Local Vitals topic
Heartburn, bloating, and changes in bowel habits are common, but some patterns need a closer look. These articles explain reflux, IBS and IBD, fatty liver, gallstones, and when a digestive symptom calls for testing.
18 articles, written and medically reviewed by the physicians of Zimmer Medical Group in St. Petersburg, FL.
DigestiveOmeprazole and pantoprazole are proton pump inhibitors that control stomach acid about equally well. The practical differences are over-the-counter availability and drug interactions, especially with the blood thinner clopidogrel.
DigestiveTubular adenoma, sessile serrated lesion, high-grade dysplasia: here is what each polyp finding means, and how size, number, cell type, and prep quality set your next colonoscopy interval.
DigestiveSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is increasingly recognized as a cause of bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and IBS-like symptoms. Learn how breath testing works, evidence-based treatments, and how to address underlying causes.
DigestiveMicroscopic colitis causes chronic watery diarrhea without visible damage on routine colonoscopy. Often missed for years, it has clear diagnostic criteria and effective treatments. Learn who is at risk and how to get the right diagnosis.
DigestiveProton pump inhibitors are remarkably safe for short-term use, but long-term use carries real risks. Learn which side effects are evidence-based, which are overstated, and how to safely deprescribe when appropriate.
DigestiveBleeding and pain after a bowel movement are commonly attributed to hemorrhoids — but anal fissures cause similar symptoms with very different treatment. Learn how to tell them apart, what works at home, and when procedures help.
DigestiveMetabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (formerly NAFLD) affects roughly one in three American adults and often shows no symptoms until serious damage is done. Learn who should be tested, what the blood work really means, and how to reverse it early.
DigestiveHepatitis C silently damages the liver for decades — and it is now curable with 8-12 weeks of oral medication. The USPSTF recommends a one-time screening for every adult 18-79, yet most people have never been offered it. Here is why this simple blood test matters.
DigestiveHelicobacter pylori causes most peptic ulcers and is a leading risk factor for stomach cancer. If your "reflux" is not responding to standard treatment, here is why your doctor may test for H. pylori — and what the treatment actually involves.
DigestiveMost gallstones never cause symptoms. When they do — typically right-upper abdominal pain after a fatty meal — the next attack is often worse. Here is how to tell a simple gallstone from a true emergency (cholangitis, pancreatitis), and what to expect if you need surgery.
DigestiveFor decades, patients with diverticular disease were told to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn — guidance that turned out to be wrong. Learn what current evidence says about diet, when antibiotics help (and when they do not), and when surgery is really needed.
DigestiveIf more fiber and more water have not fixed your constipation, you are not alone. We walk through the real causes (slow transit, pelvic floor dysfunction, medications, thyroid, opioids), the right tests, and the modern prescription options most patients never hear about.
DigestiveEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly recognized cause of food impaction, swallowing difficulty, and treatment-resistant reflux symptoms. Learn the symptoms, who should be tested, and the modern treatment options.
DigestiveCeliac disease is not just digestive. Unexplained anemia, osteoporosis at a young age, recurrent miscarriage, infertility, chronic fatigue, and a persistent itchy rash can all be celiac. Learn who should be tested — and why you must not start a gluten-free diet before testing.
DigestiveIBS and IBD are often confused, but they're fundamentally different conditions. Learn how to distinguish between irritable bowel syndrome (a functional disorder) and inflammatory bowel disease (which causes intestinal damage), and understand why accurate diagnosis matters.
DigestiveYour brain and gut are in constant communication, and stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Learn how the brain-gut connection works, why stress causes stomach problems, and practical strategies to restore balance.
DigestiveChest pain from GERD and heart attacks can feel alarmingly similar. Learn the key differences between acid reflux and cardiac symptoms, what questions to ask yourself, and when chest pain is a medical emergency.
DigestiveYour gut health is about more than just digestion—it's linked to your immune system, mood, and even heart health. Learn the science behind the gut microbiome and five practical, powerful tips on diet and lifestyle to help you heal your gut and improve your overall well-being.