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08/14/2026

Stomach pain that comes and goes can be frustrating, but how do you know when it is something to take seriously?

Intermittent abdominal pain is common, and the details often provide important clues. Mild cramping that improves after passing gas or having a bowel movement may be related to things like diet, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Pain that occurs after meals may point to issues involving the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas.

Pay attention to patterns. You should consider an evaluation if the pain keeps coming back, becomes more frequent, wakes you up at night, or starts affecting your ability to eat or enjoy daily activities.

It is also important to talk with your doctor if abdominal pain occurs with symptoms like vomiting, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, anemia, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss.

Sudden or severe abdominal pain, a rigid or extremely tender abdomen, persistent vomiting, fever, black or bloody stool, chest pressure, difficulty breathing, or an inability to pass stool or gas may require more urgent medical attention.

Keeping track of when the pain happens, what you ate, your bowel habits, and any medications you are taking can help your doctor better understand what may be causing your symptoms.

Recurring stomach pain is not always a sign of something serious, but persistent or changing symptoms should not be ignored.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for personal care. Don't have a GI Doctor? We'd love to be yours! Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

08/12/2026

When it comes to colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it provides a complete view of the colon and allows doctors to take action immediately.

Unlike tests that may only identify warning signs, a colonoscopy can find and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous. It is one of the most effective tools available for preventing colorectal cancer.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Regular screenings can help protect your health for years to come.

Schedule your colonoscopy with GI Alliance of Illinois at GI-Appointment.com.

08/11/2026

Serving patients in Glenview, IL, Dr. Merel provides expert gastroenterology care and completed her medical education at Rush Medical College, followed by internship and residency training at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. She completed her gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Chicago Medical Center in 2003.

Dr. Merel is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care to help patients manage their digestive health.

Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

08/08/2026

Dealing with more gas than usual? You may not have to just live with it. While some gas is completely normal, a noticeable increase can sometimes be a sign that something has changed.

Gas naturally occurs as we swallow air while eating and drinking, and as bacteria in the colon break down carbohydrates. However, certain habits and foods can increase gas, including carbonated beverages, eating too quickly, chewing gum, artificial sweeteners, beans, onions, certain vegetables, and dairy products.

Increased gas can also be related to constipation, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or changes in your gut bacteria. Instead of eliminating large groups of foods at once, try keeping a food and symptom diary to help identify possible triggers.

Eating more slowly, reducing carbonated drinks, and addressing constipation can often help. A short, structured trial of reducing a suspected trigger may also be useful, but highly restrictive diets should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

If gas is new, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like significant abdominal pain, vomiting, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, fever, anemia, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss, it is important to get evaluated.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for personal care. Don't have a GI Doctor? We'd love to be yours! Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

08/05/2026

A colonoscopy does more than detect colorectal cancer. It can actually help prevent it.

During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they have the chance to develop into cancer. This makes colonoscopy the only colorectal cancer screening method that can both detect and prevent disease during the same procedure.

Routine screenings are recommended starting at age 45, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.

Schedule your colonoscopy with GI Alliance of Illinois today at GI-Appointment.com.

08/03/2026

Serving patients in Homewood, IL, Dr. Julka is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Transplant Hepatology. He completed his medical training at Loyola University Medical Center, followed by a Transplant Hepatology fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Dr. Julka specializes in comprehensive GI care with interests in colon cancer screening, GERD, liver disease, acute liver failure, and hepatitis C. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care and educating the community on important digestive health topics.

Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

07/31/2026

Feeling unusually low on energy and being told you have low iron? That can absolutely be connected, and in some cases, it may point to an underlying gastrointestinal issue that needs attention.

Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue, and in more significant cases, people may even notice unusual symptoms like craving ice. But the important question is: why is iron low in the first place?

There are several possible causes. One is decreased absorption, such as in celiac disease, where gluten intolerance can interfere with nutrient absorption. Another is blood loss in the digestive tract, which can happen with ulcers or other sources of irritation or bleeding. More serious conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can also contribute. In some cases, iron deficiency anemia may even be linked to more serious concerns that need to be ruled out.

While not all iron deficiency is related to the GI tract, it is often an important area to evaluate, especially when the diagnosis is new or unexpected. If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue or have been diagnosed with low iron, it’s worth discussing further evaluation with your healthcare provider.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for personal care. Don't have a GI Doctor? We'd love to be yours! Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

07/27/2026

Experiencing stomach pain after eating? While occasional discomfort can happen after a heavy, spicy, or irritating meal, frequent pain after eating is not something to ignore.

Many people may get a “bellyache” after certain foods like spicy dishes, coffee, or soda. But if you’re having abdominal pain after most meals, especially when eating normally or eating healthy foods, it may signal something that needs further evaluation.

Other symptoms that can be concerning include feeling full very quickly, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, or blood in the stool. When these symptoms appear, they should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist.

There are several possible causes, including issues with the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend tests such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy to better understand what’s going on.

If stomach pain after eating is happening regularly, it’s worth getting checked out sooner rather than later.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for personal care. Don't have a GI Doctor? We'd love to be yours! Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

07/25/2026

Serving patients in Oak Lawn, Dr. Muscarello is board certified in Gastroenterology and has been providing expert digestive care for decades. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame before completing medical school, residency, and fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center.

A member of the American College of Physicians and several leading medical societies, Dr. Muscarello is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered GI care.

Schedule your appointment today at GI-Appointment.com.

07/23/2026

When it comes to colorectal cancer screening, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard. It allows your gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon, detect abnormalities early, and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Early detection is important. Prevention is even better. Schedule your screening with GI Alliance of Illinois today at GI-Appointment.com.

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http://GI-Appointment.com/

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