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Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems Center - Laredo, TX

Laredo Gastroenterologist Doctors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Laredo *

Gastroenterology Consultants
Elsa Canales
7210 McPherson Rd
STE 205
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 795-4776

Reynaldo Godines MD
Reynaldo Godines
6801 McPherson
STE 339
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 727-4111

Laredo, Texas

Laredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande (R?o Bravo) in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Laredo's economy is based on international trade with Mexico. It is the largest inland port in the United States. Most major transportation companies have a facility in Laredo. Laredo's location along the southern end of I-35 close to the manufacturers in North Mexico promotes its vital role in trade between the United States and Mexico.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo,_Texas)

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Laredo
Throughout Laredo, Texas
2012-09-02
2012-11-11

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD)

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are known as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The precise cause of IBD remains unknown. These diseases are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and non-genetic, or environmental factors (for example, infections) that interact with the body's immune (defense) system. When the intestinal immune system does not function properly, many white blood cells accumulate in the inner lining (mucosa) of the gut. The white cells then release chemicals that lead to tissue injury (inflammation). This inflammation of the mucosa can cause diarrhea, which is the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with or without the intestinal complications.

What are the intestinal complications of IBD?

The intestinal complications of IBD occur when the intestinal inflammation is severe, extends beyond the inner lining (mucosa) of the intestines, is widespread, and/or is of long duration (chronic). For example, severe mucosal inflammation can cause ulcers, bleeding, and toxic megacolon (a condition in which the colon widens, or dilates, and loses its ability to properly contract). Inflammation that extends beyond the inner lining and through the intestinal wall is responsible for strictures (scarring that causes narrowing of the intestinal wall) and fistulas (tubular passageways originating from the bowel wall and connecting to other organs or the skin). Strictures, in turn, can lead to bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine (SIBO). If the inflammation of the small bowel is widespread, malabsorption of nutrients can be a complication. Chronic inflammation can also be associated with colon cancer.

The majority of IBD patients experience periods during which their disease intensifies (flares) or subsides (remissions). Although most patients require medication for IBD, they are ...

Recommended Reading Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD)

Colitis »

What is colitis?

Colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and is associated with diarrhea, pain, and blood in the stool. There are numerous reasons for the colon to become inflamed including:

  • infection,
  • loss of blood supply to the colon,
  • inflammatory bowel disease, and
  • invasion of the colon wall with collagen or lymphocytic white blood cells.

Anatomy of the colon

The colon is a hollow, muscular tube that receives products of digestion from the small intestine and ultimately eliminates them from the body through the anus. The colon is located in the abdomen and has numerous sections that are named based on their location. Colitis can affect different sections of the colon.

  • The colon begins in the right lower abdomen with the cecum (located just above the appendix) into which the products of digestion empty from the small intestin...

Emergency Contact for Laredo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police (817) 459-5600
  • Fire (817) 459-5500

Nearby Laredo Hospitals *

Laredo Medical Center
1700 E Saunders St
Laredo, TX 78040
(956)796-5000

Providence Surgical & Medical Center
230 Calle del Norte
Laredo, TX 78041
(956)693-5000

Doctors Hospital of Laredo
10700 McPherson Rd
Laredo, TX 78041
(956)523-2000

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