Colonoscopy Q & A

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your large bowel, or colon, using a small camera called a colonoscope. The colon, which is about 5 feet long, is the last portion of your digestive tract and stores unabsorbed food waste until it eliminates it as stool.

As an adult, there can be complications in the colon, such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers and colon cancer that Dr. Murad can find with a colonoscopy. This quick and painless procedure can detect causes for symptoms that include:

• Changes in bowel habits

• Abdominal pain

• Rectal bleeding

• Weight loss

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to Dr. Murad. He can check you out to make sure you’re not at risk for colon cancer.

You’ll have some preparations before you have your colonoscopy. For Dr. Murad to get the best possible look inside your colon, it must be empty. This helps to ensure the procedure is thorough and safe.

To empty the colon, Dr. Murad will suggest a liquid diet for a day or two before treatment. This diet should consist of:

• Fat-free bouillon or broth

• Strained fruit juice

• Water

• Plain coffee

• Plain tea

• Diet soda

• Gelatin

The night before your colonoscopy, Dr. Murad will ask you to take a prescribed laxative to cleanse the bowel completely. In some cases, you may be asked to receive an enema or perform one on yourself.

Yes. One of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States is colon cancer for both men and women. In most cases, a polyp can take as long as 10-15 years to develop into colon cancer. With regular colonoscopy screenings, Dr. Murad can detect early cancer and precancer signs and provide you with safe and effective treatment before cancer spreads into the body.

Call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.

Crohn's Disease Q & A

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that comes from inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can involve any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly appears in the last portion of the small intestine and the colon. When the lining of your intestines swells due to inflammation during a Crohn’s Disease flare, it obstructs the normal movement of food through your digestive tract, causing painful symptoms.

Crohn’s Disease affects men and women equally, and it can begin at any age. However, it appears most commonly between the ages of 15-35. The condition is unpredictable, varying between periods of active disease and remission.

Left untreated, Crohn’s Disease can lead to complications in your intestines such as scarring, a blockage, fissures (small cuts or tears), abscesses (infections), and more. The chronic colon inflammation of Crohn’s disease can also lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Crohn's disease symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

• Frequent recurring diarrhea

• Rectal bleeding

• Weight loss

• Fever

• Abdominal pain and cramping,

• Fatigue and a feeling of low energy

• Reduced appetite

Crohn’s Disease can also cause inflammation of the eyes, skin, and joints.

There is no known cure for Crohn’s Disease, but medications can significantly reduce the symptoms, keep flare-ups at bay and help patients stay in remission. With ongoing treatment, many patients with Crohn’s Disease are able to function normally and lead active lives.

Dr. Murad spends time with each patient to develop a treatment plan specifically designed to meet their needs, based on the severity of their condition, location of the inflammation, their history, and more.

However, Crohn's Disease is a lifelong condition that requires continuous management and medical supervision, along with regular endoscopies and/or colonoscopies. Dr. Murad keeps abreast of all the latest treatments and medications for Crohn’s Disease to provide people with the most updated tools available.

Call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.

Constipation Q & A

Constipation is the lack of bowel movements for an extended period, although that length of time varies with the individual. Regular bowel movements can happen as often as three times per day for some people or as rarely as three times per week for others. This wide range makes it difficult to know if you are constipated, but there are ways you can better understand what's happening inside your body.

Most people have regular and routine bowel movements. The most important way to note if you are struggling with constipation is if this routine has changed drastically. For example, if you typically have two or three bowel movements per day but you’re down to only two to three per week, this might be of concern.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your abdomen or if you are concerned about a fluctuation in your bowel movements, Dr. Murad can help. He will ensure that your colon is checked for constipation or other medical issues, and he provides you with any medication needed to get your bowel movements back into their routine.

Many factors can play a role in constipation. Here are a few of the most notable issues that relate to constipation:

• Poor nutrition

• Limited exercise

• Inadequate sleep

• Anxiety

• Emotional stress

Fortunately, you can make lifestyle changes to address most of these concerns. In some cases, medication can impact your bowel movements. If you are dealing with any of these issues, or if you are concerned that your medication is causing your body to become irregular, check with Dr. Murad as soon as possible.

Changes in your diet and lifestyle, such as eating more high-fiber foods and getting more exercise, can often help get your bowel movements back on a regular track.

If you need medication, Dr. Murad walks you through a few over-the-counter options that are best for your specific needs. If you’re experiencing a more severe case of constipation, Dr. Faris M. Murad will administer a prescribed drug treatment to help get your body back to normal.

If you’re struggling with constipation or if you are experiencing irregular bowel movements, don’t ignore the situation.

Call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.

Gastritis Q & A

Gastritis is a condition that affects the health and functioning of your stomach. Inside the stomach, a protective lining is made up of glands that produce stomach acids and enzymes that work together to break down and digest food.

When you have gastritis, this lining gets inflamed, increasingly cutting into the production of these acids and enzymes. This also makes the lining less and less protective, allowing the walls of your stomach to decay.

In most cases, gastritis starts suddenly and lasts for only a short period. However, there are cases where chronic gastritis can wreak havoc on your stomach for years, putting your health and wellness on the line.

In chronic cases, the stomach lining can erode enough to leave shallow breaks, where ulcers and deep sores can develop.

Yes! A gastroenterologist treats gastritis with medication that combats inflammation of the stomach lining and helps the regulation and production of the enzymes and acids in the stomach for better function.

