Gastrointestinal Conditions We Treat
Are you experiencing discomfort or having digestive issues but uncertain if you’re receiving the most effective treatment or procedures? Our team of highly qualified physicians at Suburban Gastroenterology is here to provide comprehensive care, tailored to your needs.
We prioritize attentive listening during appointments, ensuring you never feel rushed. By carefully evaluating your symptoms, we determine the most appropriate tests and procedures to accurately diagnose your condition. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring your well-being.
Trust us to guide you towards optimal digestive health with compassion and expertise.
Treated Conditions
Please click on the links below to explore all the conditions we treat.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
In your colon, pouches or pockets called diverticula can form in your colon wall. This is called diverticulosis. When these pouches become infected, it is called diverticulitis.
Heartburn, Acid Reflux, Esophagitis & GERD
Acid reflux, hiatal hernia, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and esophagitis are interconnected conditions involving the digestive system, specifically the esophagus and the stomach.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term that is used to describe two chronic diseases: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine. The symptoms of IBS can vary widely from person to person and may include constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both.
Chronic Liver Disease
Chronic liver disease refers to conditions that cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis over time.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum.
H.Pylori
H. Pylori is a gram negative bacteria that affects people of all ages word-wide.
Constipation
Constipation is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements.
Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are enlarged, swollen veins in the lower part of the esophagus.
Dysphagia and EoE
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which can occur at any point during the swallowing process, including the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the medical condition in which the liver becomes scarred and stops working as it should.
Stomach Cancer
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably.
Peptic Ulcer, Gastritis and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastritis refers to inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining.
Acute and Chronic Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea refers to a sudden onset of loose or watery stools, typically lasting for a short time. Chronic diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or watery stools persisting for more than four weeks.
Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach.
Pelvic Floor Disorders
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when you have abnormal coordination of your pelvic floor muscles with relaxing and contracting.
Microscopic Colitis
Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gut–Brain Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also referred to as a Disorder of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBI), is a functional gastrointestinal condition that affects how the digestive system communicates with the brain. Unlike structural digestive diseases, IBS does not cause visible inflammation or permanent damage to the intestines. Instead, it involves changes in gut sensitivity, motility, and nervous system signaling that can lead to chronic digestive symptoms.
IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions and can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life. Patients often experience abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits. Symptoms may fluctuate over time and are sometimes triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
Diagnosis of IBS is based on established clinical criteria and a careful review of symptom patterns. A gastroenterologist evaluates medical history, symptom duration, and any warning signs that may require additional testing. In some cases, blood work, stool testing, or imaging studies may be recommended to rule out inflammatory or structural gastrointestinal diseases.
Treatment for IBS is highly individualized. Management may include dietary guidance, structured elimination approaches, medications to regulate bowel function, and therapies that address the gut–brain connection. Stress modulation and behavioral strategies may also be helpful, as the nervous system plays an important role in symptom expression.
Persistent abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits lasting several weeks, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist. With appropriate care and long-term support, many patients are able to significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall digestive health.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells, potentially interfering with normal liver function over time. This condition is commonly associated with metabolic factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. However, fatty liver disease can also develop in individuals without obvious risk factors.
In its early stages, fatty liver disease often causes few or no symptoms. Many patients discover the condition during routine blood work or imaging performed for unrelated reasons. Because it can progress silently, appropriate evaluation and monitoring are essential to prevent long-term complications.
A gastroenterologist evaluates liver health through laboratory testing, imaging studies such as ultrasound, and clinical assessment of metabolic risk factors. Identifying the stage of liver involvement helps guide management decisions and determine whether additional monitoring is necessary.
Treatment focuses on addressing underlying metabolic contributors and reducing liver inflammation. Lifestyle modifications, including structured nutritional changes and weight management strategies, play a central role. In some cases, medication adjustments or additional therapies may be recommended depending on individual health factors.
Early detection and ongoing medical oversight are critical. When managed appropriately, fatty liver disease can often be stabilized and, in some cases, improved. Patients with abnormal liver tests, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, or concerns about liver health should seek evaluation from a gastrointestinal specialist.
Pelvic Floor Disorders
Pelvic floor disorders affect the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs and coordinate bowel function. When these muscles do not relax or contract properly, patients may experience difficulty with bowel movements, chronic constipation, incomplete evacuation, or loss of bowel control.
These conditions are more common than many people realize and can significantly impact quality of life. Because symptoms can feel sensitive or embarrassing to discuss, some patients delay seeking care. However, pelvic floor dysfunction is a recognized and treatable gastrointestinal condition.
Evaluation begins with a detailed review of symptoms and bowel patterns. A gastroenterologist may recommend specialized testing to assess muscle coordination and function. These assessments help distinguish pelvic floor disorders from other causes of constipation or bowel control issues.
Treatment is individualized and often involves non-surgical approaches. Pelvic floor therapy and biofeedback techniques are commonly used to retrain muscle coordination. Dietary adjustments and supportive medical management may also be part of a comprehensive care plan.
Patients experiencing chronic constipation that does not improve with standard treatment, persistent straining, or difficulty with bowel control should consider evaluation by a gastrointestinal specialist. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy can lead to meaningful symptom relief and improved digestive function.
Request an Appointment
When you make an appointment at Suburban Gastroenterology’s Naperville or Plainfield offices, our physicians will meet with you one-on-one to discuss which treatments or procedures are right for you and get you back to feeling well again.