What Is bloating? Bloating is an uncomfortable belly feeling of being too full from food or air. Bloating usually resolves on its own after digestion and any gas that has passed. However, there are some medications and over-the counter food additives that can relieve symptoms faster than your body's normal processes. Bloating is that uncomfortable...
While Crohn’s disease and IBS both share similar symptoms, the two conditions are distinct with different causes, diagnostic criteria and treatments. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect different parts of the digestive tract and is often confused with the noninflammatory condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although the two disorders...
Zenker's diverticulum is usually only treated if it causes significant symptoms, and surgery is the primary mode of treatment Zenker's diverticulum is usually only treated if it causes significant symptoms, and surgery is the primary mode of treatment. If there are no symptoms, your doctor may recommend waiting until symptoms appear. The goal of the...
What is a choledochal cyst? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Picture of the liver, gallbladder, and stomach Bile that is produced in the liver flows through increasingly larger channels (ducts) within the liver and finally into even larger ducts that leave the liver, pass through the substance of the pancreas, and then empty into...
What is stomach pain? Stomach pain is pain in the abdomen and it's one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor's office. Upper stomach pain may be caused by GERD, heartburn, gastritis, pancreatitis and ulcers. Stomach pain is a common reason many people visit the doctor's office. If you are experiencing any of...
What is diarrhea vs. dysentery? Diarrhea may be caused by viruses or parasites whereas dysentery is a bacterial infection. Diarrhea and dysentery are conditions that affect your internal digestive and waste disposal system. Diarrhea is a loose, liquid stool discharged from your rectum when you go to the bathroom. It is a very common condition...
Pinworms are visible. They range in size from 2-13 mm, are white, and resemble a worm but the pinworm eggs are small, transparent, and can be seen only with a microscope.Source: iStock Pinworm definition and facts Pinworm infections are caused by worm-like parasites (Enterobius vermicularis) that infect humans' intestines and rectal/anal areas. Young children, school-aged...
What is the function of bile? Bile is digestive fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It aids in digestion, absorption, excretion, hormone metabolism and other functions. Bile juice is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. It is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. Its main function is to convert fats...
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the esophagus. The major symptom in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis is dysphagia (problems swallowing) for solid food. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. The condition affects both children...
What is gastritis? When you have gastritis, focus on a diet rich in high-fiber, low-acid foods. Your stomach is a powerful part of your digestive system. This organ contains a lining or inner layer that produces stomach acid and stomach enzymes. Your stomach uses these secretions along with strong stomach muscles to churn food and...