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Dr. Sharon Wolfson, MD is a gastroenterologist in Philadelphia, PA specializing in gastroenterology (digestive system). She graduated from University of Miami in 2016 and has 9 years of experience. Dr. Sharon Wolfson, MD is affiliated with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
3400 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Gastrointestinal Problems (Digestive Disorders)
The gastrointestinal system, or GI tract, is the name given to a collection of organs that work together to digest food. These organs fit together in a long tube, running from the mouth to the anus, and include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, among others. With so many parts working together, complicated by today's busy lifestyles and diets, digestive problems are common. As many as 1 in 3 Americans have a digestive or GI disorder. There are a huge variety of digestive problems, but the most common are IBS, constipation, GERD, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.
Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.
Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.
Dr. Sharon Wolfson, MD graduated from University of Miami in 2016. She completed residency at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital. She is certified by the Internal Medicine - American Board of Internal Medicine Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Pediatrics - American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Medical School: University of Miami (2016)
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital (2020)
Board Certification: Internal Medicine - American Board of Internal Medicine Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Pediatrics - American Board of Pediatrics
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
Dr. Sharon Wolfson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Sharon Wolfson, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Cigna HealthSpring, Amerihealth Caritas, HealthSmart, Devon Health Services (Americare), Highmark Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Tricare, Oxford Health Plan, PA Medicare, NJ Medicaid, Humana / Medicare, HealthAmerica / HealthAssurance, a Coventry Plan, Cigna, PA Health and Wellness (Centene) Medicare, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, HealthPartners, Independence Blue Cross (Keystone East), Gateway Health Plan, Keystone First, UPMC Health Plan, NJ Qualcare, Imagine Health 360, HealthPartners Medicare, Clover Health Plan, Keystone First Medicare, Centivo Health Plan, Provider Partners Health Plan, Oscar Health Plan of PA, Global Medical Management, Veterans Choice Program, Homestead Smart Health Plans/Claim Watcher and Rail Road Medicare / Palmetto GBA.
According to our sources, Dr. Sharon Wolfson, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Sharon Wolfson practices gastroenterology (digestive system) in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Wolfson's clinical interests encompass gastrointestinal motility disorders. She seems to honor Blue California, Coventry, HealthSmart, and more. She studied medicine at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. For her professional training, Dr. Wolfson completed a residency program at Texas Children's Hospital. She has received distinctions including Nomination for the AAMC Orr Community Service Recognition Award; 2nd Place in the ESRF Clinical Science Poster Presentation; and NASPGHAN Foundation Mentored Summer Student Research Program Funding Recipient. She is professionally affiliated with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Her practice in Philadelphia, PA is open to new patients as reported by Yext.
