Southwest Gastroenterology

Southwest Gastroenterology Southwest Gastroenterology Associates (SWGA) is an independently owned and operated facility serving Albuquerque and New Mexico for over 30 years.

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates (SWGA) is an independently owned and operated facility that has been serving Albuquerque and New Mexico for over 40 years. Southwest Endoscopy is conveniently housed under the same roof as our medical offices and is New Mexico’s only freestanding endoscopy center. Endoscopic procedures are performed in a safe, convenient, non-threatening environment, eliminating the need for a hospital stay. Southwest Endoscopy (SWE) is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. and is Medicare Certified. Southwest Endoscopy is owned and operated by Southwest Gastroenterology.

October 2nd was National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day, and while we may be a day late, the gratitude is always rig...
10/03/2025

October 2nd was National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day, and while we may be a day late, the gratitude is always right on time.

We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible custodial staff. Their hard work, attention to detail, and dedication keep our facilities clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Often their efforts happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by everyone who walks through our doors—patients, visitors, and staff alike.

To our custodial team: thank you for all that you do. Your work is essential, and we truly appreciate you! 🙏💙

Celiac Disease🌾 Gluten isn’t just a trend—it’s a real trigger for some. Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to glut...
09/24/2025

Celiac Disease
🌾 Gluten isn’t just a trend—it’s a real trigger for some. Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten.

What you should know:
It damages the small intestine and blocks nutrient absorption.
Symptoms can be GI-related (bloating, diarrhea) or non-GI (fatigue, anemia, joint pain).
Blood tests and endoscopy are used for diagnosis.
The only treatment? A 100% gluten-free diet for life.
It’s not the same as gluten sensitivity—this is an immune disorder.

Important: Never go gluten-free before testing!

📄 Patient Resource:
Celiac Disease – NIH Patient Guide
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease

🍂Fall & Constipation: Drink Up to Stay MovingAs the air gets cooler, it’s more common to unintentionally reduce how much...
09/22/2025

🍂
Fall & Constipation: Drink Up to Stay Moving
As the air gets cooler, it’s more common to unintentionally reduce how much water we drink. Less hydration can lead to harder, drier stools and constipation. The colon pulls extra water from stool when your fluid intake is low, making it more difficult to pass.
Here are some useful tips to stay regular this fall:

Aim for 8+ glasses of water per day, more if you’re active or outside.
Include warm broths, herbal teas, and hydrating fruits (like watermelon, oranges) to help.
Increase fiber gradually by adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber without enough water can actually worsen constipation.
Make time for light daily movement. Even walking or stretching helps stimulate bowel function.
Pay attention to your body: go when you feel the urge (don’t delay).
Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable- it can affect mood, energy, and even lead to deeper health issues if ongoing. Staying hydrated + fiber-rich = smoother digestion.

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/dietary-fiber-the-natural-solution-for-constipation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253

💻 Happy IT Professionals Day! 💻Today, we celebrate the amazing people who keep us operating! A huge thank-you to our ama...
09/16/2025

💻 Happy IT Professionals Day! 💻
Today, we celebrate the amazing people who keep us operating! A huge thank-you to our amazing IT department for keeping patient records secure, ensuring our systems stay up and running, and supporting all users. Your expertise keeps us caring for patients without interruption.

Gallbladder Disease (Gallstones / Cholecystitis)💥 Sharp pain in the right upper belly, especially after fatty meals? You...
09/10/2025

Gallbladder Disease (Gallstones / Cholecystitis)

💥 Sharp pain in the right upper belly, especially after fatty meals? Your gallbladder might be the culprit.

What You Should Know:
Gallstones form when bile components (like cholesterol) harden in the gallbladder. Some people have them and never know it—but others experience intense symptoms. When a stone blocks the bile duct, it causes a “gallbladder attack”—typically sudden pain in the upper right abdomen or under the ribs, sometimes radiating to the back or shoulder.

Other symptoms may include:
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating and indigestion
Pain after eating, especially greasy or fatty meals
Fever or chills (in cases of infection)

Who's at risk?
Women (especially those who are pregnant or postpartum)
Adults over 40
People who have experienced rapid weight loss or weight cycling
Those with a family history of gallstones

Don’t ignore repeated attacks—untreated gallbladder disease can lead to inflammation (cholecystitis), infection, or even pancreatitis.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22976-gallbladder-disease

IBD (Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)⚠️ IBD is not the same as IBS. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that can ...
09/05/2025

IBD (Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)
⚠️ IBD is not the same as IBS. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that can damage your gut.

What you should know:
Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon.

Common symptoms: diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, weight loss.

It’s diagnosed with imaging, scopes, and labs.

Treatment can include medications, biologics, or surgery.

Bottom line: Early diagnosis and a GI specialist are key.

📄 Patient Resource:
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – Living with IBD
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

Common symptoms: diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss.isease

Southwest Gastroenterology & Southwest Endoscopy will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day...
08/29/2025

Southwest Gastroenterology & Southwest Endoscopy will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
We will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Wishing you and your families a safe and restful holiday!

08/28/2025
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)🌀 Bloating, cramps, and unpredictable bathroom habits? You’re not alone—IBS affects millio...
08/26/2025

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
🌀 Bloating, cramps, and unpredictable bathroom habits? You’re not alone—IBS affects millions.

What you should know:
It’s a functional GI disorder—not dangerous, but very frustrating.

Common types: IBS-C (constipation), IBS-D (diarrhea), or mixed.

Stress, diet, and hormones can be big triggers.

The low-FODMAP diet and gut-brain therapies often help.

It’s not “all in your head”—it’s a real condition.

Good news: It’s manageable with the right support and tools.

📄 Patient Resource:
IBS – International Foundation for GI Disorders
https://aboutibs.org

🔥 Ever feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating? You might be dealing with GERD, aka chronic acid reflux.What...
08/19/2025

🔥 Ever feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating? You might be dealing with GERD, aka chronic acid reflux.

What you should know:

It’s more than heartburn; it can damage your esophagus over time.

Trigger foods: spicy meals, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol.

Lifestyle changes like weight loss, smaller meals, and avoiding food before bed can help.

Long-term meds (like PPIs) may be prescribed—but talk to your provider about risks and alternatives.

When to see a doctor:
If symptoms happen more than 2x/week or disrupt sleep.

📄 Patient Resource:
GERD – Mayo Clinic Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

Address

7788 Jefferson Street NE
Albuquerque, NM
87109

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 12pm

Telephone

+15059991600

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