Ghassan Al-Sabbagh: Health Risks Commonly Associated with Obesity

Ghassan Al-Sabbagh is a seasoned gastroenterologist who has practiced medicine for more than 30 years. A dedicated specialist who oversees his own GI practice, Ghassan Al-Sabbagh has enjoyed the opportunity to diagnose and provide treatment to thousands of patients, and remains as committed as ever to providing everyone in his care the attention and treatment they need to live happy, healthy lives. 

As a gastroenterologist, Ghassan Al-Sabbagh is knowledgeable in numerous GI symptoms and conditions. He is also well-versed in the common causes and health dangers associated with obesity, a condition which adversely affects the health of millions of Americans every year.

Some of the more common health risks tied to obesity include:

--high cholesterol, known in the medical community as hypercholesterolemia.

--an increased probability of stroke, known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

--hypertension, or high blood pressure.

--a greater chance of heart disease.

--a greater chance of congestive heart failure.

--type 2 diabetes (adult-onset), the risk of which increases with the duration and degree of obesity within the individual patient.

--a stronger resistance to insulin, which can result in type 2 diabetes.

--a greater risk of certain types of cancer, including an increased probability of rectal and prostate cancer in men, colon cancer in men and women, and gallbladder and uterine cancer in women.

Obesity is proven to pose a considerable risk to one’s health. Consulting with a physician like Ghassan Al-Sabbagh may help you determine how best to cope with, treat and/or mitigate the condition and any associated health risks.

PLEASE NOTE: The above is not intended as a replacement for professional medical treatment, diagnosis or advice. Should you ever have a question regarding a particularly medical condition, please consult your physician or professional healthcare provider.

Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, MD: How Is Acid Reflux Commonly Diagnosed?

Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, MD, is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. A longtime specialist in gastroenterology, Dr. Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, MD has provided thousands of patients the expert care and treatment options needed to more effectively with cope with and overcome the challenges presented by their GI issues.

An expert in the many diseases and conditions affecting the GI tract, Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, MD, knows well the condition of acid reflux, a common GI ailment which affects millions each and every year. Identifying the presence of acid reflux, or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is usually done one of several ways, including:

An Upper Endoscopy

Perhaps one of the more common diagnostic methods, the upper endoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible tube down the patient’s throat. Equipped with a small camera and light, the tube is positioned to provide a close examination of the patient’s stomach and esophagus, and to detect the presence of inflammation or other complications within the esophagus.

An Esophageal Manometry

The esophageal manometry test involves taking a measurement of the muscle contractions that occur in the patient’s esophagus when they swallow. Muscle coordination and force exerted by these muscles are also measured during this process.

An Ambulatory Acid Probe

The ambulatory acid (pH) probe test relies on a monitor, which is connected to a small computer generally worn around the patient’s waist. This monitor, when placed within the patient’s esophagus, is utilized to identify when stomach acid appears in the esophageal area, as well as to measure how long it stays there. 

X-ray

A physician may sometimes recommend an X-ray of the patient’s upper digestive system; one that is taken after the patient consumes a chalky liquid designed to coat the lining of their digestive tract.

Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, MD, works to diagnose and treat the presence of GERD as quickly and safely as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: The above is not intended as a replacement for professional medical treatment, diagnosis or advice. Should you ever have a question regarding a particularly medical condition, please consult your physician or professional healthcare provider.