Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey: Your Trusted Digestive Health Experts

For over 40 years, Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey (GANJ) has been providing comprehensive digestive health care to patients throughout New Jersey. Our team of 15 board-certified gastroenterologists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux
• Celiac disease
• Colorectal cancer
• Constipation
• Crohn's disease
• Diarrhea
• Diverticular disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcerative colitis

Our Mission

GANJ is committed to providing the highest quality of compassionate and personalized digestive health care. Our mission is to:

• Diagnose and treat digestive disorders accurately and efficiently
• Educate patients about their digestive health and treatment options
• Promote digestive health and wellness through preventive measures

Our Services

GANJ offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including:

• Endoscopy: Procedures that allow us to visualize the inside of the digestive tract, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy
• Colonoscopy: A procedure that allows us to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum
• Upper endoscopy: A procedure that allows us to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
• Capsule endoscopy: A procedure that allows us to examine the inside of the small intestine using a small, wireless camera pill
• Hemorrhoid treatment: A variety of treatments for hemorrhoids, including banding, sclerotherapy, and surgery
• Liver disease treatment: Treatment for liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer
• Pancreatic disease treatment: Treatment for pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
• Nutritional counseling: Guidance on healthy eating habits and how to manage digestive symptoms through diet

Our Approach

GANJ takes a holistic approach to digestive health care. We believe that the best way to treat digestive disorders is to address the underlying causes and not just the symptoms. Our team of gastroenterologists works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that meet their individual needs.

Our Commitment to Quality

GANJ is committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and our physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Why Choose Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey?

There are many reasons to choose GANJ for your digestive health care, including:

• Our experience: Our gastroenterologists have over 40 years of combined experience in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders.
• Our expertise: Our team of gastroenterologists is specialized in treating a wide range of digestive conditions.
• Our commitment to quality: We are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients.
• Our compassionate care: We understand that digestive problems can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Our team of gastroenterologists is dedicated to providing compassionate and respectful care to all of our patients.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms, schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey today. Our team of gastroenterologists is here to help you get the digestive health care you need to live a healthy and active life.

Common Digestive Problems

Digestive problems are common, affecting millions of Americans each year. Some of the most common digestive problems include:

• Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen can be caused by a variety of factors, including gas, constipation, diarrhea, and food intolerance.
• Acid reflux: Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine when gluten is eaten.
• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the colon or rectum.
• Constipation: Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are infrequent and difficult.
• Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a condition in which bowel movements are loose and frequent.
• Diverticular disease: Diverticular disease is a condition in which small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallbladder disease is a condition in which the gallbladder becomes inflamed or diseased.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common functional bowel disorder that causes abdominal pain, cramping, and alternating diarrhea and constipation.
• Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects only the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Causes of Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Diet: A diet that is high in fat, red meat, and processed foods can contribute to digestive problems.
• Stress: Stress can trigger digestive problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause digestive problems.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, can also contribute to digestive problems.

Symptoms of Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Diagnosis of Digestive Problems

Digestive problems are diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor may also order one or more of the following tests to help diagnose your condition:

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
• Endoscopy: Procedures that allow your doctor to visualize the inside of your digestive tract
• Biopsy: A procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from your digestive tract and examined under a microscope

Treatment of Digestive Problems

The treatment of digestive problems depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Dietary changes: A diet that is low in fat, red meat, and processed foods can help to improve digestive problems.
• Stress management: Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, can help to reduce digestive symptoms.
• Medications: Medications can be used to treat a variety of digestive problems, including acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to treat certain digestive problems, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Prevention of Digestive Problems

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent digestive problems, including:

• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help to promote digestive health.
• Manage stress: Stress can trigger digestive problems, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage the digestive tract and increase the risk of digestive problems.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and worsen digestive problems.
• Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve digestion and reduce the risk of digestive problems.
• See your doctor regularly: Regular checkups can help your doctor to detect and treat digestive problems early on.

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Digestive Problems

1. Ignoring your symptoms: Digestive problems can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms. Ignoring your symptoms can lead to more serious health problems.
2. Self-treating: Do not self-treat digestive problems without consulting your doctor. Many over-the-counter medications for digestive problems can have side effects, and some can even be harmful.
3. Not getting enough fiber in your diet: Fiber is essential for digestive health. A diet that is low in fiber can lead to constipation and other digestive problems.
4. Eating too much processed food: Processed foods are often high in fat and low in fiber, which can contribute to digestive problems.
5. Drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and worsen digestive problems.
6. Smoking: Smoking can damage the digestive tract and increase the risk of digestive problems.
7. Not getting enough exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve digestion and reduce the risk of digestive problems.
8. Not managing stress: Stress can trigger digestive problems, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress.
9. Not getting enough sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health, including digestive health. When you do not get enough sleep, your body does not have time to rest and repair itself, which can lead to digestive problems.
10. Not seeing your doctor regularly: Regular checkups can help your doctor to detect and treat digestive problems early on.

FAQs

Q: What are the most common digestive problems?

A: The most common digestive problems include abdominal pain, acid reflux, celiac disease, colorectal cancer, constipation, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, diverticular disease, gallbladder disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis.

Q: What are the symptoms of digestive problems?

A: The symptoms of digestive