If you have hepatitis C and you want to know if it can be cured, the short answer is yes. However, it has to begin with a visit to a gastroenterology professional who makes a proper diagnosis and then gets you on the right drug regimen. As experts write, “Revolutionary new medicines are making treatment for hepatitis C easier, faster, and more effective. Now, most people with hepatitis C on the treatments can be completely free of the virus in a matter of months.”

What happens if you don’t visit gastroenterology to get fully diagnosed or treated? It helps to know more about hepatitis C. It is often described as a silent epidemic because so many people have it and are totally unaware that they have been exposed to the virus. It can lead to severe liver problems, including liver failure. It has also shown links to the development of liver cancer. In fact, it is often a condition without symptoms until it has worsened to a far more serious degree.

For a long time, gastroenterology professionals and other medical experts were unaware as to the best treatment, or any treatment at all. Today, patients are usually diagnosed and placed on direct acting antiviral medications. These target the virus and suppress it to such a degree that the virus eventually dies out. The treatment is taken orally as a pill rather than an injectable medication. And they are effective in around 90% of the patients who are diagnosed and require care. There are some who have a more difficult to treat variation, yet even they can be effectively treated and cured.

However, it is very important to keep in mind that while your hepatitis C infection may be cured, there could be problems caused by the untreated condition. Those who were infected for longer periods of time without symptoms or treatment may struggle with liver or kidney issues caused by the virus. This is why it is so important to work with a gastroenterology specialist who can help you address everything that your hepatitis C infection might have caused.

Treatment varies from patient to patient in terms of the amount of time and the number of medications needed. Ultimately, your first step is to find your specialist in the Jacksonville, FL area. Digestive Disease Consultants in Jacksonville is an ideal solution and can help you get on the path to a cure for your hepatitis C condition.

We’ve all experienced it from time to time. We’re talking about digestive issues. From bloating to gas to constipation to diarrhea; whenever it hits, it’s certainly no fun. But how can you be sure that it’s just temporary and not something more chronic like IBS? Keep reading to find out.

What is IBS?

First of all, you may be wondering exactly what IBS is. IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. This aptly named condition is a digestive disorder that entails a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms range from abdominal pain to alternating constipation or diarrhea. It’s a common condition that affects people from every walk of life. However, the majority of people with IBS are women in their thirties and up.

IBS Symptoms in Jacksonville

Having IBS symptoms in Jacksonville can be extremely uncomfortable, especially when you want to wear your favorite outfit but it just won’t fit! Fortunately, if you know the triggers, you may be able to avoid the discomfort of a full-blown episode of IBS. ‘Triggers’ are another way of describing something that may cause or ‘trigger’ your symptoms. Read on to find out what some of these triggers may be.

Stomach Bug

Be careful of that stomach flu that may be going around your office or school. Exposure to the virus has been known to result in stomach troubles that last long after your illness. Experts are unsure of the cause, but some researchers suspect that the virus may cause permanent damage to the nerves of the bowel. Others hypothesize, alternatively, that it disrupts the normal healthy bacteria found in the gut.

Unbalanced Diet

It’s true what your mother told you – eat your vegetables! People who eat an improperly balanced diet that is low in fiber are more likely to experience irregular bowel movements that may lead to IBS.

Food Intolerance

Sugar may not be so sweet when it comes to IBS! Many people found their IBS brought on by eating a variety of sugars. This includes the well-known sugar, lactose, that is found in milk and other dairy products. It also includes fructose frequently found in fruit among other less common types of sugar.

At Digestive Disease Consultant, we focus on providing our patients up-to-date medical advice and care that reflect the latest scientific advances. We have years of experience treating IBS symptoms in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Our compassionate and highly qualified team of practitioners are ready to partner with you to take control of your digestive health.

Many people in the Baby Boomer generation know that they need to take great care of their health. However, many do not realize that there are millions of Americans of that generation who may have hepatitis C. This virus can stay in the body without causing any symptoms for decades, only to rear its head later and cause serious problems with a person’s liver, which could include cancer.

What Is Causing the Rise of Hepatitis C?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently recommended that anyone who was born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested to see if they have hepatitis C. They have found that two-thirds of patients who are suffering from the virus are part of the Baby Boomer generation. Why are so many Baby Boomers suddenly affected by this problem?

There are many reasons, in fact. In some cases, it may have been contracted by taking illicit drugs. This will allow the virus to get into the bloodstream, which leads to the next way that patients could have contracted hepatitis C – blood transfusions. Prior to 1992, blood donors were not tested for Hepatitis C. Some patients are not able to pinpoint when they may have gotten the infection.

