What commonly exacerbates IBS or reflux?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reflux can be worsened by both dietary and lifestyle factors. Common dietary culprits include fatty or fried foods, spicy meals, citrus, caffeine, sodas, and alcohol. Lifestyle contributors include stress, poor sleep, smoking, eating too quickly, or lying down soon after meals.

When are endoscopies or colonoscopies recommended after stool testing?

Endoscopy or colonoscopy is usually considered if stool tests detect blood, cancer-related genetic markers (such as a positive Cologuard test), or if symptoms persist despite prior evaluation. These procedures are also advised for individuals with high-risk family or medical histories.

Digestive Disorders Specialists

Q: When is microscopic inflammation indicative of celiac or IBD?

Microscopic inflammation seen on biopsy may suggest celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis). These are immune-mediated conditions confirmed through biopsy, antibody blood testing, or other specific diagnostics. At CGEP Executive Physicals, we routinely screen patients for celiac disease.

Q: How do you test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

CGEP offers SIBO testing, including comprehensive stool analysis and breath methane testing, which can identify bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Q: Can testing reveal food intolerances vs. allergies?

Yes. We offer a variety of diagnostic tests to evaluate inflammatory foods and food intolerances, helping to distinguish them from true food allergies.

Coral Gables Executive Physicians

Concierge Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Coral Gables, FL

Millions of Americans are affected by digestive disorders each year. If you experience changes in your bowel movements or persistent heartburn that aren’t relieved with over-the-counter remedies, call Robert H. Thomas, MD, FACP, and the team at Coral Gables Executive Physicians in Coral Gables, Florida, to schedule an appointment for comprehensive diagnostics to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Digestive Disorders Q&A

What are digestive disorders?

Digestive disorders are conditions involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and pancreas. The list of diseases and disorders that fall under the digestive disorder category are many, but the most common digestive disorders include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Cancer
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lactose intolerance
Hiatal hernia
Pancreatitis
Peptic ulcers
Diverticulitis
Crohn’s disease

Digestive disorders may be mild or severe, and the symptoms may be short-term or long-lasting.

What are the signs and symptoms of digestive disorders?

From embarrassing gas to nausea, everyone experiences gastrointestinal problems from time to time. The severity and type of symptoms vary depending on the digestive disorder or disease you have, but may include:

Bleeding
Constipation
Diarrhea
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Nausea
Heartburn

Most digestive symptoms resolve on their own or with the use of over-the-counter remedies. If your symptoms persist or get worse, or if you have difficulty or pain when swallowing, episodes of choking, or you experience difficulty evacuating your bowels, call Coral Gables Executive Physicians to schedule an appointment.

How are digestive disorders diagnosed?

At Coral Gables Executive Physicians, digestive disorders are diagnosed through a medical history, physical examination, and comprehensive digestive stool analysis that evaluates digestion, absorption, gut flora, and the colonic environment for signs of parasites and infections. Your doctor recommends these tests if you have chronic gastrointestinal problems or a change in your bowel patterns.

Depending on your symptoms, you may also need more extensive diagnostic procedures including endoscopy, laboratory tests, and imaging for an accurate diagnosis.

How are digestive disorders treated?

In addition to digestive disorder diagnostic services, the team at Coral Gables Executive Physicians treat a variety of gastrointestinal problems. A personalized treatment plan is created to address your specific symptoms and needs. Whenever possible, the team chooses noninvasive treatment methods to provide symptom relief, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, and nutritional therapy.

If you’re experiencing discomfort or any of the signs and symptoms of a digestive disorder, give the practice a call to schedule an appointment. Coral Gables Executive Physicians offers same-day appointments and Saturday appointments for your convenience.

What commonly exacerbate IBS or reflux?

Can be worsened or triggered by dietary factors and overlapping lifestyle. Common dietary culprits can be fatty or fried foods, spicy, citrate foods. Caffeine, sodas alcohol among others
Lifestyle factors can also exacerbate symptoms. Stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking, eating too quickly, laying down after eating.

When is microscopic inflammation indicative of celiac or IBD?

Celiac disease and IBD (Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis) are immune diseases that showed true inflammation proven by biopsy or other specific blood testing including antibodies.
At CGEP Executive Physicals we perform screens for celiac disease in all our patients.

How do you test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

We do offer testing for SIBO at CGEP. We can perform comprehensive stool analysis as well as breath detection of methane testing.

Can testing reveal food intolerances vs. allergies?

Yes, we offer various test to check for inflammatory foods and food intolerances.

When are endoscopies or colonoscopy recommended after stool testing?

Usually, further testing is needed if blood or genetic markers of cancer (Cologuard) are found on the stool. Also, could be considered for persistent symptoms or high-risk history.