Are you continually visiting your family doctor for frequent abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting? If so, you may have a digestive health disorder. Your family doctor may recommend dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or prescription drugs to prevent your systems from worsening. Some more severe gastrointestinal conditions will require more specific care than your family doctor can provide. In this case, you will be referred to a gastroenterologist.

Gastroenterology is the study of disorders that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. A gastroenterologist has an in-depth understanding of all functions of the digestive system as well as how to treat many digestive health disorders. The Gastroenterology Clinic at Bryan Hospital and Archbold Medical Center see residents who suffer from common and uncommon gastrointestinal issues.

Meet D. Matt Cooley, MD

Credentials for Dr. Matt Cooley, Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterology Fellowship at St. John Providence Hospital & Medical Centers at Michigan State University
Internal Medicine Residency at University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University
BA in Zoology from Miami University

We provide both one-time office consultations and ongoing care for patients with a full spectrum of gastrointestinal conditions. 

Common symptoms of a digestive health disorder:

• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Stomach ulcers
• Trouble swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting

More severe symptoms may indicate some of the following digestive health disorders, including:

 
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or otherwise known as GERD is a digestive disorder that affects your stomach and esophagus. While it is common for people, including pregnant women, to suffer from heartburn or acid reflux once in a while, having symptoms daily or two to three times a week could be a sign of GERD. Other common signs of GERD include bad breath, tooth erosion, abdominal pain, and discomfort, or having trouble swallowing. Most cases of GERD can be cured by avoiding certain foods and beverages that trigger the symptoms or by taking over the counter medications. Sometimes stronger treatments such as surgery or medication may be required.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder – a small organ that stores and secretes bile for digestion. It is not clear what causes the formation of gallstones. Some believe they occur when your bile contains too much cholesterol or waste, or your gallbladder does not empty correctly. Gallstones may not bring any signs or symptoms unless one causes a blockage resulting in extreme abdominal pain and discomfort, back pain, nausea, or vomiting. If the gallstones instigate inflammation or infection in the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver, you may have to get them surgically removed.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a serious, digestive disorder triggered by consuming gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat, barley, and rye. When gluten is consumed, an attack will occur on the small intestine – the organ that absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat. Common symptoms of celiac disease in children include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, and weight fluctuation. Symptoms in adults can be more severe, including anemia, fatigue, depression, and seizures. The only treatment available for celiac disease is to avoid consuming gluten through food and beverages completely.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of digestive orders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause inflammation in the intestines. Common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, anemia, rectal bleeding, and weight fluctuation. Crohn’s involves ulcers that may lodge into the tissue lining in the Gastrointestinal tract, leading to infection and inflammation of the intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast, affects only the colon and rectum, where it also causes ulcers. For both diseases, treatment depends on the symptoms and can include prescription medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another common digestive disorder that causes irritability in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of IBS include constipation or diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain and discomfort. While the cause of IBS is unknown, treatment of the symptoms focuses on dietary choices avoiding trigger foods and beverages.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which ulcers line the stomach or in the small intestine. Typically, the stomach and small intestine are protected by a thick layer of mucus. Although in some cases, this protective layer can be reduced, resulting in stomach sores and ulcers. Common symptoms of ulcers include heartburn, bloating, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, and discomfort. While there is not one single cause of peptic ulcers, treatment can consist of making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and in severe cases, surgery.