Not sure what’s causing your symptoms? We can help.
Whether you’re having trouble swallowing foods or liquids, feeling persistent acid reflux after meals, or dealing with other frustrating symptoms, our team at Hartford HealthCare’s Digestive Health Institute is here to help you find answers — and relief.
We specialize in evaluating and treating a wide range of conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract. If something isn’t working the way it should — from the moment you swallow to how food moves (or doesn’t) from your esophagus to your stomach we can help identify what’s going on and guide you toward the right care.
Not sure where to start? Check the list of some of the conditions we treat below — and if you’re still unsure, just give us a call or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you feel better.
Conditions we help diagnosis and treat:
- Achalasia — A rare swallowing disorder where food and liquids have trouble reaching your stomach because the esophagus doesn’t work properly.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) – A chronic allergic condition where inflammation in the esophagus makes it hard or painful to swallow.
- Barrett’s Esophagus — A condition caused by long-term acid reflux where the lining of your esophagus changes, which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer if not monitored.
- Esophageal cancer — A serious condition that can cause difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or chest discomfort; early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — A common condition where acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort after eating.
- Heartburn — A burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, often after eating or when lying down.
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) — A type of reflux that reaches the throat and voice box, often causing hoarseness, throat clearing, or a chronic cough without heartburn.
- Gastroparesis — A condition where your stomach doesn’t empty properly, leading to bloating, nausea, early fullness, and sometimes vomiting.
- Hiatal Hernia — When part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm into your chest, which can worsen reflux and cause chest discomfort.
- Paraesophageal Hernia — A more serious type of hiatal hernia where part of the stomach moves next to the esophagus and can twist or become trapped, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Esophageal Strictures — When the esophagus becomes narrowed, often from chronic acid reflux, making it hard to swallow solid foods or pills.
- Zenker’s Diverticulum — A small pouch that can form in the throat, leading to food getting stuck, coughing, choking, or even aspiration.
- Motility Disorders — A group of conditions that affect how food moves through your esophagus, which can cause chest pressure, pain, or difficulty swallowing.