TOPICS

Symptoms, Conditions & Procedures

If you or a loved one are dealing with gastrointestinal issues, there is help. The specialists at GI Alliance of Illinois understand how uncomfortable GI issues can be and are here to help you achieve the best GI health possible. Our providers use state-of-the-art services to diagnose, treat, and manage GI conditions for patients in Chicago, IL. Our providers diagnose and treat many conditions such as Crohn's disease, GERD, hemorrhoids, acid reflux, and more. We also perform many procedures including colon cancer screenings, liver biopsies, colonoscopies, GI surgery, and much more. If you are having difficulty with acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or another GI concern, we encourage you to contact GI Alliance of Illinois to request a consultation with a Chicago, IL location near you.

GI Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is generalized pain in the abdominal areas between the chest and pelvis that is often vague and difficult to define without assistance.

Anal/Rectal Bleeding

Rectal or anal bleeding is the occurrence of bleeding through the anal cavity which ranges in color from bright red to crimson.

Bloating

Bloating is a GI symptom often due to the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, or as a result of the body retaining excess fluid.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool, or bowel movement, is an indicator of bleeding occurring at some point in the digestive tract.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence is the inability to manage your bowel movements, ranging from total loss of movement to stool discharges while passing gas.

Constipation

Constipation is a GI symptom described as less than three bowel movements per week due to stool being too dry and hard due to its slow movement.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that happen with greater frequency than normal bowel movements, up to three times per day.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is when more time and effort than normal is required to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach.

Gas

Gas happens when undigested foods are broken down by bacteria in the colon, or when air is swallowed and then released through the rectum.

Heartburn

Heartburn manifests as a painful burning sensation behind your breastbone that can increase after eating, at night, or when you lie horizontally.

Indigestion

Indigestion is a symptom that causes a painful sensation in the upper abdomen, along with stomach pain and fullness after the consumption of food.

Nausea

Nausea is described as a queasy feeling in your stomach that makes you feel like you are going to throw up; it is often a symptom of a larger issue.

Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss

Unexpected weight loss or gain is might be a sign of a serious issue; contact a GI provider near you to assess the cause of your fluctuating weight.

Vomiting

Vomiting is the body's response to a virus or bacteria, poison, or anything perceived as a threat; if vomiting is recurrent, contact a GI provider.

Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes is often a sign of a larger issue like an infection or cirrhosis; seek a GI specialist near you to identify the cause.

GI Conditions

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is the result of the lower esophageal sphincter not closing completely, allowing acid to flow in reverse up the esophagus causing harm.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear, or cut, in the tissue that lines the anus called the mucosa. It is a thin, delicate tissue that can rip.

Anastomosis Remodeling

Anastomosis remodeling happens when the stomach narrows after having bariatric surgery and causes trouble eating, nausea, and more.

Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency anemia is when you don’t have enough iron in the body, which causes you to stop producing hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells).

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is described as what happens when the regular tissue lining your esophagus shifts to match your intestinal cells.

Biliary Obstruction

A biliary obstruction is when the bile duct helping to relocate bile from the liver into the gallbladder is blocked by cysts, inflammation, or tumors.

C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis is when the germ clostridioides difficile gets into the body and causes swelling and discomfort in the digestive tract.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an immune disease that affects your body’s ability to properly breakdown gluten, commonly found in grains, when it is eaten.

Colitis

Colitis refers to general inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. It can have multiple causes including infection and Crohn's disease.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer occurs when cancerous growths evolve in your colon, otherwise known as the last portion of your gastrointestinal tract.

Colorectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are masses comprised of a mass of cells on the lining of the rectum of the colon. They can become cancerous, and need removal.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is referenced as an inflammatory bowel disease that causes irritation in the digestive tract leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is recurrent vomiting, or cycles of vomiting that can be severe, and then subside for a period of time.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a GI problem where small pouches or pockets of diverticula protrude through the outer intestinal lining that may become infected.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is where tiny crevices in your colon push outside the outer wall of the colon. They are most often found on the left side of the colon.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is described as a person’s inability, or difficulty when trying to swallow food or liquid as a result of spams or insufficient chewing.

Encopresis

When you experience fecal incontinence and frequently soil clothes when past the age of toilet training, it is a condition known as encopresis.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition that is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus as a response to acid reflux or other reactions.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is when you experience abnormal growths in your cells that develop into tumors of the esophagus. It is classified into two types.

Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder is when the muscles in the esophagus fail to contract, interrupting the delivery of food and liquid into your stomach.

Esophageal Stricture

An esophageal stricture is a tightening in the esophagus that can block or limit food or liquid from traveling from the throat to the stomach.

Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are enlarged veins that are present on the lining of the esophagus that can be life-threatening if they break open and bleed.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is the general inflammation of your esophagus caused by things like acid accumulation, a convergence of white blood cells, and more.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition where fat bunches up in the liver cells, resulting in liver inflammation, which can advance into scarring.

Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs in the body because of a GI disease or injury. They can be intestinal, external, or complex.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is when you have difficulty breaking down food types. It develops progressively and happens if you consume food in excess amounts.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is described as any conditions are issues that have a negative impact on the bladder like gallstones, cholecystitis, and more.

Gallstones

Gallstones are stone-like objects made of cholesterol or bilirubin that range in size. They can cause extreme pain, or stay stagnant in the body.

Gastritis

Gastritis is the swelling, irritation, or erosion of the lining in the stomach. It elevates the risk of ulcers, stomach bleeding, and cancer.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the term that describes the common occurence of acid regurtation from the stomach into the esophagus.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach muscles are slowed down or don’t move at all, affecting your stomach’s ability to empty food.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria found in the stomach that affects the digestive system causing illness and in some cases, stomach ulcers.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are swollen veins located around the lower anus or rectum that occur when the vein walls in the anus are too thin.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis causes swelling or inflammation of the liver and is a viral infection that is broken down into common types of hepatitis A, B, and C.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia happens when the upper section of your stomach bulges up through the hiatus or the small opening in the diaphragm.

Ileitis

Iiletis is when the lower portion of the small intestine is inflamed or irritated, causing weight loss, diarrhea, cramping, or discomfort.

Impacted Bowel

An impacted bowel is caused by a hard mass of stool blocking the bowels in your intestines; if left untreated, it could lead to more severe problems.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common term that describes swelling within your GI tract that’s grouped into two similar GI diseases.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are symptoms that occur causing repeated pain and changes in the bowel movements like diarrhea and constipation.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to produce enough lactase to break down lactose in the dairy products you eat or drink.

Jaundice

Jaundice is when bilirubin (a yellow compound generated from destruction of red blood) develops in the liver, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is the result of inflammation and scarring from late-stage liver disease and alcoholism; however, it's possible to regain your health.

Liver Disease

The liver is unable to function properly when acute and chronic liver disease is present, causing side effects like loss of appetite and fatigue.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NASH is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver leading to inflammation and damage. However, dietary and lifestyle changes can improve liver health.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow out of control and form into tumors and is often undetected in its early stages.

Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts, which can be cancerous or benign, are pockets of fluid or semisolid matter that cause symptoms like bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

Pancreatic Disease

Pancreatic diseases range from pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer, and hereditary pancreatitis. They can cause pain and diarrhea, among other symptoms.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen and is prevented from digesting food and/or helping to metabolize sugar.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores or ulcerations in the stomach or upper small intestine that can result in pain, bleeding, and discomfort.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

PBC is a rare, chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease that destroys the bile ducts in your liver and could lead to death.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

PSC is a chronic liver disease that affects the bile ducts and causes inflammation, scarring, and narrowing, and can lead to liver cirrhosis.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is cancer that originates in the inner layers of the stomach and can be treated if caught early on, which is why screenings are vital.

