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Q. I am 21 years old and regularly have stomach aches and cramps. Should I be concerned about it enough to see a doctor? Celia D., Romulus A. Seeing a doctor would be prudent. An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) scope of the upper digestive tract is indicated to make sure you do not have any bacteria in your stomach or any malabsorption problems due to celiac disease. * * * Q. I’m on a protein pump inhibitor to manage my acid reflux but it isn’t helping anymore. What are the alternatives? Patrick B., Dearborn A: … [Read more...] about Alternatives to protein pump inhibitors

Q: Can chronic lower back pain damage nerves in your gut and cause constipation? Would steroid injections help? Nancy S., Allen Park A: Chronic pain can damage nerves, but it is highly unlikely that it has damaged nerves in your digestive system. It is likely that your constipation is a side-effect of consuming pain medications. Let your prescribing physician know about the side-effect you are experiencing. Lumbar epidural steroid injections may be helpful for managing your back pain; they should allow relief so that you can reduce … [Read more...] about Constipation can be side-effect of pain medications

Q: I’ve just been diagnosed with celiac disease. What are the main things that I should be concerned with right now? Stephanie W., Taylor A: Gluten, gluten and gluten! It is the offending agent to your gastrointestinal tract. Eliminating it will aid in healing the bowel and in turn improve absorption of nutrients. It has been postulated that with uncontrolled celiac there is a small chance of development of a type of stomach lymphoma. Hence it is important to completely eliminate gluten from the diet. * * * Q: Is has … [Read more...] about What is leaky gut syndrome?

Sudarshan Singal, M.D. Q: I have a difficult time flexing my abdomen or sucking in my stomach without feeling some pain. Even when there is pressure applied from leaning against something I have discomfort. Should I have an ultrasound to find out what is going on? Carolyn G., Dearborn A. If you do a lot of abdominal exercises, some pain from flexing or sucking in your stomach would be normal. However, if you have other symptoms, like nausea, discomfort swallowing food or any change in bowel habits, then I definitely suggest that … [Read more...] about When to have an expert check out abdominal pain

Q: I’m 50 and do not have insurance so I cannot get a screening colonoscopy on schedule. If I had a polyp, how long would it take to turn into cancer? Do polyps always become cancerous? Adam G., Livonia A: Polyps come in many different shapes, sizes and beahviors. Some take many years to progress, some do not progress at all and some progress very fast. Not all of them become cancerous. However, predicting the behavior of polyps is quite difficult so timely screenings is very important. ColonoscopyAssist is a great resource for … [Read more...] about Colonoscopy payment help available to uninsured

Q. Is pain that originates at your buttock and travels down the back of your leg usually a nerve or disc problem? What kind of evaluation is done to diagnose the problem? Farrah J., Dearborn Heights A. It is nerve irritation usually caused by a bulging or herniated disc. An MRI or CAT scan can help to determine if there is an anatomical cause. See your family physician or primary care doctor for a thorough physical exam and referrals for imaging and possibly physical therapy or pain specialist consultation. Q. My rheumatologist … [Read more...] about Bulging, herniated disc can cause leg pains

Rana Sabbagh, M.D. Q: When I was a teenager I was bulimic. Now that I am middle-aged, I am starting to experience nausea, bloating and some other digestive problems. Could my former condition be affecting me now? Kathleen N., Taylor A: Yes, your former condition could have altered the contraction complex within your gastrointestinal tract or as I like to call it, "the stomach nervous system." Also, it is possible that the organ itself became used to the stimulus and action of vomiting and purging, so after dropping the … [Read more...] about Bulimia may have long-term effects