Accurate, timely diagnosis of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders requires precise testing and monitoring. The Digestive Health Center at Hillcrest Hospital has been recognized as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and the facility has been named one of America’s 100 Top Hospitals eight times.
What’s more, Hillcrest Hospital is a Cleveland Clinic hospital which links it with one of the most respected health care organizations in the world.
Heartburn is the most common gastrointestinal complaint. While heartburn isn’t life-threatening by itself, it can be a sign of more severe problems. Most people have experienced occasional heartburn, but repeated episodes can be a sign of acid reflux. This occurs when the valve between the esophagus and stomach fails to close, and stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Chronic heartburn, constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, gas or diarrhea can be symptoms of serious ailments within organs that are part of the digestive process, including:
- Colon (large intestine)
- Esophagus
- Gallbladder
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Rectum
- Small intestines
- Stomach
Gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and gastritis require careful monitoring and treatment by clinical professionals. The Board-certified gastroenterologists, internists and surgeons in the Hillcrest Hospital Digestive Health Center have the expertise and state-of-the-art technology needed to diagnose and treat all types of digestive conditions.
Hillcrest Hospital’s Digestive Health Center has been recognized as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Services are available to outpatients and inpatients, from newborn to the elderly.
Every year, about 4 million Americans develop ulcers, which are small holes or breaks in the small intestine, stomach or esophagus. Treatment is important to avoid complications such as anemia or perforation through the stomach wall. Ulcers can be caused by cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, psychological stress or frequent use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin.
A specific bacterium that lives only in the stomach lining — Helicobacter pylori — is now believed to be associated with most stomach and intestinal ulcers. H. pylori does not always cause ulcers to form, but it generally does produce inflammation of the stomach lining which weakens the body’s natural protection against stomach acid. The bacteria may be passed from person-to-person, and estimates show that about 30% of the U.S. population carries the infection.
The comprehensive gastrointestinal testing lab at Hillcrest Hospital’s Digestive Health Center offers a simple breathing test to determine if the ulcer-causing bacteria is present. Called the PYtest, it is the only non-invasive diagnostic tool for this condition, and much more cost-effective than using a scope or biopsy.
The Center’s lab is equipped to perform other tests for a wide range of conditions, including lactose intolerance, gastroesophageal acid reflux, sugar intolerance (fructose and sucrose) and tests for anorectal or esophageal dysfunction.
The board-certified gastroenterologists, internists and surgeons in the Digestive Health Center work closely with a team of highly skilled clinicians within a comprehensive GI testing lab. Together, they offer the expertise and state-of-the-art technology needed to diagnose and treat all types of digestive conditions. Services are available to outpatients and inpatients, from the neonate to geriatric.
To make a referral, or for more information, call 440.312.5337.