Dr. Murad can accurately diagnose and treat gastritis and ensure these drugs are working in the best possible way to cure this condition.

Gastritis can have a multitude of causes, individually or in tandem, and you can avoid many of them. A few common causes of this gastrointestinal condition are:

• Over-the-counter pain medication

• Alcohol consumption

• Use of cocaine

• Radiation exposure

• Bile reflux

• Stress caused by injury

These issues cause the stomach to get inflamed, kickstarting gastritis. Preventing the inflammation from developing can keep you from getting or worsening the pain of gastritis.

When your stomach starts to deteriorate, it can cause pain in your upper abdomen. You can feel pain anywhere from the chest to the hips. Gastritis can also mark its presence in other ways, such as:

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Red blood in vomit

• Black, tarry stools

• Red blood in the stool

• Weakness

• Paleness

If you think you are suffering from gastritis, contact Dr. Murad, and he can help you find comfort again with safe and effective treatment.

Call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.

Endoscopy Q & A

An endoscopy is a procedure in which a gastrointestinal specialist visually examines the upper digestive system with an endoscope, a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera that is inserted down your throat to examine the upper digestive tract.

This procedure requires the use of sedation for a smooth, comfortable, and thorough exam. Dr. Murad is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for the prevention and treatment of digestive issues. He treats every patient with respect and strives to make sure they’re all well versed and comfortable with any procedure.

Dr. Murad can use endoscopy as an investigative screening to find out what’s giving you any number of unpleasant issues, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal bleeding,

This procedure is often used to help patients find relief and also to detect signs of cancerous developments in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

There are a few things you need to do to prepare for an endoscopy. In most cases, you will need to fast for about 4-8 hours before the endoscopy to create a clear and open path for Dr. Murad to inspect.

If you’re taking any medication that causes blood thinning, be sure to let Dr. Murad know, as he might have you stop taking this medication a few days before your endoscopy.

You can also prepare for your recovery before your endoscopy. Because this procedure requires the use of sedation, you will need some downtime to let the sedative wear off, so arrange to have a trusted friend or relative help you after the procedure.

For example, this person will need to drive you home after the endoscopy and make sure you’re back safe and sound. Dr. Murad recommends the person stays with you until you are fully aware of yourself and surroundings.

If you’re struggling with pain in your abdomen, nausea, or vomiting, you may benefit from an endoscopy.

To learn more about this procedure, call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.

IBS Q & A

IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine. While IBS affects each person differently, the most common symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, excess gas, mucus in the stool, and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. IBS symptoms aren’t usually severe. However, sometimes symptoms can get worse, often followed by periods of no symptoms.

IBS is more common among women and people under age 50. It also occurs more frequently in people with a family history of IBS, and those with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

The exact cause of IBS has proven elusive, but some of the following conditions are known to contribute to IBS symptoms:

• Intestinal contractions

• Nervous system abnormalities

• Inflammation of the intestines

• Severe infection (leading to a surplus of bacteria in intestines)

• Changes in gut bacteria (microflora)

In addition to these conditions, IBS symptoms can be triggered by certain foods or beverages, stress, and hormone changes (particularly during menstruation).

Dr. Murad is experienced in treating patients with IBS. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of symptoms and the underlying causes and triggers. Some people can control their symptoms by managing their diet, lifestyle, and stress level. In those cases, honing in on food triggers, participating in mindfulness training, and learning relaxation techniques all improve symptoms.

However, for those with severe IBS symptoms, Dr. Murad treats IBS with medication. He also keeps up with all the latest medical developments in the treatment of IBS in order to provide his patients with the most effective medications available.

In addition, chronic constipation or diarrhea resulting from IBS can cause hemorrhoids, which Dr. Murad can also effectively treat.

If you are missing work or avoiding social situations because of embarrassing or painful IBS symptoms, you need to seek professional treatment. Let Dr. Murad provide the care you need and design a treatment plan that will help you live your life to the fullest.

Call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.

Heartburn / Reflux Q&A

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). Many describe heartburn as a feeling of burning discomfort, localized behind the breastbone, that moves up toward the neck and throat. Some even experience the bitter or sour taste of the acid in the back of the throat. The burning and pressure symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and often worsen after eating food. All of us may have occasional heartburn. However, frequent heartburn (two or more times a week), food sticking, blood or weight loss may be associated with a more severe problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night

• Chest pain

• Difficulty swallowing

• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

• Sensation of a lump in your throat

If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:

• Chronic cough

• Laryngitis

• New or worsening asthma

• Disrupted sleep

GERD can sometimes be managed through lifestyle changes, including diet, alcohol and smoking consumption, among others. GERD has a physical cause, and frequently is not curtailed by these lifestyle factors alone. If you are using over-the-counter medications two or more times a week, or are still having symptoms on the prescription or other medicines you are taking, you need to see your doctor. If results are not forthcoming, medications may be used to neutralize acid, increase LES tone, or improve gastric emptying.

In some cases, surgical measures to prevent reflux can be considered if other measures fail or complications occur such as bleeding, recurrent stricture, or metaplasia (abnormal transformation of cells lining the esophagus), which is progressive. The surgical technique improves the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents acid reflux from occurring. There are two new endoscopic techniques for treating GERD — suturing and the Stretta radio frequency technique — which have recently been approved by the FDA for use with patients.

Dr. Faris M. Murad can provide you with an in-depth consultation and treatment plan. Call today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Murad accepts multiple insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients.