Digestive Disorders Specialist

Ninth Avenue Internal Medicine

Internists located in Denver, CO

An estimated 60-70 million people in the United States suffer from digestive disorders; if you’re one of them, you don’t have to live in pain. Internal medicine physicians Dr. Igor Borisov and Dr. Witten treat the full scope of digestive disorders, focusing on lifestyle changes and conservative treatments that can drastically improve your overall health and wellness. Call Ninth Avenue Internal Medicine in Denver to learn more or book an appointment online today.

Digestive Disorders Q & A

What is a digestive disorder?

Digestive disorders are health conditions associated with your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes your esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Food and drinks are broken down and absorbed within the GI tract during digestion.

Common digestive diseases include:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • GI tract cancers
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Digestive disorders can also create problems with your intestines, liver, esophagus, or rectum (hemorrhoids), or they can lead to gallstones or chronic constipation.

What are the common symptoms of digestive disorders?

Symptoms vary from person to person, and they depend on the specific digestive disorder you have. However, many digestive diseases share a few common symptoms, including:

  • Bloating or excess gas
  • Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in stool consistency
  • Bloody stools or blood in your vomit
  • Incontinence
  • Belly pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swallowing problems
  • Indigestion
  • Cramps

You may also have unexpected weight loss or weight gain and extreme fatigue when suffering from a digestive disorder. GERD also causes heartburn, as stomach acid moves up into your esophagus.

How are digestive diseases diagnosed?

Early diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders are necessary to prevent permanent damage to your body.

First, Dr. Borisov or Dr. Witten review your medical history and completes a thorough physical examination. He may also recommend routine tests for digestive problems or cancers, such as a colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, h. pylori test, or fecal test to check for blood in your stool.

How are digestive diseases treated?

Dr. Borisov or Dr. Witten will work with you to develop a treatment you’re comfortable with and that meets your unique needs. He always recommends the least invasive options first.

They may suggest certain medications or lifestyle changes, such as altering your diet, reducing stress, or increasing exercise to manage the symptoms of your digestive disease. In severe cases, surgery or an organ transplant may be necessary.

If a digestive disorder is causing you pain or discomfort, call Ninth Avenue Internal Medicine or book an appointment online today.