Digestive Health

Each year, about 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases. These disorders range from the occasional upset stomach to potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer — the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

Digestive disorders are actually quite common. It's estimated that up to 20% of the American population is affected by symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) weekly. Fortunately, many digestive conditions are treatable, and even preventable through regular screenings. Always be sure to talk to your primary care physician about digestive health symptoms, even when they seem insignificant.

Locations

Maps and Directions
Danville Campus
(317) 745-4451
Avon Campus
(Hibbeln Surgery Center)
(317) 272-4372

Why Hendricks?

The highly skilled digestive health physicians and gastroenterology specialists of Hendricks Regional Health recognize the need for innovative and comprehensive digestive care aimed at evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon and the pancreatic system.

We're committed to accurately diagnosing and providing effective therapies for a number of digestive health disorders. Our gastroenterologists employ a variety of trusted diagnostic methods for identifying conditions such as acid reflux/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, gastritis, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal hernias, diverticular disease, gallstones, gallbladder disease, appendicitis and more.

Common Symptoms

When it comes to digestive health disorders and diseases, many have similar symptoms. From chest pain to bloating and fatigue, here are the most common:

  • heartburn
  • chest pain
  • frequent diarrhea or constipation
  • chronic indigestion or upset stomach
  • abdominal pain
  • excessive gas or bloating
  • bloody stool
  • feeling full after only a small meal, or a "sticky" feeling in your throat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • sudden unexplained weight gain or loss, or changes in appetite
  • feeling sluggish or lethargic

If you experience any of these on an occasional or recurrent basis, call us at (317) 745-7310 to schedule an evaluation.

Digestive Health Disorder Symptoms

Digestive Diagnostics

Colonoscopy

90% of colorectal cancer deaths are preventable with regular screenings. If you're over the age of 45, a routine colonoscopy should be performed every 10 years to find and remove growths, called polyps, in the colon and/or rectum that could potentially become cancerous.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Suffering from a burning sensation in your throat or bothersome chest pain? Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also referred to as acid reflux, is caused when gastric acid from your stomach flows back up into your food pipe or esophagus. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

This procedures involves an endoscope — a flexible, lighted tube with a camera — to examine the inside of the body through the mouth or anus. An Upper GI Endoscopy is performed to view the upper GI tract lining, which refers to your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. An Upper GI Endoscopy is performed to view and diagnose conditions within the large intestine (colon) and the end of the small intestine.

Esophageal Testing

An Esophageal Manometry and Esophageal pH Test can be administered to evaluate heartburn or acid reflux in the esophagus. An esophageal manometry measures the functions of the valve that prevents reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus and esophageal muscles. An Esophageal PH Test measures the amount of acid that flows into the esophagus from your stomach in a certain period of time.

Patient Stories

Our award-winning team offers dedicated digestive services and a unique continuum of care to patients experiencing mild to severe acid reflux. Read our patient stories for a deeper dive into the Hendricks experience.

Ready to Make an Appointment?

  Call (317) 745-7310