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Gastrointestinal Disorders

Internal Medicine, Physical Therapy, Pediatrics & Pulmonology located in San Antonio, TX

Gas, bloating, diarrhea, or other unpleasant symptoms might indicate you have a problem with your gastrointestinal (GI) system. At San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine, with three locations in San Antonio, Texas, skilled primary care physicians diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders to ease symptoms and restore your quality of life. Call the office to learn more or use the online booking tab today.


What are gastrointestinal disorders?

Gastrointestinal disorders, or GI problems, encompass a range of medical conditions that affect your ability to properly digest and absorb food, fluids, and nutrients. Your GI tract includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, colon, and anus. 

Treatment with the San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine specialists can reduce unpleasant symptoms and your risk of complications associated with gastrointestinal disorders. 

What are common gastrointestinal disorders?

Examples of common gastrointestinal disorders include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Irritable bowel syndrome 
  • Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Diverticulitis 
  • Colon polyps
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn's disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gallstones
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Pancreatitis 
  • Appendicitis

Symptoms you might have because of these, or other gastrointestinal disorders include bloating, gas, loose stools, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blood in your stool, and abdominal pain.

What are the risk factors for gastrointestinal disorders?

While GI disorders are common and anyone can develop them, risk factors include:

  • Carrying excess weight
  • Lack of exercise
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Food allergies
  • Ongoing stress
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Some medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Family history of gastrointestinal disorders

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits reduces your chance of developing gastrointestinal disorders, but you can’t always avoid them.

How does my provider diagnose gastrointestinal disorders?

To diagnose GI disorders and properly treat them, a San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests.

Your specialist may recommend blood tests, allergy testing, stool tests, an upper endoscopy, or a colonoscopy to find the root cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. 

How are gastrointestinal disorders treated?

Your personalized treatment for a GI disorder depends on the type of gastrointestinal condition you have and its severity.

Your San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine provider may recommend weight loss, diet or exercise changes, dietary supplements, or medications. You might need surgery in severe cases or combinations of multiple treatments to ease unpleasant GI symptoms and maximize your quality of life. 

To find out if you have gastrointestinal disorders or learn more about the proper treatment for your condition, call the San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine office or use the online booking tab today.