About Dr Schneider

Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the stomach contents reflux or back up into the oesophagus and or mouth.  Reflux is a normal process that occurs in healthy infants, children, and adults.  Most episodes are brief and do not cause bothersome symptoms or complications.

In contrast, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) experience bothersome symptoms as a result of the reflux.  Symptoms can include heartburn, regurgitation, vomiting, and difficulty or pain with swallowing.  The reflux of stomach acid can adversely affect the vocal cords causing hoarseness or even be inhaled into the lungs (called aspiration).

GORD may be caused by relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter or valve, allowing stomach content to enter the oeosphagus.  People with a hiatal hernia tend to suffer more severe reflux.

Inflammatory bowel disease is the collective name of a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestines. IBD comprises ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The symptoms are fairly diverse, at times delaying accurate diagnosis.

Early diagnosis is important, as the prognosis is improved with prompt and effective treatment. Both conditions are life-long disorders, requiring expert management.

The principal types of the condition include Cohn’s disease that affects the small and large intestine, as well as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and anus; and ulcerative colitis that is restricted to the colon and the rectum.

IBD is majorly caused by an interaction of environmental and genetic factors. It is also associated with diet, alteration in the microbiota, and breach of intestinal barrier. 

There are different treatment options that can be used in the management of IBD, including medication, surgery, medical therapies, nutritional and dietetic therapies, and alternative therapy.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional diarrhoea or constipation and functional dyspepsia are the most common conditions seen in gastroenterology practice. The diagnosis can usually be established with a thorough history and careful physical examination. Expensive endoscopic and laboratory tests are infrequently needed. A good dietary history may reveal food triggers.

The small intestine is not often the source of major pathology. Most common are vascular abnormalities resulting in anaemia, small bowel polyps, coeliac disease and tumours. Problems may include

Celiac disease, Crohn's disease Infections, Intestinal cancer, Irritable bowel syndrome Peptic Ulcers etc.

Treatment depends on the cause.

Small bowel video capsule endoscopy is invaluable in assessing the small intestine in a non-invasive manner.