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]
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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]
Is it IBS or appendicitis?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and appendicitis both share similar symptoms, which can often confuse people. However, it’s important that you know how to identify symptoms of each condition, especially because appendicitis is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. IBS Symptoms Approximately 15 percent of adults in the United States have IBS. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea. It is a gastrointestinal disease that researchers ... [Read More]
How to Relieve Constipation
If you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, and find it difficult or painful to pass one, you may be suffering from constipation. This is a common problem, as about 16% of all adults and 33% of adults over the age of 60 in the United States report having this issue, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Constipation can be caused by a number of factors, and treatments can vary depending on the frequency, cause, and severity of the condition. If you regularly suffer ... [Read More]
Treatments for Crohn’s Disease
Sometimes, certain foods can irritate the stomach, making you feel abdominal pain and diarrhea. In some cases, these symptoms can be severe and chronic, pointing to a condition like Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a life-long inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive tract. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but an abnormal immune response plays a role in its development. This condition is incurable but manageable. Let’s take a look at the different treatments ... [Read More]
When Should I See a GI Doctor?
When people have abdominal pain or digestive problems, they are likely to think something is wrong with the stomach. However, the underlying issue could be a variety of things affecting any of the organs in the gastrointestinal system. GI doctors are experts of the gastrointestinal system and can diagnose and treat a plethora of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines (large and small), pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, colon, and rectum. An issue with any of these could ... [Read More]
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