An upper gastrointestinal doctor is one who specializes in treating conditions that affect the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. This area is comprised of everything in the buccal cavity, which includes your mouth, tongue, teeth, and the duodenum, which represents the beginning of your small intestine. It also includes every organ in between, with the esophagus, stomach, and pharynx all being a part of the upper GI tract. An upper GI doctor treats any condition that affects these areas, including the following.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease affects the small intestine, but it’s often considered to be an upper GI issue, rather than a lower one. That’s because the primary cause of Celiac disease is eating foods that contain gluten. While an upper GI doctor in Bethlehem, PA will be the one to diagnose this issue, he or she will often refer you to a nutritionist to actually create a gluten-free diet plan.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is an umbrella term for anything that causes the esophagus to swell or become inflamed. The most common cause for this is acid reflux. This occurs when stomach fluid is forced back up into the esophagus, damaging the tissue of the throat as a result. It’s usually very easy to manage, but if left untreated, esophagitis can exacerbate and require additional, expensive care. Click here to learn more about specialized gastroenterological care and the experts who provide it.
Lactose Intolerance
Another issue that you may need to visit Gastroenterology Associates for is if you happen to be lactose intolerant. This issue is similar to Celiac disease, which is why it’s often treated by an upper GI doctor. It can be divided into two separate categories. The first is a “lactose deficiency,” in which the small intestine cannot digest a large amount of lactose. The second classification is “lactose malabsorption,” in which the body does not digest lactose correctly at all, regardless of the amount.
