Diseases of the Stomach and Small Intestine

Diseases of the stomach and small intestine include a wide range of conditions that affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gastrointestinal health. These disorders may involve inflammation, infection, autoimmune reactions, vascular lesions, or benign and malignant tumors. Peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia, and gastroenteritis are common and often highly treatable conditions, while celiac disease, gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancers of the stomach or small intestine require specialized and ongoing care. At UTHealth Houston Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, our specialists use advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to evaluate symptoms, identify the underlying cause, and create individualized treatment plans that support long-term digestive health.

Causes of diseases of the stomach and small intestine

These conditions can develop for many different reasons. Infection is a frequent cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, while autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease and certain forms of inflammatory bowel disease, tend to occur when the immune system targets the gastrointestinal tract. Disorders that affect the normal movement of food through the digestive system, like gastroparesis, can lead to delayed stomach emptying or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Vascular abnormalities, including arteriovenous malformations and gastric antral vascular ectasia, may result in anemia and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. In some patients, long-standing inflammation, genetic conditions, and environmental factors contribute to precancerous changes.

Symptoms of diseases of the stomach and small intestine

Symptoms vary depending on the specific condition, but often include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts. Disorders that interfere with digestion and absorption may cause diarrhea, constipation, unintentional weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, or malnutrition. Gastrointestinal bleeding may appear as black stools, visible blood in the stool, iron-deficiency anemia, or persistent fatigue. Conditions that affect motility can lead to early satiety, reflux, or vomiting, while chronic inflammatory diseases are frequently associated with ongoing abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Because some of these disorders develop gradually, symptoms may start mild and become more noticeable over time.

Diagnosis of diseases of the stomach and small intestine

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. Our physicians use advanced endoscopic techniques to directly examine the lining of the stomach and small intestine and obtain biopsies when needed. Endoscopic ultrasound with a small needle biopsy allows detailed imaging and precise tissue sampling of deeper structures. Breath testing helps identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and manometry evaluates disorders that affect gastrointestinal motility. Video capsule endoscopy can provide a look at the entire small intestine, and deep enteroscopy and double balloon enteroscopy make it possible to diagnose and treat conditions in areas once difficult to reach. These tools allow for early detection of inflammation, bleeding, precancerous changes, and tumors.

Treatment of diseases of the stomach and small intestine

Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity of the condition. Many disorders can be managed with medications that reduce acid production, treat infection, control inflammation, regulate motility, or support immune function. Nutritional therapy is often an essential part of care, helping to restore strength, correct deficiencies, and ease symptoms. When advanced intervention is needed, our endoscopic therapies offer minimally invasive options to treat bleeding lesions, remove precancerous tissue and early cancers, and manage vascular abnormalities. Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic mucosal resection allow effective treatment while helping patients avoid surgery when possible. For conditions that require ongoing monitoring, UTHealth Houston Gastroenterology & Digestive Health provides structured surveillance and long-term, multidisciplinary care.