Dr. Raxitkumar Patel
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
DESERT VALLEY GASTROENTEROLOGY
Office: 480-306-6405
Area of expertise
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GERD / Barrett's Esohagus
In GERD, the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed by a reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a pre-malignant condition and carries an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Chronic inflammation resulting from GERD is the primary cause of Barrett’s Esophagus.
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Colorectal Cancer (CRC) / Polyps
CRC is the second leading cause of death due to cancers in the U.S. CRC usually begins many years ago as non-cancerous polyps in the colon, which turns into cancerous polyps later. Screening colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps.
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Peptic Ulcer disease/H. Pylori infection
Most ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection called H. Pylori, medications such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, alcohol, stress, or a combination of some or all. Sometimes cancer can also cause ulcers. Eradication of H.Pylori infection with antibiotics may decrease the risk of certain types of gastric cancer.
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Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
These are chronic inflammatory diseases as a result of an overactive response of the body’s immune system. CD usually affects the small bowel and colon but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus. UC affects the colon only. They may affect skin, eyes, and joints as well.
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Celiac Disease / Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestines and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Due to an allergic reaction to a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Gluten sensitivity doesn't cause damage to the lining of the small bowel.
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Diverticulosis / Diverticulit
Over time, small pouches can begin to bulge outward through weak spots in the walls of the
colon. When multiple pouches form, it is called diverticulosis. Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula/diverticulosis become inflamed or infected.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that causes an inconsistent pattern of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, but no structural or biochemical cause can be found to explain the symptoms.
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Difficulty in Swallowing / Eosinophilic Esophagitis / Achalasia
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic condition in which the esophagus becomes inflamed and can get narrowed. It can cause dysphagia- difficulty in swallowing and non- cardiac chest pain. Achalasia is a rare, lifelong progressive disorder that can cause difficulty in swallowing food.
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Constipation / Diarrhea
Constipation is an infrequent bowel movement, less than three bowel movements a week, or difficult passage of stools. Diarrhea is watery, loose stools and frequent bowel movements, three or more times a day. Diarrhea may be a sign of other serious diseases.
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Hemorrhoids / Fissure
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins located in and around the anus or in the lower rectum. A fissure is a small tear into the mucosa of the anus due to the passing of hard stools or the difficult passage of stools. Both can cause blood on toilet paper and/or in your stool.
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Pancreatitis / Pancreatic Cysts
Acute inflammation of the pancreas is a sudden attack of upper abdominal pain that lasts several days. Pancreatic cysts are saclike fluid-filled growth in or around the pancreas. Two main varieties of pancreatic cysts: noncancerous and cancerous. Pancreatic cysts are discovered by chance on a CT scan or MRI done for an entirely different reason.
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Liver and Gall Bladder Diseases
Liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver diseases, Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), and Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), and autoimmune hepatitis. These conditions increase the risk of developing Cirrhosis and its complications such as vomiting of blood, fluid in the abdomen, confusion, and liver cancer.