What Are Some Symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Many times, the virus will not cause any outward symptoms. It often works within the body to cause problems for the liver, as mentioned. However, there are some symptoms that may manifest, according to the CDC. These include fever, fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you suffer from these issues, whether it is hepatitis C or something else, you should be examined by a medical professional.

What Should Baby Boomers Do?

Even for those who have not shown any signs or symptoms of hepatitis C, it does not mean that you are safe. Due to the nature of the virus, the only way that you can be sure you do not have hepatitis C is to visit your doctor and get tested.

At Digestive Disease Consultants in Jacksonville, we can provide you with the screening that you need. We will let you know whether or not you have the virus and what you can do to help combat it if you do. Get in touch today, so you can take control of your health sooner rather than later.

It is estimated that more than a million Americans suffer from colitis and its related conditions like Crohn’s disease. These two illnesses are so similar, in fact, that before a diagnosis is reached, many cases of Crohn’s disease are called colitis, even if these cases don’t end up evolving into ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the two most common kinds of colitis found in patients.

In fact, there is a wide spectrum of digestive disease at work in the world today, which both falls within and without the existing framework of disease identification. But why the upsurge in gut disease in recent decades? And where can I find the best treatment for colitis in Jacksonville?

Where Does Colitis come From?

Our modern diets are very different today from how they were thousands of years ago. Humanity has shifted from a daily diet of meats, roots, and berries, to a diet dominated largely by grain and processed meats. It’s possible, even likely, that our contemporary choices in foods are at least partially to blame for the surge of diseases such as Crohn’s, IBS & colitis.

What Can I Do?

What’s the best treatment for colitis in Jacksonville? Of course, general upkeep of your health is an obvious plus; better nutrition, exercise, etcetera. Once pain sets in after diarrhea, or if, right after going, you feel you need to go again, it’s time to check in with some digestive disease professionals to see what’s going on. Other symptoms of colitis include fever, chills, fatigue, and dehydration, as well as general malaise.

Generally, if you have had a poor diet, experienced obesity, diabetes, or other common diet-related illnesses, you may be at greater risk for a digestive disease, and it might be wise to consult with a professional. What professional resources exist in the Jacksonville area to help you get your life back from colitis?

The Answer to Digestive Disease

For the best treatment for colitis in Jacksonville, our team at Digestive Disease Consultants (DDC) will make sure you’re in good hands. With four locations and a staff of passionate doctors with decades of real experience fighting colitis, we’re sure to meet your every need and send you away with the hope that the end is in sight for your inflammatory bowel disease. Get in touch with us by calling 904-388-8686 or by filling out our contact form found here: http://ddcjax.com/contact

If you have gone through a colonoscopy, you probably are interested in understanding what findings can come from this procedure. There are a few different things that may be found, which we will go into more depth about below. Many of these issues can be treated quickly, so don’t get worried while considering the possibilities. In all likelihood, you’ll come out with a clean bill of health and won’t have to worry about the procedure again for a long time.

The most likely result of a colonoscopy that shows up with abnormal findings is the presence of polyps. These are growths that can be found in the colon. In most cases these polyps are benign, but they do have the possibility of becoming cancerous. As such, your gastroenterologist will likely choose to remove any polyps found. This can lower your risk of getting colon cancer in the future.

Another typical result of this specialized procedure is called diverticulosis. This type of condition refers to small pouches that develop in the colon. In most cases, patients with this issue will have never had symptoms of it. In some cases, if the pockets are inflamed it can lead to diverticulitis, which can have symptoms of diarrhea, fevers, and abdominal pain. In some cases, the pockets may also bleed, which will lead to blood in the toilet. If you have this symptom, it is critical you seek medical attention as soon as you can.

The next problem that may be found using this procedure is hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins that are located near the anal canal. This condition is very common, and your doctor may provide you with several different treatment options. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding, itching, and pain.

The last possible condition that may be found is an anal fissure. What this means is that there is a tear or cut in the lining of the anus. This can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. In most cases, this condition is treated with topical ointments and increasing the fiber in your diet.

For those who have more questions about a colonoscopy, you can share your concerns with a staff member at Digestive Disease Consultants in Jacksonville, Florida. They cover most information on their website, but you can also reach them by phone at 904-388-8686. Feel free to call with concerns or to make an appointment for a procedure or test.

If you are preparing for your first colonoscopy in Jacksonville, FL, you might have a few questions. You may be wondering what polyps are, if they are dangerous, and what the treatment options are when polyps are discovered.

What Are Polyps?

Polyps are growths of varying sizes that occur in the digestion tract. Most polyps are usually located in the colon. Polyps can be benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous.

The most common type of polyp is called the adenomatous polyp, of which 70% of polyps found in the colon are of this type. This type of polyp is benign but can still develop into cancer. This transition to cancerous cells is a long and slow process and they are commonly caught and removed before they become cancerous if the patient follows recommended exams.

