Gastroenterology Conditions

PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE (PUD)

Peptic ulcer disease is often known as a stomach ulcer. PUD consists of painful sores in the lining of the stomach causing burning pain heartburn, bloating, nausea and/or vomiting.

ESOPHAGITIS

Esophagitis is inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. It typically is caused by GERD and is accompanied by abdominal pain.

GASTRITIS

Patients suffering from gastritis have an irritation, inflammation or even erosion of the stomach lining. Causes are numerous including chronic vomiting, alcohol use, some medications, stress, bile reflux, Helicobacter pylori, or infection.

PANCREATITIS

Patients suffering from Pancreatitis often experience severe abdominal pain that radiates into the back. The pain is due to inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach.

CHOLECYSTITIS

The gallbladder is a small organ near the liver. If the flow of bile that passes out of the gallbladder and into the small intestine becomes blocked, this build up inside the gallbladder leads to pain, swelling, and infection known as cholecystitis.

H PYLORI

H pylori is a bacteria that grows in the digestive tract. It can attack the stomach lining. H pylori often causes no symptoms for patients. For those prone to ulcers, however, they may develop as a result of H pylori.

CELIAC DISEASE

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. It causes the immune system to disrupt the proper function of the small intestine. Celiac patients cannot tolerate the ingestion of the protein gluten in the digestive system. Gluten is mainly found in foods containing barley, rye or wheat.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer occurs in the large intestine and/or rectum. There is not a single cause of colorectal cancer. It usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp that then develops into cancer. Typical symptoms include changes in stool consistency, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and blood in the stool.

CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammatory of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This disease causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue and anemia. Any area of the GI tract may be affected although it often affects the lower part of the small intestine (the ileum).

GERD

GERD irritates the esophagus causing acid reflux or heartburn. It stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Suffers have stomach acid which leaks backwards (refluxes) into the esophagus.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease caused by an autoimmune problem. It affects the colon and the rectum. The inflammation causes swelling and ulcers.