A woman with constipation pain.Source: iStock What is constipation? What causes it? Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story Constipation is a feeling of being unable to empty your bowels completely or regularly. A person is generally considered to have constipation if bowel movements are fewer than three times per week. Constipation is a common problem,...
Celiac disease definition and facts Celiac disease is a digestive intolerance to gluten, which is a common protein found in bread and other wheat products. The symptoms usually involve the digestive system. In people with celiac disease, inflammation occurs in the small intestinal mucosa when it is exposed to gluten in the diet. Celiac disease...
What is cholelithiasis vs cholecystitis? Cholelithiasis occurs when gallstones develop. If these gallstones block the bile duct, bile can build up in the gallbladder causing inflammation called cholecystitis. Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis both affect your gallbladder. Cholelithiasis occurs when gallstones develop. If these gallstones block the bile duct from the gallbladder to the small intestine, bile...
Facts you should know about a barium enema series A barium enema (lower GI series) is an X-ray procedure used to define the anatomy of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. A barium enema involves filling the colon and rectum with a white liquid material (barium) often followed by air (double-contrast barium enema). The...
Facts you should know about achalasia Achalasia is a rare disease of the muscle of the lower esophageal body and the lower esophageal sphincter that prevents relaxation of the sphincter and reduces contractions, or peristalsis, of the esophagus. The cause of achalasia is unknown; however, there is degeneration of the esophageal muscles and, more importantly,...
Low-fiber diet facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story A low-residue diet includes foods that are low in fiber. A low-residue diet is a low fiber diet with added restrictions that are designed to reduce the amount of stool in the large intestine. A low-residue diet is a temporary eating plan with the goal of "resting"...
What are gallstones? Gallstones are hard deposits that can form in your gallbladder which can potentially block the flow of bile and cause serious symptoms. High fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and consuming low-fat dairy may help resolve symptoms and reduce the risk of gallstones returning. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ beneath...
Facts you should know about a capsule endoscopy Modern endoscopic techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and the colon. The last remaining frontier has been the small intestine. The small intestine has been a difficult organ in which to make diagnoses and treat...
Can ulcerative colitis be cured with surgery? Surgery can cure ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon (the large bowel) characterized by frequent bloody diarrhea (10 to 30 episodes) throughout the day. Medicines can only reduce the intensity of its symptoms and surgery is the only option to cure it....
What is giardiasis? <a href="../giardia_lamblia/patient-comments-178.htm" title="Please describe your experience with Giardia lamblia.” onclick=”wmdTrack(‘pc-drv-rd’);” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow ugc”>Readers Comments 47 <a href="../script/main/submit-patient-comments.asp?questionid=178" title="Please describe your experience with Giardia lamblia.” onclick=”wmdTrack(‘pc-drv-share’);” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow ugc”>Share Your Story Giardiasis is a parasitic infection of the small intestine. Giardiasis (gee-ar-die-a-sis with a soft "G") is an infection of the small intestine...