Villous adenoma polyps have the highest risk of turning into cancer. This type of polyp occurs much less regularly than the adenomatous polyp but they remain a real threat.

Because polyps are asymptomatic, it is important, particularly as you get older, that you schedule a regular colonoscopy. Jacksonville, FL offers many locations to do so and can typically detect polyps quite easily.

How Dangerous Are Polyps?

Polyps can be dangerous, but in most cases they are nothing to worry about as long as they are removed. Polyps are relatively common in people over 60, with about 50% of the population having one or more polyp.

If your doctor detects polyps during your colonoscopy, he will either remove them right away or schedule you to come in at a later date to have them removed. Removing precancerous or benign polyps ensures that these polyps cannot develop into colon cancer. If your doctor detects a large number of polyps, he might have you come in more often for colonoscopies in order to ensure that he can catch any polyp growth before it develops into cancer.

When the doctor finds polyps during your colonoscopy, it can be scary. However, as you have learned, you usually have nothing to worry about as long as they are caught early enough. Make sure you get a colonoscopy in Jacksonville, FL regularly so you can catch polyps before they develop into cancer.

Act Now

If you haven’t had a colonoscopy yet and you are over 40, give us a call at Digestive Disease Consultants or browse our website for more information. We can help you schedule a colonoscopy in Jacksonville, FL, as well as answer questions or address any concerns that you might have. A colonoscopy is nothing to be scared of, and it could in fact save your life!

Endoscopies are non-surgical assessments of the digestive tract. During an endoscopy procedure in Jacksonville, the doctor will insert a long tube with a tiny camera attached to it and pass it through the mouth, maneuvering the tube through the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and upper digestive system. An endoscopy that covers the upper digestive system is frequently called an upper endoscopy, whereas an endoscopy that covers the lower digestive system and the colon is referred to as a colonoscopy.

Parts of the small intestine may be viewable with an upper endoscopy. These are procedures that may be recommended as part of a routine gastrointestinal checkup or as an assessment of gastrointestinal disorders. Usually the doctor will order an endoscopy when you are exhibiting some gastrointestinal symptoms and after ruling out minor or acute problems. Sometimes, blood work may be ordered prior to the endoscopy too. In some cases, the endoscopy may coincide with or be replaced by an endoscopic biopsy, during which the doctor is simultaneously taking tissue samples while peering through the endoscope. An endoscopy is essential for identifying problems such as inflammation, infection, or abnormal growth. The biopsy would allow the doctor to take a tissue sample to send to a laboratory.

The term endoscopy is from the Greek for an inside view—which is essentially what the procedure does: provides you and your doctor with a view of what is going on inside your digestive system. Although the procedure does not take a long time and is non-surgical in nature, it is slightly invasive. Because an endoscopy requires an empty digestive tract, the patient needs to refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight the day before the procedure. With a colonoscopy, the doctor may also recommend a laxative or enema to clean the system prior to the procedure.

An endoscopy is a medical procedure, carried out by a gastroenterologist, that involves the examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure is performed with the use of a flexible tube inserted into the mouth and enters the esophagus, stated by Medicine Net. If you just made an appointment with an endoscopy center in Jacksonville, here’s how to prepare you for the procedure:

Make a list

To ensure the procedure goes without any problems and issues, you will need to provide your doctor with a full and complete description of all the symptoms you might be experiencing at the moment. List these symptoms down beforehand. That way, you’ll find it easy to recall them during your appointment.

Discuss any conditions

Are you pregnant? Do you have any other health condition that you might be taking drugs or medication for? Do you have allergies to certain medications? Make sure your doctor knows. A complete medical history will be necessary. That way, if you need to be medicated, your doctor will take any conditions you might have into consideration to choose the appropriate treatment or drugs. This will also prevent your doctor from prescribing anything you might be allergic to.

Ask about the risks

As with a number of medical procedures, there is a risk for complications. They might be rare but knowing what the risks are necessary for you to make an informed decision. Aspiration, an allergic reaction to drugs, bleeding and tearing are a few of the possible risks you might face. However, picking an endoscopy center in Jacksonville that has a reputation for delivering outstanding service and patient care is a good deterrent to those risks. By choosing the right facility, one with trained and knowledgeable specialists on board, you won’t have to worry about those risks. You know you’ll be in capable hands and that’s going to go a long way to resolving any anxiety you might feel.

Find a ride home

You will probably be given a sedative once the procedure has been completed. It’s best if you don’t drive yourself home. Bring along a friend or relative to the center. That way, you’ll have someone to take you home when the procedure is done.

Bring the essentials

Don’t forget to bring along any paperwork your doctor has requested.

Need to schedule an appointment? Reach out to us at Digestive Disease Consultants today.

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