Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine. SIBO is a very common problem that causes abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and indigestion and more. SIBO can be very hard to eradicate.

SIFO is an acronym that stands for small intestinal fungal overgrowth. It happens when there’s an excess amount of fungi in your small intestine and can often develop in those with a weakened immune system. Like SIBO, it is also common, studies suggest 25% of people with unexplained GI Symptoms had SIFO.

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus isn't working as it should, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Bile reflux occurs when bile — a digestive liquid produced in your liver — backs up (refluxes) into your stomach and, in some cases, into the esophagus as well. Bile reflux may accompany the reflux of stomach acid (gastric acid) into your esophagus. It is a different problem to acid reflux, and is most commonly associated with issues around the pyloric valve - where instead of being closed it inappropriately opens. Bile Reflux can be determined by the Heidelberg pH Test which can be performed in our office.

Micronutrient deficiencies can cause several serious health issues. A lack of iron, folate and vitamins B12 and A can lead to anaemia. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin concentration, causing fatigue, weakness, shortage of breath and dizziness. It is a huge problem, that happens when gastrointestinal issues lead to an inability to absorb nutrients.

Constipation is a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements a week; stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy; stools that are difficult or painful to pass; or a feeling that not all stool has passed. You usually can take steps to prevent or relieve constipation. You can also evaluate the underlying cause of constipation through Anorectal manometry, a test that we perform in the office.

Diarrhea — loose, watery and possibly more-frequent bowel movements — is a common problem. It may be present alone or be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss. Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. However, it must be evaluated properly when it persists to make sure the gastrointestinal tract is ok, and there isn’t anything serious causing the change in bowel habit.

Abdominal Pain is not a specific sign, meaning it can be due to a number of different issues, such as gas to more serious conditions like appendicitis or Crohn’s disease. Noting the severity and area of the abdomen affected can help with a diagnosis.

There are different types of abdominal pains, localized pains which are limited to one area of the abdomen. This type of pain is often caused by problems in a particular organ.

Cramp-like pain may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or flatulence. In people assigned female at birth, it can be associated with menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive complications.

It requires an in depth evaluation, if you have concerns then please reach out to our office.

A bloated stomach feels tight, full and often painful. You might feel bloated even if you don't have a distended abdomen. Like Abdominal pain it is non-specific, and can be due to a number of issues that require an extensive workup.

Anismus, also called dyssynergic defecation, is a functional pooping disorder. It occurs when the muscles and nerves in the pelvic floor fail to coordinate correctly to have a bowel movement (pelvic floor dysfunction). It can cause or be caused by chronic constipation.

Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. We perform a number of tests to help evaluate the underlying cause and severity of the issue.

Flatulence, also known as farting, passing wind, or having gas, flatulence is a medical term for releasing gas from the digestive system through the anus. It happens when gas collects inside the digestive system and is a normal process.

Typically, people experience flatulence between 13 and 21 times a day. But flatulence can be excessive - offensive in odor, can drive a bloating process and be related to other conditions that need extensive workup.

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to “leak” through the intestinal wall.

Mainstream medical professionals often do not recognize leaky gut as a real condition.

However, there is a lot of scientific evidence to suggest that leaky gut does exist and is associated with multiple health problems.

Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often accompanies the urge to vomit, but doesn't always lead to vomiting. Vomiting is the forcible voluntary or involuntary emptying ("throwing up") of stomach contents through the mouth.

Restech is a minimally invasive outpatient test that provides diagnostic testing for acid reflux in the throat. Acid can make its way up the esophagus and into the throat, a condition called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). LPR most often occurs without the typical reflux symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.

Hydrogen and methane breath testing is a widely accepted means of identifying changes to the gut microbiome and is used to detect abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). You may be referred for this test if you are experiencing symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea, bloating, gas and abdominal cramps.

Anorectal manometry is a noninvasive procedure to evaluate the function of the rectal and anal muscles. This group of muscles, called the anorectal sphincter, controls how stool is released from your body.

Manometry Biofeedback is a fundamental tool for pelvic floor rehabilitation. Biofeedback can be used for both strengthening weak pelvic floor muscles (up training) as well as training tight shortened overactive pelvic floor muscles to relax (down training). It is a good active engaging recommendation should anorectal manometry defined a problem with defecation. We mostly use this test for Dyssynergic Defecation and severe unresponsive constipation.

A number of GI conditions can be hard to treat due to a persistent chronic sinusitis or fungus overgrowth in the same area feeding bacteria into the digestive tract - as it is all connected. Another condition called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) is an antibiotic resistant staph infection that resides deep in the nose. MARCoNS are very slow growing however, can have such an effect on one's health leading to chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and more. We check for these.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis detects the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as yeast, parasites, and bacteria that contribute to chronic illness and neurological dysfunction. The test also evaluates beneficial bacteria levels, intestinal immune function, overall intestinal health, and inflammation markers. These tests are very valuable to understand overall gut wellness.

The Heidelberg pH Diagnostic Test analyzes the stomach’s ability to pump acid effectively. Michael Erdman, MBBS, is also a Heidelberg pH Test Expert. Dr. Erdman performs the test for Client’s in the Los Angeles area, and promotes education regarding this test through his sister website HeidelbergTest.com.