Submucosal Lesions

Submucosal lesions are growths located under the mucosal layer and are often asymptomatic and benign, but should be routinely observed for change.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is linked to irritable bowel disease and causes inflammation, ulcerations, and painful GI symptoms in the intestinal system.

GI Procedures

Anorectal Manometry

Anorectal manometry is performed when individuals experience constipation or fecal incontinence to assess the muscles used during a bowel movement.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy is used to treat GI issues such as dysphagia, mucosal lesions, hemorrhages, and more with less recovery than traditional surgery.

Barrx

Barrett's esophagus is a condition related to GERD, which can increase a person's chance of cancer; however, Barrx can safely remove unhealthy tissue.

Capsule Endoscopy

A small bowel capsule endoscopy is a procedure where a patient swallows a pill with a camera that captures thousands of pictures of their GI tract.

Cholangioscopy (SpyGlass®)

Cholangioscopy using the SpyGlass system is a noninvasive endoscopic procedure used for diagnosing and treating bile duct abnormalities.

Chronic Care Management

Chronic care management services can help patients with two or more chronic conditions get the ongoing care needed for improved health and wellness.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screenings make it possible to detect and even prevent colon cancer by searching for polyps and growths in the colon and rectum.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy can be provided to detect and treat colon cancer and other GI issues without surgical intervention or a long recovery period.

Elevated Liver Tests

Elevated liver tests are performed to help explain abnormal liver results and provide diagnosis, treatment, and management of liver issues.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection allows providers to look inside the body and take out growths like upper GI or colon nodules without invasive surgery.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure performed to diagnose and treat issues in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and rectum.

Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is performed in order to identify the source of gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, bleeding, or unusual x-ray results.

ERCP

ERCP is performed to detect and diagnose the cause of GI concerns such as unexplained pain, abnormal x-rays or liver tests, pancreatitis, and more.

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is the enlargement or stretching of an obstructed or constricted region of the esophagus. Often used as a therapeutic procedure.

Esophageal Impedance Test

An esophageal impedance test is a 24-hour test to assess the amount of acidic and non-acidic reflux in your esophagus from your stomach after one day.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry is a swallowing test used to measure the functionality of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and muscles of the esophagus.

EGD

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is a diagnostic procedure used to view the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum and assess GI symptoms.

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG)

Feeding Tube Insertion (PEG) is a method of providing nutrition through a tube directly into the stomach bypassing the mouth and the esophagus.

FibroScan®

A FibroScan, or transient elastography, is an ultrasound technology that measures the state of fibrosis and steatosis found in the liver.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic procedure performed with a scope that is placed into the rectum to inspect the lining of the colon.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, is a procedure that causes hemorrhoids to shrink and fall off by restricting blood flow.

Infusion Therapy (IV Infusion)

Infusion therapy, or IV infusion, is the method of administering medication directly into the blood vessels through the use of needles or catheters.

Interventional Gastro

Interventional gastroenterology is a sub-specialty that identifies conditions related to the digestive tract, pancreas, and bile ducts.

LiverMultiScan®

LiverMultiScan is a diagnostic tool that creates reports on liver tissue health using noninvasive and contrast-free MRI scans.

Luminal Stent Placement

When a portion of the GI tract becomes blocked or will possibly become obstructed, luminal stent placement is performed to open a pathway.

MRI, MRA, and MRCP

MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, assists in the treatment of conditions of the GI tract by producing images of a patient’s internal organs.

Pancreatoscopy

A pancreatoscopy is a procedure used to visualize, evaluate, and intervene when necessary so pancreatic duct abnormalities can be treated effectively.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

The pain management treatment, radiofrequency ablation, utilizes radio waves to decrease the pain signals sent from your nerves to your tissues.

TIF® Procedure

The TIF procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for GERD to restore normal function at the gastroesophageal junction.