Crohn’s Disease Fast Facts Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes abdominal pain. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (digestive, GI) tract. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Vomiting Fever Bloody diarrhea Anal fistulae Perirectal abscesses Weight loss The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Crohn’s...
What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver. "Hepatitis" is a general term that refers to any inflammation of the liver. Many illnesses and conditions that cause inflammation of the liver. In order to answer the question of whether or not hepatitis is contagious, these illnesses will be broken into...
What is colitis? Picture of the colon. Colitis means inflammation of the colon. The colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, constitutes the last part of the digestive tract. The colon is a long, muscular tube that receives digested food from the small intestine. The colon removes water from the undigested food...
Can diverticulitis go away on its own? Diverticulitis can go away, but it should be evaluated by your doctor. Yes, an attack of uncomplicated diverticulitis can go away on its own. However, you must visit your doctor for a thorough evaluation of the episode. Most attacks of uncomplicated diverticulitis are not life-threatening and usually resolve...
What is a Liver Biopsy? A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the liver to collect a tissue sample. This is performed as an office or outpatient procedure or during surgery. The tissue is then analyzed in a laboratory to help doctors diagnose a variety of disorders and...
Liver blood tests are some of the most commonly performed blood tests.Source: MedicineNet / iStock What are the basic functions of the liver? The liver is located in the right upper portion of the abdominal cavity just beneath the rib cage. The liver has many functions that are vital to life. Briefly, some of the...
What is a stomach ulcer? Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the stomach lining when acids from digested food damage the stomach wall. Foods, fruits, and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and flavonoids are the best foods to eat. Green tea and cranberry juice are also helpful. Stomach ulcers are open...
What is the gallbladder? Some gallstones may dissolve and go away with intervention while others need more extensive treatment. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located below the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile, a substance secreted by the liver that is required...
Upper GI series facts An upper gastrointestinal series involves filling the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines with a white liquid material (barium). An upper gastrointestinal series is an x-ray test used to define the anatomy of the upper digestive tract. Women who are or may be pregnant should notify the doctor requesting the procedure and...
What Is a Continent Ileostomy? The continent ileostomy, or K-pouch, is a connection of the end of the small intestine, called the ileum, to the skin of your abdomen. It allows waste to be drained. Unlike other ileostomies, the K-pouch or Kock ileostomy, has a valve made by sewing the intestine in a special way...