You Are Not Alone
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that approximately 60 to 70 million people are affected by digestive disorders that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.


Digestive Disorders
Common digestive problems such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, and colorectal cancer cause millions of Americans to suffer daily and limit quality of life. Digestive problems often cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and stomach cramps.

Diagnosis
Most digestive diseases are very complex, with subtle symptoms, and the causes of many remain unknown. They may be inherited or develop from multiple factors such as stress, fatigue, diet, or smoking. Abusing alcohol imposes the greatest risk for digestive diseases.

Reaching a diagnosis requires a thorough and accurate medical history and physical examination. Some patients may need to undergo more extensive diagnostic evaluations, including laboratory tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging techniques. Physicians who specialize in the treatment of digestive problems are called gastroenterologists.

Center for Digestive Medicine
The Center for Digestive Medicine at Houston Northwest Medical Center treats a comprehensive range of GI subspecialties, including diseases of the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum), the lower GI tract (intestines, colon and rectum) and the hepatobiliary system (liver, gallbladder and pancreas).