Articles

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen involved in digestion. Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The most common causes are alcohol consumption and gallstones. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment,

This test is used to measure how often and for how long acid enters the esophagus from the stomach. It is done to evaluate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as measure how effective GERD is being treated by medication. It is performed by placing a very thin tube through

Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal. Common symptoms include anal pain, especially with bowel movements, and bleeding. Treatment can include stool softeners, Sitz baths, topical medications, or minor surgery.

This test measures the muscle function of the rectum and anus. It is commonly performed in patients who have constipation, difficulty passing stool, or leakage of stool (incontinence). A very thin tube is inserted into the rectum. It is attached to a machine that records data on the muscle contractions

Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus is damaged by chronic acid reflux (GERD). It does not cause any symptoms and can be diagnosed by a physician performing an upper endoscopy (EGD). There is a small increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. It is therefore managed

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows for video images to be taken off the digestive tract. The patient swallows a capsule that contains cameras, a light, a battery, and a transmitter. Images are sent to a recorder that the patient wears during the day while the capsule passes through the digestive

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, interfering with digestion. It is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. It can cause a variety of symptoms, although some patients are asymptomatic. Treatment

Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with hepatitis B, a virus. People become infected with hepatitis B from exposure to blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid from an infected person. Patients can have no symptoms or become mildly or severely ill over a period of weeks to months.