If you’ve felt a painful and burning sensation from your upper abdomen to your chest or throat, that’s acid reflux. Acid reflux usually occurs after meals, at nighttime, or when you are lying down – especially after having a big or greasy dinner. Acid reflux is a common digestive problem, and its most common symptom is heartburn, accompanied by a bitter or sour taste in your mouth. If left untreated, the condition can become chronic and develop into GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ... [Read More]
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What Is My Doctor Looking for During an Endoscopy?
If you’ve been feeling unwell but have no apparent symptoms, or your symptoms point to several conditions, your doctor may request special diagnostic tests. One example of a diagnostic test is an endoscopy, which allows your doctor to look into your inner tissues and organs. In particular, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy lets your doctor examine your gastrointestinal tract. Let’s talk about the procedure and what your doctor can see during an endoscopy. An Overview of ... [Read More]
Conquering Constipation: Tips From Your Gastroenterologist
Constipation is a complicated and awkward topic for some. However, you have nothing to be ashamed of, because it is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. In fact, according to research, 2.5 million Americans consult their doctors about being constipated every year. If you need help conquering constipation, here are some tips from gut experts. What Causes Constipation? Medications, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common ... [Read More]
What is H. Pylori?
H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can live in the stomach because it is highly compatible with its acidic environment. The ability of H. pylori bacteria to penetrate your stomach lining makes it difficult for the body’s immune cells to reach them. H. pylori can live protected in the stomach for years with the person infected unaware that they have it. A reason why most people who have it are unaware of is that it is possible to not get sick from it. H. ... [Read More]
The Reasons Behind Hepatitis C Screening
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It’s a silent disease that initially has little to no symptoms. Years may pass before symptoms appear, and by that point, the damage to your liver may already be irreversible. HCV is transmitted through contaminated blood. About half of people with hepatitis C don’t know they’re infected. Although it might begin as a mild infection, hepatitis C can progressively develop into a chronic disease that leads to ... [Read More]
Prognosis of Colon Cancer
By far, the most important issue when it comes to colon cancer is early detection. While some people experience rectal bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea with colon cancer, it may cause few, if any, symptoms in other people, especially in early stages. That's why gastroenterologists recommend getting stool samples checked and colonoscopies routinely for early detection. The prognosis of colon cancer varies from case to case. The stage of your cancer plays a major role here. Cancer, when ... [Read More]
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
When you hear about gastrointestinal conditions, your first thought is likely about the common bowel movement disorder or Crohn’s disease. However, it’s just as useful to learn the lesser-known disorders affecting the digestive system like diverticulitis, which affects about half of adults aged 60 and above. What Is Diverticulitis? When there is heightened pressure inside your colon, small pouches (diverticula) can grow in the lining of your digestive system. The presence of diverticula is a ... [Read More]
Benefits Of A Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the colon) is the third most common cancer in the United States for both men and women. It often presents no symptoms until the disease progresses, but is highly treatable in its early stages. Regular screenings can identify any abnormalities early on and help to prevent them from turning into cancer. The exact cause of colon cancer is not fully known, but it occurs when cells in the interior lining of the colon or large intestine grow abnormally and ... [Read More]
Fun Facts About Your Digestive System
Most people have a rough understanding of how digestion works thanks to biology class back in school. We know the essential parts of the digestive system, such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Get ready to smile. Here are some fun tidbits about our digestive system: Digestion Starts in Your Mouth When people think about digestion, many tend to visualize food breaking down in the stomach. However, it starts in the mouth. Although the teeth are part of the skeletal system, they ... [Read More]
Is It Possible to Live Without Parts of the Digestive System?
Yes! The digestive system breaks down and digests the food and drink you consume in order to extract nutrients and energy for your body. It consists of the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive organs, all the way from the mouth to the anus. A human cannot survive without certain parts of the digestive system. However, humans can now continue to live without a natural stomach or large intestine or other organs, thanks to advances in medicine and technology – such as the colostomy and ... [Read More]
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