Carlo Cornejo, MD

23/04/2025

02/03/2025

Congratulations!

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) receives its 5th Gold Seal from the Joint Commision International (JCI)—the latest of which under its 8th Edition Accreditation Standards, becoming the FIRST PHILIPPINE HOSPITAL to do so!

This new edition of accreditation sets a higher benchmark for organization-wide improvement in daily performance and in the outcomes of patient care, a feat that speaks of MakatiMed's continuous dedication to elevating its quality of care and service.

02/01/2025

Reach out to me here for medical concerns.

21/12/2024

Our teleconsult clinic is available during Christmas Holiday 2024 for your medical needs. May everyone remain safe and healthy!

12/05/2024

Myths Commonly Encountered in a Gastroenterology Clinic

1. Myth: Spicy foods cause ulcers.
Debunked: Most ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), not by spicy food consumption. Spicy foods may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals but are not the primary cause of ulcers.

2. Myth: Gluten is harmful to everyone.
Debunked: Gluten is harmful primarily for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For the general population without these conditions, gluten is not harmful.

3. Myth: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is just in your head.
Debunked: IBS is a legitimate gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. It has physiological and psychological components but is not merely a psychological issue.

4. Myth: Drinking milk eases acid reflux.
Debunked: While milk may temporarily buffer stomach acid, it also stimulates acid production, which can worsen acid reflux symptoms in the long run.

5. Myth: Liver cleanses can detoxify the liver from toxins.
Debunked: The liver naturally detoxifies the body. There is no scientific evidence that "liver cleanse" products or diets have any benefit in detoxifying the liver, and they may even be harmful.

6. Myth: Colon cleanses are necessary for removing toxins and waste.
Debunked: The colon naturally eliminates waste and bacteria. Colon cleanses are not necessary and can disrupt the gut microbiota and cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

7. Myth: Probiotics can cure any gut issue.
Debunked: Probiotics can be beneficial for certain gastrointestinal conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and some forms of IBS, but they are not a cure-all and should be tailored to individual needs.

8. Myth: Heartburn is only caused by spicy foods.
Debunked: Heartburn can be triggered by various factors, including fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications, not just spicy foods.

9. Myth: You don't need a colonoscopy if you don't have symptoms.
Debunked: Colonoscopy screenings are recommended for individuals aged 45 and older to detect colorectal cancer early, often before symptoms develop.

10. Myth: Hemorrhoids are caused solely by a low-fiber diet.
Debunked: While a low-fiber diet can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids by causing constipation and straining, other factors such as pregnancy, aging, and hereditary also play significant roles.

Should these myths start questions in your mind, please visit your gastroenterologist.

06/05/2024

Triage, originating from the French word "trier," meaning to sort, is a critical process used in healthcare to manage patient care efficiently, especially in situations where the needs surpass the available resources. The primary goal of triage is to ensure that patients are seen and treated according to the urgency of their medical conditions, NOT on a first-come, first-served basis. This system helps in identifying patients who need immediate resuscitation, prioritizing care based on the severity of conditions, and assigning patients to appropriate care areas or levels of intervention.

When your doctor is not in the clinic during your expected time, he is not being unprofessional. He may be somewhere trying to save a life.

The next life he saves may be yours or your loved ones.

05/05/2024

What? My liver is fat?

Fatty liver disease is a major health concern due to its association with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It's crucial to have fatty liver checked because early detection can prevent progression to more severe liver conditions, such as steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Screening for fatty liver is particularly important in individuals with metabolic risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and abnormal blood lipids. Identifying fatty liver through non-invasive methods using ultrasound, fibroscan, or blood tests can lead to lifestyle interventions and management strategies that prevent liver damage and associated metabolic conditions.

Understanding the extent of liver involvement and fibrosis can guide clinical decision-making and prioritize patients who may benefit from more intensive interventions or monitoring. Given the silent nature of liver disease progression in fatty liver, regular check-ups can play a pivotal role in preventing irreversible liver damage and improving long-term health outcomes.

Consult your gastroenterologist if you require more information.

04/05/2024

Diagnosed with Gastroenteritis?

Majority of patients with Gastroenteritis can be managed at home. There are instances, however, when inpatient care is necessary.

In managing gastroenteritis, our primary goal is to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Hospital admission becomes crucial in cases of severe dehydration, shock, or when the patient is at high risk of dehydration due to underlying conditions.

Additionally, admission is warranted if the diagnosis is uncertain, complicating factors are present, or if the patient's home environment is not conducive to recovery, such as in the absence of adequate caregiver support.

Your gastroenterologist treats all patients with the right level of care, balancing the need for hospital confinement with the your best chance for a swift and complete recovery.

02/05/2024

Dyspepsia, sometimes known as indigestion, is a problem characterized by upper abdominal pain, and includes symptoms like bloating, early satiety, and sometimes nausea. It is a common condition with significant impact on quality of life. The cause is multifaceted, which may include motility issues, visceral hypersensitivity, and, in some cases, Helicobacter pylori infection.

The management of dyspepsia focuses on symptom relief because the condition can relapse and remit. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used as first-line therapy, particularly in H. pylori-negative individuals. This is often accompanied by lifestyle changes like a modification in diet (reducing dairy, chocolate, nuts, and tomatoes, among others), and stress management.

Dyspepsia has a good prognosis; while it can be a chronic condition, many people experience symptom relief through individualized and tailored medical treatment. Consult your gastroenterologist for further information.

27/04/2024

Diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Improvement of your symptoms are achievable with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: These are first-line measures and include:
- Weight Loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can significantly reduce GERD symptoms.
- Dietary Changes: Identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Eating Habits: Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals and avoid eating close to bedtime.
- Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Raising the head of your bed by 30 degrees at the waist can help prevent acid reflux during sleep.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can exacerbate GERD symptoms.

2. Medical Treatment: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may start you on any of the following medications:
- Antacids: For immediate relief of mild symptoms.
- H2-Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs): These can reduce stomach acid and are generally used for mild to moderate symptoms.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These are effective medications for reducing stomach acid and healing esophagitis. They are typically used for moderate to severe GERD symptoms.
- Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (PCABs): These are next generation acid inhibitors that may even be more effective, and may be used for H. Pylori eradication (in combination with antibiotics).

3. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up with your gastroenterologist is important to adjust treatment as needed and to monitor for potential complications of GERD, such as Barrett's esophagus.

4. Indications for Endoscopy: Upper GI Endoscopy is recommended for patients with GERD who present with alarm symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia, recurrent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, anemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

5. Consideration for Surgery: In cases where lifestyle modifications and medications do not sufficiently control symptoms, or if there are complications like severe esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus, surgical options such as antireflux surgery may be considered.

It's crucial to work closely with your gastroenterologist to tailor management to your specific needs and to adjust based on your response to treatment.

25/04/2024

Are you taking proactive steps to safeguard your health?

Imagine a simple procedure that could potentially save your life. Colonoscopy, a gold standard screening tool for colorectal cancer, offers just that. With a quick and painless procedure, you can detect and prevent one of the deadliest cancers. By scheduling a colonoscopy, you’re investing in your well-being and ensuring a healthier future.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; take control of your health today. Book your colonoscopy and let’s beat colorectal cancer together.