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Dr. Shivantha Amarnath, MD is a gastroenterologist in Pittsfield, MA specializing in gastroenterology (digestive system). Dr. Shivantha Amarnath, MD is affiliated with Berkshire Health Systems and BERKSHIRE FACULTY SERVICES INC.
Berkshire Health Systems
Autoimmune Diseases
An autoimmune disorder happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of its own body, causing symptoms of illness. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. While some are very rare, others are fairly common. Combined, autoimmune disorders are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, affecting approximately 24 million people.
A properly working immune system identifies foreign substances in the body that might cause illness, such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system then creates antibodies which attack the foreign substances, neutralizing them and keeping the body safe. In people with autoimmune disorders, something goes wrong with this process. For reasons that are not fully understand, the immune system creates antibodies to attack the patient's own tissues.
Symptoms of an autoimmune disorder depend on which tissue is being attacked by the immune system, but common symptoms of autoimmune disease include fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of just not being well. Autoimmune disorders are more common in women than in men, and they may run in families. Autoimmune disorders can affect various parts of the body such as blood vessels, connective tissue, endocrine glands, joints, muscles, red blood cells, skin, and many others.
It is common to have more than one autoimmune disorder at a time. Most are chronic, or life-long illnesses, although they may come and go in flares. Treatment for autoimmune disorders depends on which part of the body is being attacked. For example:
Many autoimmune disorders of all kinds are treated with immune-suppressing medications, such as corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) to reduce the effect of the immune system.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the use of a special tool called a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. The tube is typically inserted anally, and it allows the physician to examine the large intestine from the inside. It may be done at any time to diagnose bowel problems, but routine colonoscopies are advised after the age of 50 to screen for colon cancer.
A colonoscopy may be performed to diagnose:
Patients may be asked to drink only liquids in the days before a colonoscopy, or they may be given an enema to remove residual fecal matter. Before the exam, patients are given medication to help them relax, and then lay on their side on a table. The scope is inserted into the anus and gently moved all the way through the large intestine. Air may be pumped into the intestine to improve the view for the physician. Any polyps that are found will be removed. Then the colonoscope will be withdrawn. A colonoscopy is not usually painful, but patients may feel some bloating or have some cramps right afterward. If patients have polyps removed, they might experience a small amount of bleeding. Any side effects should go away within a few hours.
He completed residency at Staten Island University Hospital. He is certified by the Board Certified in Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine).
Residency: Staten Island University Hospital (2021)
Board Certification: Board Certified in Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine)
Dr. Shivantha Amarnath, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Shivantha Amarnath's specialty is gastroenterology (digestive system). His areas of expertise consist of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), inflammatory bowel disease, and esophageal dilation. He is professionally affiliated with Berkshire Health Systems. Dr. Amarnath trained at Staten Island University Hospital for his residency. He has received professional recognition including the following: Honorary Inductee of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation s Gold Humanism Honor Society; Medical Student Educator of The Year - Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health; and Residency Teacher of the Year - Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health.
