Gastroenterologist in Chicago, Illinois
Gastroenterology services from Riverside Medical provide patients with compassionate, customized care for optimal digestive health and healing.
Common Digestive Diseases & Gastrointestinal Issues
Most Americans suffer from a digestive disease or deal with gastrointestinal issues within their life time. These conditions can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating. Fortunately, the GI specialists at Riverside Medical have years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide array of digestive disorders. We can help you identify the causes of your symptoms, diagnose any underlying GI disorders, and develop a treatment plan to cure or manage your digestive ailments.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD.) This chronic digestive disorder causes inflammation in the lining of your digestive tract.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease that causes chronic (life-long) digestive issues. While Crohn’s can affect any part of your digestive tract, the majority of cases involve the ileum, or the lower part of the small intestine. When you suffer from Crohn’s disease, your immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and irritation. The cause of this immune response is unknown. ¹
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease:
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be painful and even debilitating. Symptoms and severity vary per individual, depending on the location of the inflammation. The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Weight loss
How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?
Gastroenterologists typically rely on a battery of tests to properly diagnose Crohn’s Disease. Diagnostic testing may include:
- Physical examination
- Analysis of Medical & Family history
- Lab Tests & Blood work
- Biopsy
- Intestinal Endoscopy (i.e colonoscopy)
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series (x-rays)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
In addition, your Gastroenterologist may conduct tests to rule out other diseases (such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis) that present with similar symptoms.
Crohn’s Disease Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease, however, your Gastroenterologist can help you manage your disease and control your symptoms. Treatments of Crohn’s Disease include:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Changes to your diet
¹ Burisch J, Munkholm P. Inflammatory bowel disease epidemiology. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology.2013;29(4):357–362.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the intestines characterized by recurring abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease involves the intestine’s self-damaging immune reaction to ingesting gluten, which is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease marked by long-lasting inflammation and sores in the inner lining of the large intestine.
Hemorrhoids
Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are veins in the anus and rectum that have become uncomfortably swollen and inflamed due to pressure.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an irritation of the esophagus caused by backwash of acidic contents and bile from the stomach.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced due to chronic regurgitation of stomach acid.
Other Digestive Issues
Other Gastrointestinal (GI) related issues include stomach ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn & indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhea & more.
Meet Dr. Eric J. Yegelwel, M.D.
Gastroenterology services from Riverside Medical are led by premier Chicago Gastroenterologist, Dr. Eric J. Yegelwel.
Dr. Yegelwel received his medical degree from the New Jersey Medical School. He completed his residency at the University of Illinois Hospital. Dr. Yegelwel completed a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Loyola University Medical Center/Hines Veterans Administration Hospital. He is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
Dr. Yegelwel is the Chief of the Gastroenterology Section at Northwest Community Hospital. He has authored two articles in The American Journal of Gastroenterology and The Journal of Digestive Diseases and Sciences.
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