For patients in Merced, CA, Dr. Alfred Johnson, MD, brings 32 years of experience as the clinic’s top gastro surgeon. Dr. Alfred Johnson specializes in anti-reflux surgery, acid-reflux, GERD treatment, TIF procedure, hiatal hernia repair, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and minimally invasive digestive health surgeries.

Dr. Alfred Johnson is a top-rated gastroenterologist in Merced. Providing high-quality empathetic care to all patients is the clinic’s care philosophy. Patients can expect effective treatment from highly experienced staff.

It is normal for anyone to experience an occasional gastrointestinal problem. When experienced acutely they can often be caused by something harmless like a meal not sitting well. However, when gastrointestinal problems are experienced with heightened severity or longevity, they may suggest more serious underlying problems. 

When you don’t pass more than three bowel movements per week, you may be suffering from constipation due to blockages, neurological issues, muscular malfunction, hormonal imbalances, or dietary factors. You can get help determining the cause by consulting a gastroenterologist. When diarrhea persists for more than a few days, it may be caused by a parasite, bacteria, lactose intolerance, virus, or other digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

The passing of excessive gas combined with other symptoms may be an indication of lactose intolerance, colon cancer, or Crohn’s disease. Blood in the stool can be caused by a variety of factors, but usually means that there is bleeding in your digestive tract. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or cancer may be the cause and that’s why you should see a gastroenterologist. It may not be necessary to see a specialist when you experience occasional mild abdominal pain and bloating.

However, your physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist if the symptoms persist or are accompanied by painful bowel movements or nausea. Frequent heartburn may be indicative of various underlying symptoms. And unexplained weight loss or weight gain can have a number of causes pertaining to irregularities with the gastrointestinal tract.

A gastro surgeon can further evaluate patients after they have received a referral from their primary care provider. Those aged over 50 are at increased risk of colon cancer, particularly if the disease runs in the family, so they might benefit from receiving preventive treatment from a gastroenterologist. If there is a family history of colon cancer, patients should inform their primary care provider.

Primary care providers may refer patients to a gastroenterologist if they are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and require specialized treatment. In order to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases, gastroenterologists perform a number of procedures.

These procedures, however, do not require surgery. There are usually short-term and long-term medication-based treatments available. Patients who require surgery may be referred to gastrointestinal surgeons by gastroenterologists.

Endoscopy is one of the major procedures performed by gastroenterologists. Video cameras are mounted on narrow flexible tubes that can be inserted into the intestinal tract to help diagnose a number of gastrointestinal diseases.

Gastroenterologists can treat all manner of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract consists of the small and large intestines, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Some common conditions treated by a gastroenterologist include inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis, jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, gastrointestinal cancer, hemorrhoids, reflux esophagitis, and polyps in the large intestine, and more. Visiting gastroenterologists and receiving a prompt diagnosis and swift treatment can prevent future damage to the digestive system and avoid additional unwanted complications. Dr. Alfred Johnson, MD, is a board-certified physician who offers a number of services that can help improve your digestive health. Reach out to us today through our website to book your next appointment. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.