EXPERT
Dr. Christian Diaz Stone, MD
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Christian Stone is a gastroenterologist practicing in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Stone specializes in the digestive system and its diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, which include organs from the mouth to the anus as well as liver disorders. Gastroenterology includes conditions such as hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, nutritional problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Stone performs colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures and provides accurate and thorough care for patients suffering from digestive issues.
33 years
Experience
Dr. Christian Diaz Stone, MD
- LAS VEGAS, NV
- Unicersity of California Berkeley
- Accepting new patients
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How can you tell the difference between appendicitis and gastroenteritis?
Appendicitis is simply an infection of the appendix, usually caused by a blockage of the lumen. Symptoms consist of acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis is READ MORE
Appendicitis is simply an infection of the appendix, usually caused by a blockage of the lumen. Symptoms consist of acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach, small intestine or both. This is usually caused by something ingested like a bacteria (salmonella, e.g.). It causes pain, too, but more prominently diarrhea which is how to distinguish it from appendicitis, generally speaking.
When should I be concerned about stomach pain?
It depends on severity, associated symptoms and if it is disrupting your life. If severe enough to take you to the ER, then see a gastroenterologist. If you are losing weight or READ MORE
It depends on severity, associated symptoms and if it is disrupting your life. If severe enough to take you to the ER, then see a gastroenterologist. If you are losing weight or a have anemia, then see a gastroenterologist. If you miss work or school due to pain, see a gastroenterologist.
What color is stool with pancreatitis?
There is no relationship between pancreatitis and stool color. The presence of pancreatitis does not generally alter the stool color unless there is chronic pancreatitis (when READ MORE
There is no relationship between pancreatitis and stool color. The presence of pancreatitis does not generally alter the stool color unless there is chronic pancreatitis (when stool might become pale due to fat malabsorption) or there is bleeding from the pancreas (red blood in stool or black stool in rare cases of bleeding from complicated pancreatitis). For routine cases of acute pancreatitis, no change in stool color is expected.
How is gastritis caused?
Most gastritis has no clear cause and is mild, resulting in no symptoms or consequences. In fact, many patients are erroneously told that gastritis is the cause of symptoms despite READ MORE
Most gastritis has no clear cause and is mild, resulting in no symptoms or consequences. In fact, many patients are erroneously told that gastritis is the cause of symptoms despite lack of evidence. Some gastritis is caused by H. pylori infection so this infection can be sought and treated if present. Otherwise, gastritis by itself does not need specific treatment and any
upper GI symptoms are usually explained by something other than gastritis. A good GI doc can help determine the difference. A bad GI doc will typically seek to repeat procedures (EGD) and not address the symptoms.
Christian D. Stone, MD, MPH
upper GI symptoms are usually explained by something other than gastritis. A good GI doc can help determine the difference. A bad GI doc will typically seek to repeat procedures (EGD) and not address the symptoms.
Christian D. Stone, MD, MPH
Can gastritis go away on its own?
Depends on the cause. Most gastritis is nonspecific and doesn't result in any consequences. H pylori infection can cause gastritis and getting rid of the infection can improve READ MORE
Depends on the cause. Most gastritis is nonspecific and doesn't result in any consequences. H pylori infection can cause gastritis and getting rid of the infection can improve gastritis. It's not even clear that chronic gastritis can cause any pain. Most upper abdominal pain is explained by something other than gastritis, e.g., non-ulcer dyspepsia.
Can celiac disease cause stomach inflammation?
No, it cannot. Celiac only affects the small intestine, i.e., the duodenum and jejunum, which are past the stomach.
How do you get rid of gastric pain?
Most young people with abdominal pain have no ulcer dyspepsia, but you need to see a GI doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
What helps gastritis pain?
Most people have at least some degree of gastritis, but they don't have symptoms from it. So when you say you have gastritis, I cannot automatically assume that it is causing pain. READ MORE
Most people have at least some degree of gastritis, but they don't have symptoms from it. So when you say you have gastritis, I cannot automatically assume that it is causing pain. In fact, the majority of people with gastritis do not have pain. PCPs, ER doctors and even some GI doctors tell patients erroneously that their pain is from gastritis. This is unfortunate since successful treatment usually doesn't involve directly treating the gastritis. A common cause of gastritis is H pylori infection, but less than 25% of people with H pylori gastritis have symptoms from it.
Bottom line: If you have H pylori then it should be treated but otherwise, the exact source of your pain needs to be identified, because it's probably not from gastritis. See a good GI doc who will take time to get a thorough history, will treat the pain and will go beyond just doing a procedure.
Bottom line: If you have H pylori then it should be treated but otherwise, the exact source of your pain needs to be identified, because it's probably not from gastritis. See a good GI doc who will take time to get a thorough history, will treat the pain and will go beyond just doing a procedure.
How do you fix pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is treated by resting the pancreas, holding food and/or liquids until pain subsides, giving IV fluids and controlling pain with medications. Severe pancreatitis can READ MORE
Pancreatitis is treated by resting the pancreas, holding food and/or liquids until pain subsides, giving IV fluids and controlling pain with medications. Severe pancreatitis can take many days or weeks to recover. Mild cases can improve in 1-2 days. Sometimes, doctors mis-diagnose pancreatitis, An elevated lipase in the blood is not enough to make a diagnosis. Better to have characteristic epigastric pain and a CT scan showing inflamed pancreas along with high lipase level.
How do you relieve gas and bloating?
