Living with a gastrointestinal (GI) problem isn't always easy. Some symptoms, like bloating, heartburn and indigestion, can be disruptive and painful. Other digestive health problems can be potentially more serious.
But should you ever need a highly trained specialist to help you with a GI problem, we are here for you. You will find advanced procedures and personalized care at Maui Health.
The GI experts on Maui
Gastroenterologists are doctors who are trained to treat diseases of the GI tract, including problems with the esophagus, stomach, colon, gallbladder, pancreas, liver and rectum.
You might need to see one of these skilled providers if, for instance, you are experiencing:
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Abdominal pain or bloating.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Blood in stools or changes in stool color.
- Heartburn.
At Maui Health, we offer both inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology services.
GI providers see patients and perform procedures at Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) and MMMC Outpatient Clinic.
Reviewed 5/4/2022
When stomach pain is an emergency: True or false?
Most people get stomach pain from time to time. But when is it actually an emergency? And when is it safe to ride it out? Test your knowledge about bellyaches with this quick quiz.
True or false: Very bad stomach pain is always serious.
False. Although you should always seek medical care for severe stomach pain, it can be due to gas or cramps caused by viral gastroenteritis—what's sometimes called the stomach flu. On the other hand, life-threatening conditions, such as colon cancer or early appendicitis, may only cause mild pain.
True or false: Pain you feel in most of your belly is more likely to be an emergency than pain that's in just one spot.
False. Generalized pain—meaning you feel it in more than half your belly—is more likely a sign of indigestion, gas or a stomach virus. But localized pain—which you feel in only one area—is more commonly a sign of a problem in an organ, such as your appendix or gallbladder.
True or false: Appendicitis is always an emergency.
True. If not treated, appendicitis can cause a ruptured appendix, which is life-threatening. A common symptom is sudden abdominal pain. It usually begins near the belly button and then moves lower and to the right. It gets worse in a matter of hours and also worsens when you're moving around or taking deep breaths.
True or false: Cramplike pain is usually not serious.
True. This type of pain is likely due to gas or bloating. And it's often followed by diarrhea. Cramping is more worrisome if it lasts more than 24 hours or occurs with a fever. In that case, call your doctor or get medical care right away.
True or false: Upper abdominal pain can be a sign of a heart attack.
True. While chest pain and arm pain are well-known heart attack signs, pain in the upper abdomen, above the belly button, can signal a heart attack too. So can nausea and vomiting. Don't write off these symptoms, especially if you're at risk for a heart attack.
One common cause of stomach discomfort is acid reflux, also called heartburn. But it's often preventable, if you know what triggers it. This infographic can help.
Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians; National Institutes of Health
GI conditions we treat
These are some of the conditions we help diagnose, treat and manage:
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Celiac disease.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or colitis).
- Barrett's esophagus.
- Pancreatic disease.
- Biliary tract disorders, such as gallstones.
- Liver disease.
- Viral hepatitis.
- Gastrointestinal cancers (such as esophageal, liver, stomach or colon cancer).
- Fecal incontinence.
- Motility problems (which affect the way food moves through the digestive tract).
Advanced GI procedures, close to home
If your doctor suggests having a GI procedure, you don't have to bear the expense and inconvenience of leaving the island for a trip to Oahu. We offer many procedures, including advanced endoscopic techniques like ERCP, right here on Maui.
For example, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) can be used to remove gallstones from the bile or pancreatic ducts without surgery. Not all GI doctors have the training to perform ERCP.
We can even help you avoid a GI problem in the first place. The team provides colon screenings—such as colonoscopy—for cancer prevention and early detection.
Other procedures and services we offer include:
- Upper GI series.
- Barium swallow.
- Barium enema.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), including upper GI endoscopy.
- Liver biopsy.
- Dysphagia and aspiration/swallowing evaluation.
- Abdominal x-ray or ultrasound exams.
- CT and MRI scans of the abdomen, liver, biliary tract and pancreas.
- Esophageal dilation.
- Placement of the Bravo capsule to monitor acid reflux.
- Botox injections to treat conditions such as achalasia (swallowing problems) or gastroparesis (delayed movement of food through the stomach).
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy