Who She Treats
- adult patients aged 18 and over
- patients with chronic digestive complaints that have remained undiagnosed
- patients with functional disorders (IBS, functional dyspepsia)
- patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease
- patients with eosinophilic esophagitis and other swallowing disorders
- patients before and after endoscopic procedures
Common Reasons for Visit
- heartburn, acid reflux, burping, chest burning sensations
- abdominal pain of various locations, cramping
- bloating, gas, sensation of fullness
- chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation
- alternating diarrhea and constipation
- nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort after meals
- difficulty swallowing, sensation of food getting stuck
- unexplained weight loss
- visible or hidden blood in stool
- unusual abdominal distension, changes in bowel habits
- positive fecal occult blood test
- abnormal blood test results (liver enzymes, ferritin, hemoglobin)
- food intolerances, allergies, reactions to specific foods
- preventive screening with a family history of GI cancer
Conditions She Manages
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- functional dyspepsia
- diverticular disease and its complications
- inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) — diagnosis and management
- celiac disease and gluten intolerance
- lactose and fructose intolerance
- eosinophilic esophagitis
- esophageal and gastric motility disorders (achalasia, gastroparesis)
- chronic constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction
- liver conditions (fatty liver disease, elevated liver enzymes)
- pancreatic conditions
- gallbladder and biliary tract disease
Special Focus — Neurogastroenterology and Motility
This is Dr. Ritieni's core area of expertise — and a rare specialization within Portugal. Neurogastroenterology studies the interaction between the nervous system and the digestive tract — the "gut-brain axis" that has become increasingly central to modern medicine. Many patients with chronic abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia undergo years of investigations without receiving a clear diagnosis. The modern approach recognizes that many symptoms result from disturbances in motility and regulation rather than from visible organ damage. This requires specialized diagnostics (including high-resolution esophageal manometry, a particular focus of Dr. Ritieni's training) and individualized treatment plans.
Six months at Vall d'Hebron — one of Europe's reference centers for neurogastroenterology — gave Dr. Ritieni a depth of training that is rare in Portugal in this field. Vall d'Hebron is among Europe's largest and most cited research centers on gastrointestinal motility.
Endoscopy and Diagnostic Procedures
Dr. Ritieni has formal training in gastrointestinal endoscopy (a fellowship at Hospital San Camillo Forlanini and the SIGE Advanced Endoscopy program). During consultation she'll determine whether endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy) is indicated, and if so, explain the preparation, the procedure itself and the follow-up. At UMC we coordinate endoscopic procedures with trusted partners and support patients through every step.
Languages
Italian (native), Spanish, English and Portuguese.
Appointment Formats
- in-clinic appointments at UMC Lisbon
- online consultations
- with or without insurance
- with or without a referral
Book an Appointment
Same-day appointments available subject to availability. Book online through the website, by phone or via WhatsApp. We'll find a convenient time and the right format — in clinic or online.
