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RussellHavranekMD

About Russell Havranek

Russell Dean Havranek, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist in San Antonio TX that has been in private practice since 2005 as a member of the Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio medical group, which specializes in the comprehensive treatment of all digestive symptoms and conditions. Dr. Havranek received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1998 and completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2005. He has a special focus on promoting colon cancer awareness and prevention with colonoscopy. Also, his practice has a special focus on IBD and IBS digestive conditions and their symptoms. His gastroenterology clinic is located at 8550 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78229.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Esophageal Disorders

Esophageal disorders affect the esophagus. This is the muscular tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. Waves of muscular contractions push food and liquid down this tube.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve connecting the esophagus and stomach, relaxes to let food pass. This valve remains closed when not eating to prevent the stomach contents from flowing into the esophagus. In many cases, esophageal disorders disrupt this process and cause problems with eating and drinking.

This article will discuss types of esophageal disorders and their common symptoms. We’ll also highlight the diagnosis of esophageal disorders, including testing options. Lastly, we’ll outline the steps you can take to reduce your risk of esophageal disorders.

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By |2022-10-04T15:58:04-05:00October 4th, 2022|Digestive Health, Endoscopy|Comments Off on Here’s What You Need to Know About Esophageal Disorders
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Colon Cancer: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Colon cancer affects people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. Alarmingly, it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Despite its high incidence and mortality, colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Knowing how to reduce your risk of colon cancer can save your life.

This article will discuss what colon cancer is and the factors that increase your risk. We’ll outline 7 key ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer and the importance of colon cancer screening. Keep reading to learn more about colon cancer and how you can take your health into your own hands.

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By |2022-08-18T12:53:42-05:00August 18th, 2022|colon cancer, Colonoscopy|Comments Off on Colon Cancer: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk
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5 Gut-Friendly Snacks for Summer

What you eat has a significant impact on your digestive health. You’re not just eating for one, you’re also feeding the trillions of bacteria in your gut.

Your gut bacteria play an important role in the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Eating foods that support your gut bacteria can heal your gut and prevent you from experiencing stomach issues.

This article will explain how food helps balance your gut microbiome. We’ll also highlight 5 homemade, gut-friendly snacks that can boost your digestive health and the foods you should avoid.

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By |2022-07-15T14:07:30-05:00July 13th, 2022|Nutrition|Comments Off on 5 Gut-Friendly Snacks for Summer
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Men’s Health Month: Bringing Awareness to Preventable Health Conditions

June is Men’s Health Month. This national observance brings awareness to preventable health conditions that men may experience and encourages early detection through regular medical checkups. Men’s Health Month also promotes healthy lifestyle habits, which can reduce the risk of many diseases.

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By |2022-06-21T09:02:45-05:00June 21st, 2022|colon cancer, Digestive Health|Comments Off on Men’s Health Month: Bringing Awareness to Preventable Health Conditions
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Bloating and Gas: Is It Normal or Should You See a GI Doctor?

Everyone experiences bloating and gas on occasion. You may have eaten something that didn’t agree with you. Or you simply ate too much, too fast.

No matter the reason you experience bloating and gas, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing all the same.

Bloating and gas that become more frequent may signify a medical problem. This article will discuss how much gas is normal, how to tell if you’re bloated, and the common causes of bloating and gas. Lastly, we’ll highlight when you should see a GI doctor for bloating and gas.

How Much Gas Is Normal?

Research shows that people pass gas an average of 8 to 14 times per day. But some people may

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By |2022-05-23T12:28:56-05:00May 23rd, 2022|Bloating, Digestive Health|Comments Off on Bloating and Gas: Is It Normal or Should You See a GI Doctor?
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Heartburn Relief Study Opportunity

Do you ever experience problems swallowing? Or heartburn, especially at night or after eating?
You may notice that it occurs after you lay down to go to bed.

These are all symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With heartburn being the most prominent symptom. GERD is a prevalent condition that researchers estimate is experienced by 20 percent of people in the United States.

To help further the development of a treatment that can provide relief, Gastroenterology Research of San Antonio is now enrolling those suffering from frequent heartburn in a study until full patient enrollment is met.

This study represents an excellent opportunity to help further the progression of a new medication for those suffering from

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By |2022-05-02T13:24:52-05:00May 2nd, 2022|Digestive Health|Comments Off on Heartburn Relief Study Opportunity
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2022 Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March is colon cancer awareness month. At my gastroenterology practice each year, we take this opportunity to help promote local events and spread the awareness message that following the colon cancer screening guidelines is the best way to avoid this cancer.

While everyone is still mitigating their risk of COVID-19 in San Antonio with the various precautions, we encourage you to focus on your regular health physicals and screenings to help avoid preventable diseases like colon cancer.

“I don’t want anyone to become an avoidable statistic by not getting screened for colon cancer. Please follow the screening guidelines and help spread awareness to friends or loved ones of screening age. Together we can beat colon cancer.”
– Dr. H

Colon

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By |2022-03-01T07:35:31-06:00March 1st, 2022|colon cancer, Colonoscopy|Comments Off on 2022 Colon Cancer Awareness Month
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6 Ways Exercise Improves Your Gut Health

It’s well known that diet plays a central role in gut health. But your physical activity level is just as important.

Recent research shows that regular exercise results in widespread benefits for human health. And it all comes down to your gut microbiome.

This article will highlight the benefits of exercise on your gut health. You’ll see that exercise and a healthy gut go hand in hand.

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By |2022-02-28T08:20:35-06:00February 28th, 2022|colon cancer, Digestive Health|Comments Off on 6 Ways Exercise Improves Your Gut Health
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Colonoscopy: Before, During, & After the Procedure

Most people experience some anxiety before getting a colonoscopy. They may have heard horror stories about the bowel prep. They may feel embarrassed about the procedure or simply fearful of the unknown.

These feelings are entirely normal. But learning more about the procedure and what to expect can help put some of your concerns to rest.

The technique and sedation used during a colonoscopy vary between patients and doctors. Making sure you see a qualified gastroenterologist can help give you peace of mind.

This article will clarify what occurs before, during, and after a colonoscopy. We hope to show that this procedure is often much easier than you think.

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By |2022-01-24T12:42:57-06:00January 24th, 2022|colon cancer, Colonoscopy|Comments Off on Colonoscopy: Before, During, & After the Procedure
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Blood in Stool: What Does It Mean?

Blood in the stool can take on many forms. You may notice streaks of blood in the stool or the toilet bowl. You may also see changes in stool color. Sometimes, the only sign of bleeding may be a few red specks on your toilet paper.

Experiencing rectal bleeding can be alarming. Especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. But seeing a doctor can help you address this problem and reclaim control over your health.

This article will first highlight when you should see a doctor for rectal bleeding. We’ll also discuss the potential causes of blood in stool and the signs you should look out for. Lastly, we’ll outline how to diagnose rectal bleeding.
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By |2022-01-24T12:46:03-06:00December 10th, 2021|Digestive Health|Comments Off on Blood in Stool: What Does It Mean?
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