Probably the most effective way is to lower carbohydrates in the diet. Humans lack various intestinal enzymes to break down many types of carbohydrates and thus we cannot handle READ MORE
Probably the most effective way is to lower carbohydrates in the diet. Humans lack various intestinal enzymes to break down many types of carbohydrates and thus we cannot handle large quantities or carbs. The
undigested carbs end up in the small intestine where they draw fluid into the lumen, resulting in bloating. When carbs reach the colon, they get broken down by gut bacteria and this produces gas that then gets released as flatulence.
Lactose intolerance is a classic example of carbohydrate malabsorption, causing gas bloating and even diarrhea. But other carbs are also malabsorbed, such as sucrose, maltose, fructose, fructans, etc. The Low FODMAP diet is an example of a method to reduce carbs in the diet. It is quite effective in relieving symptoms.
undigested carbs end up in the small intestine where they draw fluid into the lumen, resulting in bloating. When carbs reach the colon, they get broken down by gut bacteria and this produces gas that then gets released as flatulence.
Lactose intolerance is a classic example of carbohydrate malabsorption, causing gas bloating and even diarrhea. But other carbs are also malabsorbed, such as sucrose, maltose, fructose, fructans, etc. The Low FODMAP diet is an example of a method to reduce carbs in the diet. It is quite effective in relieving symptoms.
Why does everything I eat give me gas?
It would help to know what you mean by "gas". For some, it means bloating or distension of the abdomen after eating. For others, it means flatulence. And some people have both READ MORE
It would help to know what you mean by "gas". For some, it means bloating or distension of the abdomen after eating. For others, it means flatulence. And some people have both of the above. In most cases, bloating and/or flatulence is caused by malabsorption of carbohydrates. Lowering the carbs in the diet will tend to help this. The Low FODMAP diet is a good example of a diet that can help reduce gas symptoms.
What's the difference between heartburn and indigestion?
There is no general agreement on the meaning of indigestion. It is not a medical term. Heartburn means acid is refluxing into the esophagus and causing burning pain. Indigestion READ MORE
There is no general agreement on the meaning of indigestion. It is not a medical term. Heartburn means acid is refluxing into the esophagus and causing burning pain. Indigestion might equate with heartburn, epigastric pain, bloating, belching, etc. If a patient tells me they have indigestion, then I need more detail. I cannot assume I know what they mean.
Is the fungus on your stomach contagious?
Fungus cannot grow in the stomach. I would need to know why you are being told this, on what basis and what test is showing a fungus. Sometimes, a fungus can be detected on a stool READ MORE
Fungus cannot grow in the stomach. I would need to know why you are being told this, on what basis and what test is showing a fungus. Sometimes, a fungus can be detected on a stool test, but again I need to know what kind and what is the circumstance. If you are otherwise healthy then an incidental finding of fungus or yeast in the stool may have no clinical significance. Beware of unscrupulous and fraudulent nutritionists or naturopaths who claim that patients are infected with Candida.
Does pancreatitis affect bowel movements?
No, there is no effect between pancreatitis and colon function.
Can stomach problems make it difficult for a child to sleep?
Yes, of course, pain from anywhere can make it difficult to sleep. If the stomach pain is unexplained, then a visit with a pediatric gastroenterologist might be able to find out READ MORE
Yes, of course, pain from anywhere can make it difficult to sleep. If the stomach pain is unexplained, then a visit with a pediatric gastroenterologist might be able to find out the cause of pain to get at the root of the problem.
Can excessive gas be a sign of something serious?
Gas is usually not a serious condition, but I cannot assume that I know what you mean by "gas." If you mean abdominal bloating and distention, then this is usually caused not by READ MORE
Gas is usually not a serious condition, but I cannot assume that I know what you mean by "gas." If you mean abdominal bloating and distention, then this is usually caused not by gas, but by fluid in the small intestine.
Does acupuncture treat acid reflux?
No, there is zero evidence that acupuncture can reduce stomach acid. The anti-acid medications like omeprazole, esomeprazole (PPIs) are actually quite safe and can be taken over READ MORE
No, there is zero evidence that acupuncture can reduce stomach acid. The anti-acid medications like omeprazole, esomeprazole (PPIs) are actually quite safe and can be taken over the counter without a prescription. These medicines would be advised to help control acid in the stomach. The recent articles (that made it into the lay press) that warn about side effects of PPIs are association studies that do not prove any real risk. Just take the lowest dose of those pills that control symptoms are you should do well.
What side do you lay on for pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis doesn't change with position and the course of inflammation is not altered by positional change. It doesn't make any difference what side you lie on. No proof of that READ MORE
Pancreatitis doesn't change with position and the course of inflammation is not altered by positional change. It doesn't make any difference what side you lie on. No proof of that anywhere.
I am having stomach issues after traveling?
You probably picked up an enteric infection while traveling which results in irritable bowel. Symptoms can last for days or weeks. Even longer for severe cases. If symptoms don't READ MORE
You probably picked up an enteric infection while traveling which results in irritable bowel. Symptoms can last for days or weeks. Even longer for severe cases. If symptoms don't improve in a week or so, then you can see a GI doctor or PCP to get pills for cramp pain or sensitivity of the intestines.
I can't tell if I'm constipated, have gas, or if it's something serious?
This could be many things, and if the symptoms don't resolve, you would need to see a doctor to get a history and physical exam to try to figure out the cause. More detail is needed READ MORE
This could be many things, and if the symptoms don't resolve, you would need to see a doctor to get a history and physical exam to try to figure out the cause. More detail is needed to narrow down the possibilities. If pain is bad enough, then an ER visit might be best. Otherwise, can see a primary care doctor or go to an urgent care clinic.
