We talk with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Dr. Alexandra Modiri, a gastroenterologist with Houshang Makipour MD PC / Northern Virginia Endoscopy Center.
– What does the field of gastroenterology cover?
Gastroenterology is a field of medicine that encompasses diseases of the digestive tract. For example, we prevent colon cancer by performing colonoscopies. We also treat a variety of other conditions such as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis, etc.
– GERD Awareness Week is the last week in November – for those who don’t know, what is GERD?
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to a disease, which affects the lower esophageal sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus. Transient relaxations of this muscle allow acid from the stomach to spill up to the esophagus resulting in common symptoms of heartburn or regurgitation.
– Who is most likely to have this condition?
This condition affects 10-20% of the population and numerous causes have been identified. Some common causes include acidic foods and beverages, obesity, medications or the presence of a hiatal hernia.
– How is this condition diagnosed?
GERD is often a clinical diagnosis. More severe cases may result in further testing via EGD or upper endoscopy, pH testing, etc.
– What are the symptoms of GERD?
The two most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation. Some patients may also suffer from difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness or vomiting.
– What is the treatment?
Treatment options include lifestyle modifications (such as the avoidance of dietary triggers and weight loss) or use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors.
– What do you wish people knew about your specialty that they might not?
Gastroenterology is a huge field, which encompasses hollow organs such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder and colon or large intestine along with solid organs such as the pancreas and liver. Gastroenterologists have achieved the highest level of training for the performance of colonoscopies and endoscopies.
– Do patients need an order to see you? What’s the best number to make an appt.?
Some patients require a referral while others may not. We can be contacted at 703-580-7433.
This post is sponsored by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.
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Join us for an in-depth conversation with Kelly Hannon from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) as we discuss the ongoing snowstorm impacting the Fredericksburg region and beyond. With some areas, including Stafford County, seeing up to 8 inches of snow, VDOT crews are working tirelessly to clear roads and ensure safety.
Banter and Bunny are both available for adoption. Banter(left) is a young female that was found as a stray. Bunny(right) is seven years old and was released by his owner because they just no longer wanted him. For adoption info on these two cuties, give us a call at 703-257-2420.
(The Center Square) – Virginia has three new congressmen following the swearing-in ceremonies for the 119th Congress held at the Capitol in Washington on Friday.
Two Democrats and one Republican took office, making the commonwealth’s party delegation unchanged.
Democratic Reps. Eugene Vindman (7th Congressional District) and Suhas Subramanyam (10th) joined Republican Rep. John McGuire (5th) being sworn into office, along with eight other members of the Virginia delegation in the U.S. House Representatives.
As the heaviest snowstorm in years blanketed Stafford County and the Fredericksburg region, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have been working tirelessly to clear roads and keep essential routes passable. Stafford County saw some of the highest snow totals in the area, with accumulations reaching up to 8 inches, and more snow is expected later today.
Kelly Hannon, spokesperson for VDOT’s Fredericksburg District, emphasized the challenges faced by crews during the storm. “Our teams have been making repeated passes since it started snowing around midnight,” Hannon said. “We’ve focused on major routes like I-95, Route 1, Route 17, and Route 610 to ensure access to critical areas, including public safety facilities.”
Send us your snow photos to [email protected], on X @PotomacLocal, or text to 571-989-1695
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
