- Medical Weight LossWhile there are many different types of hepatitis, the symptoms for each type are similar. Signs of jaundice ( a yellowish tint to the eyes and skin), flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and unexpected weight loss are common symptoms of liver malfunction that is the result of any of the types of hepatitis. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear gradually over time. The most common sign that finally denotes a problem with the liver is the yellowish or orange tint to the eyes and skin. A person’s urine may also turn very dark and have a distinct odor. Stools may become very pale due to the lack of bilirubin being produced.
- ColonoscopyDoctors recommend individuals get their first colonoscopy around the age of 50. If the test shows any abnormalities or any polyps are found, the doctor may suggest getting a colonoscopy every five years or so. A family history of polyps or other colon issues may prompt being tested every few years. If no polyps or abnormalities are found, the patient will be able to schedule their next appointment in ten years. Individuals who have digestive issues may need a colonoscopy to rule out certain conditions. Individuals who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, colitis, IBS, and other digestive issues may be required to get a colonoscopy every few months to evaluate how well the prescribed treatments are working.
- Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable bowel syndrome is extremely common. Although its cause is unknown and it can be very uncomfortable, it does not alter or change the bowel in any way. The inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease can damage the bowel through the creation of scar tissue. Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause damage, only irritation. It is possible that the irritation may be caused by neurological abnormalities within the intestinal walls or gastrointestinal tract. Irritable bowel syndrome may also be caused by misinterpreted signals sent between the brain and the digestive tract. The result can be chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation.
- ImmunizationsCertain types of hepatitis can be prevented. Alcohol use, as well as certain types of medications, can cause hepatitis or hepatitis-like symptoms. Reducing the amount of alcohol consumed or avoiding certain medications may alleviate the symptoms. If viral hepatitis is the type in question, it is important to not share needles, toothbrushes, or any other item that may have come in contact with another person’s blood. Hepatitis can also be contracted through foods that have not been cleaned. Many types of hepatitis can be prevented if proper precautions are taken. At this time, vaccinations are available to prevent certain types of hepatitis.
- Internal MedicineDr. Sing Chan is a Board Certified physician specializing in both gastroenterology and liver disease. With a practice located in Flushing, New York, the doctor and his staff serve the residents of the New York Metropolitan area and the tri-state area. The doctor has extensive knowledge and experience in internal medicine. This gives him the ability to diagnose and treat a wide array of illnesses and disease that affect both the liver and the entire digestive system. The doctor uses cutting edge technology to create treatment plans that are second to none when it comes to effectiveness and proven results.
- GastroenterologyDr. Sing Chan is a Board Certified physician who specializes in gastroenterology. He offers colonoscopies and other diagnostic tools to help provide his patients with the highest level of health care. The doctor and his staff serve the residents of Flushing, New York, and many neighboring communities.
- Colon CancerColonoscopies involve guiding a small camera through the rectum, into the colon and upwards into the large intestine. This gives the doctor valuable information when it comes to polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and other conditions that affect the efficiency of the bowel. A colonoscopy can also provide answers as to how well the small intestine is working. Foods that have trouble making it through to the large intestine may indicate that something is wrong further up into the digestive tract. While colonoscopies are often used to check for colon cancer, polyps, and other abnormalities, it is also a useful tool when evaluating chronic illnesses such as IBS and Crohn’s.
- EndoscopyAn endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to view the digestive system from the inside as it is working. The procedure is non-invasive and involves guiding a small camera and light down into the digestive tract via a long flexible tube. Through this type of procedure, a doctor can not only view the interior workings of the digestive system, they can operate on the internal organs as well. Endoscopies provide doctors with accurate information that allows them to diagnose and treat several illnesses that affect the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract. An endoscopy can be used to create an effective treatment as well as evaluate how well it is working.
- Cyst
- LesionsMany hemorrhoids need no treatment whatsoever. Small hemorrhoids will often shrink and go away on their own. Larger hemorrhoids that do not go away or shrink on their own may need to be treated. If they are not treated in a timely fashion, they may become engorged. When this occurs, they become so full of blood that they may not be able to shrink on their own. If they are not treated at this point, they may begin to block the anus and prevent the person from having a bowel movement. It can make the area very difficult to clean which can lead to an infection if the hemorrhoids rupture or begin to form lesions.