Keep Your Gut in Check: GI Care at AHN Forbes Hospital

Millions of Americans experience discomfort or shame because of gastrointestinal (GI) issues. If you are one of them, you don’t have to manage these issues on your own.

At AHN Forbes Hospital, a team of experts is trained to address a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists are here to evaluate your symptoms, perform the right screenings, and create a personalized treatment plan to support your digestive health.

Understanding the GI tract

Your GI tract is a long path inside your body that helps you digest food. It includes your: 

• Mouth
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small and large intestines (including your colon)
• Anus

These organs work together to move food through your body. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are other organs that work with your GI tract to process food and remove waste.

Common GI symptoms

When any part of the GI system isn’t working properly, you might notice symptoms like:

• Heartburn/indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea/vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

If you experience these symptoms often, or if they have gotten worse over time, you should reach out to your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP will review your symptoms and may refer you to a gastroenterologist at Forbes for a closer look.

Screening for GI issues

If you’re struggling with GI symptoms, getting help early can make a big difference.

“The sooner patients reach out to be screened and evaluated for symptoms, the sooner we can offer them treatment options to feel more comfortable,” said Divya Chalikonda, MD, gastroenterologist at AHN Medicine Institute.

Sometimes your doctor may need to take a closer look to learn what’s causing your symptoms. They may recommend tests such as:

• Endoscopy – Examines your stomach, esophagus, and intestines for signs of inflammation, irritation, or other changes.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) – Checks your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts for blockages and other issues.
• Colonoscopy – Inspects your entire colon.
• Sigmoidoscopy – Looks at the lower part of the colon.

“Many patients are relieved to find these tests are quick and straightforward, and help us answer important questions about their health,” said Dr. Chalikonda.

After your tests, the GI team will explain the results and work with you and your PCP to plan the best next steps.

Addressing your specific GI issues

Every person’s digestive health is different, so treatment is tailored to your symptoms and diagnosis. Depending on what you are experiencing, your care plan may include:

• Diet and lifestyle changes – Adjusting what you eat and daily habits to help your digestive system work better.
• Medications – To help relieve discomfort, improve digestion, or manage ongoing symptoms.
• Minimally invasive procedures – For certain complex conditions, advanced treatments can be performed in a way that limits pain and helps you recover faster.

Compassionate care to improve your GI health

Gastroenterologists at AHN Forbes Hospital are here to care for you and your GI health. Schedule an appointment with a GI doctor to help you feel better today.