Gastrointestinal Disorders and Conditions

Comprehensive care for digestive conditions.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can be painful, stressful and embarrassing, and they can keep you from enjoying the activities you love. At Henry Ford Health, our experienced team of GI specialists is here for you. We’ll diagnose and treat your GI disorder and support you along the way.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders

The first step is to clearly identify whether you have a gastrointestinal disorder and, if so, which disorder you have. Our GI experts use the latest technologies to accurately diagnose your condition, including:

• Labs such as blood, stool and breath tests
• Radiology tests such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans
• Endoscopic procedures such as upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and colonoscopy 
• Esophageal and anorectal manometric tests, which use a small, flexible tube called a catheter to measure the strength of your esophageal or rectal and anal muscles if you’re having trouble with normal bowel movements.

Learn more about our diagnostic options.

Gastrointestinal conditions we see

GI disorders and conditions affect the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the rectum, including the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Some of the many GI disorders and conditions we see include:

• Acid reflux: frequent heartburn caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus
• Celiac disease: an inability to absorb nutrients caused by a response to eating food with gluten
• Diverticulosis: pouches that develop in the wall of the colon (large intestine), which can lead to complications including inflammation and bleeding
• Gallstones: hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder and can cause complications including blocked bile ducts
• Irritable bowel syndrome: a group of symptoms that includes abdominal cramps or pain, constipation, diarrhea and changes in bowel patterns

Learn more about the GI conditions we treat.

Treatment options for gastrointestinal disorders

Once we know what GI disorder you have, you and your doctor will work together on a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following options:

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, healthy eating or stress management, as well as behavioral health changes
• Medication management, including prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Minimally invasive treatment, which use endoscopic procedures as an alternative to surgery
• Surgical treatment

Learn more about our treatment options for GI conditions.

Education and support for gastrointestinal disorders

Having a GI disorder can be challenging for both you and your loved ones. In addition to our advanced care, we’ll provide you with patient education and support to help improve your quality of life and reduce the effects of your condition.

Our education and support options include:

• Nutrition: The food you eat affects almost every type of GI disorder. Our nutritional specialists help you make good decisions about your diet.
• Stress reduction: Your stress levels can affect the severity of your GI disorder. We’ll show you effective techniques and mental exercises to help you cope with life’s stressors.
• Risk management: We’ll help you identify any risk factors that can trigger your symptoms or slow your recovery.