LOWER GI TRACT

The digestive system is composed of an upper and lower gastrointestinal  tract. The lower GI tract includes the jejunum and the ileum (the middle and latter sections of the small intestine), the large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus.

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Most of the nutrients from the food you eat are absorbed in the jejunum, while vitamin B12 is absorbed in the ileum. What’s left in the small intestine travels to the large intestine (colon). As these waste products move through the colon, water is absorbed and the particles become solid, forming into stool. The stool moves into the lower part of the colon then to the rectum and anal canal, where it passes out of your body as a bowel movement.

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Lower GI symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids can be painful and shouldn’t be ignored, as they may indicate a serious underlying condition.

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At Digestive and liver center of Arkansas, our board-certified Gastroenterologists are experts at diagnosing and treating lower GI conditions including:

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• Anal Fissure, Abscess, and Fistula

• Anemia

• Colon Polyps

• Colon Cancer

• Constipation

• Crohn’s Disease

• Diarrhea

• Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis

• Hemorrhoids

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Rectal Bleeding

• Ulcerative Colitis

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Your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing such as colonoscopy, enteroscopy, or a lower GI series/barium enema, along with lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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At digestive Liver care center in Arkansas, we’re committed to your digestive health. For an appointment with one of our Board-Certified Gastroenterologists,  Please call 479-242-2888 for an appointment. Our specialized doctors will recommend diagnostic testing such as lower GI   along with lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Examples of functional GI and motility disorders which affect the lower GI tract  include:

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• Bowel incontinence

• Chronic constipation

• Chronic diarrhea

• Dyssynergic defecation

• Functional abdominal pain syndrome

• Hirschsprung’s disease

• Intestinal pseudo-obstruction

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

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You should see a gastroenterologist if you’re experiencing any of these common symptoms:

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1. Rectal bleeding.

2. Leakage / underwear stains.

3. Bowel movement urges that are hard to control.

4. Diarrhea.

5. Changes in bowel habits.

6. Pale-colored stools.

7. Dark urine.