right approach for treatment, you certainly aren’t the only one. Request a visit at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates near you. Our team can appropriately diagnose and address your condition so that you may get relief from your symptoms.

What are common esophageal disorders?

You might begin to notice certain symptoms impacting esophageal function, such as trouble swallowing, pain in the chest area while eating, heartburn, or food getting stuck in the esophagus. Such symptoms might indicate esophageal issues that need care. A few of the most common conditions involving the esophagus include:

• Dysphagia
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Esophageal cancer
• Esophagitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Acid reflux

To find esophageal treatment in New Orleans, LA, request a consultation with our specialty group. We will partner with you to identify a treatment strategy suited to your individualized needs. Whether it’s managing GERD symptoms or addressing esophagitis, we can deliver dependable treatment when you need it most.

When should you receive care from a GI physician?

Getting esophageal treatment from a GI physician may be necessary if you experience persistent symptoms that continue for more than 14 days. It’s also essential to seek treatment if the symptoms are impacting the quality of your sleep, if you notice sudden shifts in the frequency or intensity of your symptoms, or if you experience significant pain or discomfort.

Esophageal disorders can impact patients of all ages. If you or someone you love are experiencing esophageal concerns, there’s no need to deal with them alone. When you schedule a consultation with our GI experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we can help you get the quality care you require. Our digestive health professionals enjoy delivering solutions that have a positive impact on your health and wellness.

Esophageal care you can count on

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we’re proud to be a team of providers who can help you deal with the esophageal conditions that are causing you stress. To hear more about such disorders and to attain advanced esophageal care from a New Orleans, LA gastroenterologist you can trust, request a visit, and partner with our practice today.

Although digestive diseases affect both males and females, certain gastrointestinal conditions are more widespread among women. This might be because of the differences in the structures of the gastrointestinal tract between men and women. Hormonal shifts that occur in women’s bodies because of menses, pregnancy, and menopause may also render GI conditions, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), more extreme in women.

If you or a loved one have been experiencing gastrointestinal concerns, please seek gastrointestinal disease treatment in New Orleans, LA. The extensive group of gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates diagnoses and treats common digestive diseases in women, helping patients relieve symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

What are the primary differences between women’s and men’s GI systems?

Though the function of the gastrointestinal system in women and men is structured identical, there are a handful of distinct differences that call for a slight adaptation in how gastrointestinal concerns are treated. Beginning at the top area of the gastrointestinal system, a woman’s lower esophageal sphincter (which is the ring of muscles that keep food from passing back up the esophagus) shuts more tightly than a male’s. Women generate less stomach acid than men. Additionally, their stomachs empty much slower. The large intestine in a woman is around ten centimeters longer than it is in a man’s body, as the gastrointestinal organs share space with the reproductive organs. As a whole, a woman’s digestive system activities take more time than a man’s.

Which digestive problems are more common among women?

There are several digestive concerns that affect women more frequently than men. Some of the most common GI problems in women involve:

• Gastroparesis: This condition occurs when the stomach fails to empty fast enough, which could lead to GI issues, like bloating, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. This condition is more commonly diagnosed in women.
• Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune disorder wherein consuming gluten causes damage to the small intestines. Celiac disease is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.
• Gallstones: These are hardened cholesterol that develops into crystalline deposits in the gallbladder. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with this condition than men.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Women are two times as likely to have this condition, which impacts the small bowel and colon, compared to men. Moreover, IBS symptoms can be associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle, intensifying in severity toward the beginning of the period.
• Constipation: A common gastrointestinal problem, constipation occurs when stool becomes hard or dry and difficult to pass. Women are three times more likely to experience constipation than a man.

If you or a family member notice any of GI conditions mentioned here, then help is within reach through Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Request a consultation with one of our gastroenterology specialists in New Orleans, LA today to help treat your GI condition.

How can women maintain proper gastrointestinal health?

Heeding healthy habits can help maintain and support good gastrointestinal health and wellness, no matter if you are a woman or a man. Some of the habits that can help keep your gastrointestinal health on track include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Seeing a GI specialist for digestive symptoms
• Drinking adequate water daily
• Consuming smaller meals more frequently
• Managing a healthy weight
• Decreasing stress
• Consuming more high-fiber foods

Need help with GI issues in New Orleans, LA?

Should you experience any troubling symptoms associated with your GI tract, then connect with the expert GI doctors at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to get the care you need. As a physician-led group of gastroenterology providers, we regularly treat gastrointestinal disorders in New Orleans, LA patients. Our team can help you ease your symptoms and experience an improved quality of life.