Gastrointestinal Disorders We Treat

Dealing with any kind of gastrointestinal problem can be painful, not to mention undue stress or embarrassment that keeps you from the life you love.

At Central Maine Health, we can help put your body – and mind – at ease. Our dedicated team of gastroenterologists and support staff, including registered dietitians, are skilled in treating all types of digestive problems. Whether your problem is a short-lived “stomach bug” or a chronic condition, count on our experts to help you find the right solution to help get back to feeling and living your best.

• Bowel disorders: When you have a bowel disorder, it means you’re not digesting and absorbing food well. The problem is in your intestines, and your first clues likely will be diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, blood in your stool, bloating or nausea. The four main types of bowel disorders are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease and intestinal obstruction. Whatever you’re dealing with, we can help you find relief.

• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the third-most common cancer in both men and women. But through early detection and treatment, the disease is also highly preventable. Nearly all cases that are diagnosed early can lead to a complete cure. At Central Maine, our GI doctors and oncologists work closely together to help conquer this disease.

• Crohn’s disease: As an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease can be painful (and dangerous) if you don’t get it diagnosed. You could experience severe diarrhea, malnutrition, extreme fatigue, and inflamed skin, eyes and joints. Researchers are working on finding a cure; in the meantime, our experts offer a variety of therapies to tame your symptoms and help you lead a normal, productive life.

• Esophageal disorders: Your esophagus is the long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. It’s where you take in food to send down to your intestines, but it’s not a free-fall; the walls of your esophagus coax food down with muscle contractions. When it’s not working correctly, you might have difficulty swallowing or even feel some chest or back pain. Our specialists can help you find lasting relief for GERD (acid reflux), heartburn and other conditions.

• Hepatitis: The three forms of hepatitis — A, B and C — are three distinct diseases, each with its own symptoms and treatments. They’re all diseases of the liver, but the good news is, they’re all treatable. In fact, when someone got a diagnosis of Hepatitis C in the past, liver cancer was a foregone conclusion. Today, it’s often curable with the types of treatments available at Central Maine Healthcare.

• Ulcerative colitis: People with ulcerative colitis have long-lasting ulcers and inflammation in the inner linings of the large intestine, colon or rectum. It’s another IBD and symptoms develop over time; they can include diarrhea (often with blood or pus), stomach pain and cramping, the urge to eliminate your waste but you can’t, fatigue and fever. In most instances, medication is the treatment of choice and highly effective.