Gastrointestinal specialists in New Hampshire
At Appledore Medical Group, our gastroenterologists offer you the latest care and treatments for a range of digestive conditions and disorders, including conditions of the stomach, small intestine, pancreas and gallbladder.
Gastrointestinal care and services
Our gastrointestinal specialists (gastroenterologists) focus on care for the digestive system. The gastrointestinal system, often referred to as the GI system, plays a crucial role in the body's ability to digest food, absorb essential nutrients and expel waste. This complex system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine,, as well as the organs such as the pancreas and spleen. Our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions related to the GI system, providing personalized care and support to help you achieve optimal digestive health and overall well-being.
Some symptoms you might be experiencing if you are having gastrointestinal problems include:
- Blood in your stools
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Severe cramping and indigestion
- Vomiting
Our board-certified specialists will create a personalized plan for you to manage your diagnosis, treatment, care and prevention of digestive diseases, including:
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Celiac Disease
- Disorders of the pancreas
- Diverticulitis
- Esophageal and swallowing disorders
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Inflammatory conditions (microscopic colitis, etc.)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Swallowing disorders
Gastrointestinal services include
- Bravo pH monitoring system
- Capsule endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- H pylori breath test
- Manometry
- Radiofrequency ablation treatment for Barrett’s esophagus
- Small bowel endoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
Tests to identify GI issues
Your Appledore Medical Group gastroenterologist may perform tests to determine what part of your gastrointestinal system is malfunctioning. These may include various types of imaging, including endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or biopsies. They may perform abdominal X-rays for issues of the lower GI tract. In some cases, your GI problem may be treated with medication or it may require surgery to return you to full functioning. Our experts will diagnose and treat you with the care you deserve.
Digestive care for esophageal disorders
Your esophagus is the tube running from your mouth to your stomach. Food, liquid and saliva travel down this tube and are met at the bottom by a circular muscle called a sphincter. If you are having issues with your esophagus, you may have pain or difficulty swallowing.
Your gastroenterologist can examine your esophagus to determine is you have something wrong with its function. There are a number of conditions that could be the cause of your symptoms, including:
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Bile Reflux
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Esophageal Spasms
- Esophageal Varices
Tests can include:
Our gastroenterologists use a variety of different tests to check on esophagus function. They include:
- Esophageal Dilation
- Esophageal Manometry
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Upper GI Series
- X-rays of the neck
Treatments can include:
Treatment varies but may include certain medications or surgery if it’s determined that that is the best way to relieve your symptoms. Our expert team at Appledore Medical Group is available to treat all your gastrointestinal issues.
Heartburn, reflux and GERD treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD signs and symptoms. In some cases, GERD is caused by a hiatal hernia.
Signs and symptoms of GERD include:
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
In many cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes. Foods and drinks like chocolate, fried or fatty foods, coffee and alcoholic beverages can cause or worsen GERD symptoms, as can cigarette smoking. Even with lifestyle adjustments, some patients may still require medication or surgery to find relief. When lifestyle and dietary changes are unsuccessful, a more detailed diagnostic evaluation must be performed. If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, including cancer of the esophagus.