David Tenembaum, MD
Jackson Heights
90-01 Roosevelt Ave. Queens, NY 11372
tel: 718-396-2005 | text: 718-500-4920
Woodside
53-14 Roosevelt Ave. Queens, NY 11377
tel: 718-396-2005 | text: 718-500-4920
Gastritis
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is defined as inflammation of the lining of the stomach, it is due to a reaction from an underlying condition, its not on its own a medical diagnosis.
What causes Gastritis?
There are many different causes of gastritis, common causes include the following:
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Medications
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Smoking
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Excessive alcohol intake
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Helicobacter Pylori
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Irritable bowel
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Stress
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Certain foods
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High levels of acid production
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High levels of bile production
What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and short term vs long. The most common symptom is upper abdominal pain, others symptoms may include:
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Heartburn
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Nausea
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Bloating
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Early Satiety
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Halitosis
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Loss of appetite
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Abdominal distention
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Indigestion
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Hiccups
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Burping
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Belching
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Upset stomach
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Diarrhea
How do I know if I have Gastritis?
The diagnosis is made by upper endoscopy which involves a thin tube inserted through your mouth down into your stomach to look at the stomach lining. A biopsy, which is a tiny piece of tissue sample is taken and sent to our laboratory to help determine the etiology.
What are the treatments for Gastritis?
Treatment is based on the underlying cause, options include antacids, antibiotics, cessation of smoking, avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, changes in diet and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.
What are some complications of Gastritis?
Complications for gastritis thankfully are not common. If ignored for a long period of time it can lead to anemia, ulcers and gastric lymphomas. Consult Dr. David Tenembaum for further medical advise.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS or spastic colon is an intestinal digestive disorder that may cause stomach pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation. IBS symptoms frequently overlap with other functional gastrointestinal disorders which must be ruled out for appropriate treatment and adequate care. We are still not sure of what the true cause of IBS is.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed clinically, there is no specific test or marker. Signs that may suggest you have IBS are change in bowel habits that include constipation or diarrhea, change in appearance of stool, consistent bloating and/or abdominal distention and severe pain that is relieved with passing stool all which occur more than 1 time per week for the past 3 months.
IBS affects 1 in 7 Americans
How common is IBS?
It has been reported that as many as 10-20% of adults in Western countries have IBS-like symptoms and a global prevalence of 11.2%. Younger individuals (ages 25-45) are more likely to report IBS like symptoms as compared to older individuals, although IBS can occur at any age. Women report IBS symptoms more often than men. The proportion of IBS patients who consult a physician for their symptoms if 50%.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated?
Treatment includes lifestyle changes, managing known triggers, changing your diet, taking medications and probiotics. Changes in your diet may include a special diet called the FODMAPs diet. Its common to try multiple treatments to see what is right for you. Consult Dr. Aviles and Dr. Tenembaum for the right treatment plan.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain may be discomfort that occurs anywhere between the chest area and pelvic region. People commonly refer to it as a belly ache or stomachache. It presents in many different forms such as burning, cramping, discomfort and bloating. Abdominal pain may be sharp, dull, localized, diffuse, constant, intermittent and radiating. May be associated with diarrhea, constipation, fever, chills and nausea.
How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
Dr. Aviles and Dr. David Tenembaum use a series of tests to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain which begin with an extensive physical examination helping us understand the location and severity of the pain assisting us determine what further tests to order. Common tests used to help are MRI, CT, ultrasounds, endoscopy and colonoscopy. Blood work and stool studies are also commonly obtained to assess evidence of inflammation, infection, bacteria and parasites.
What are causes of abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain may be due to excess gas, infections, obstruction or inflammation in any of the organs in your abdominal cavity. Gastrointestinal organs that are located in your abdominal cavity include small and large intestines, stomach, pancreas, appendix, gallbladder and liver. Some examples of causes for abdominal pain are listed below.
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Helicobacter Pylori
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Stomach & Small bowel ulcers
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Acid Reflux Disease
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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
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Celiac Disease
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Diverticulitis
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Pancreatitis
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Gallbladder infection & stones
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Gastritis
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Ulcerative colitis
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Excessive Gas Production
83 million Americans indicate that pain affects basic functioning in their everyday lives
When to see a Doctor?
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Mild pain commonly will go away on its own, but a visit to the doctor is almost always warranted. An immediate visit to the Emergency Room may be needed if severe, associated with trauma, fever, chills, SOB, rapid hear rate and/or with chest pressure/pain.
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Make an appointment to see a local Queens Gastroenterologist if you have symptoms that persists for more than 24 hours or have any other concerns and questions.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as GERD is a common condition where very acidic juices in the stomach flows back up into your esophagus, which is a non-acidic environment causing symptoms and complications. In the western world, 10-20% of patients are affected by GERD.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, chest pain, heartburn, irritation, difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, bad breath, a metallic/sour taste in your mouth, cramping and heartburn. Complications include inflammation of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, ulcers, strictures and esophageal cancer.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is most commonly due to inadequate closure of the lower esophageal sphincter (the door that keeps the esophagus separate from the stomach) which is located in the gastroesophageal junction. This is most commonly due to anatomical abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia, obesity, medications, smoking and diet.
Patients can often find relief with lifestyle modification and over the counter products. Lifestyle modifications include weight loss, not laying down for 2 hours after having a meal, better diet compliance and cessation of smoking. An endoscopy is often needed for further guidance and in cases where patients dont respond to initial management or have alarm symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, bleeding, anemia, weight loss or new onset in older age. If you are having issues with gastric reflux, call our office and make an appointment to see Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles today.
May present with cough, sore throat, chest pain, issues with swallowing, burping, bloating, gassiness, nausea, bad breath, heart burn and sinus problems.
More than 40% of Americans suffer from heartburn each month
Almost 95% of american link their heartburn with a specific food
What is Helicobacter Pylori?
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacteria that's usually found in the stomach. Frequency is directly linked to race, as certain ethnicities are statistically more likely to harbor the bacteria. Whites have a very low prevalence rate of 20% compared to Hispanic groups who have a prevalence rate of 60%.
How Does H. Pylori Present?
Most patients who are infected with H. Pylori never manifest symptoms, those that do may complain of stomach pain, nausea, bloating, burping, bad breath, reflux and abdominal distention.
Patients who are carriers of H. Pylori have a 15% lifetime risk of developing stomach and duodenal ulcers and approximately 1% risk of developing cancer.
Common precursor of Gastritis and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum
How is H. Pylori Diagnosed & Treated?
Helicobacter pylori can be diagnosed via a stool test, a breath test or via biopsy with an endoscopy. When H. Pylori is found with stomach cancer, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, discomfort and/or pain it should be treated. You will need to complete a 14 day combination of two antibiotics and a pill to reduce the acid in your stomach helping the antibiotics work more effectively and reduce the pain.