Clostridium difficile infection, also known as C. diff, is a gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that forms spores enabling pathogens to survive in unfavorable conditions and enable human-to-human transmission. C. diff infection causes colitis and diarrhea. Some people who have C. diff bacteria but do not have symptoms are referred to as carriers who can spread the … Read more
Abdominal pain is discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. Abdominal pain may be acute or chronic pain with varying degrees of severity and characteristics. Cramp-like pain. This type of abdominal pain is often accompanied by gas and bloating followed by the onset of diarrhea. Colicky Pain. This type of abdominal pain is described … Read more
Diverticular disease (diverticulosis and diverticulitis) is a group of conditions associated with the presence of diverticula (bulging pouches) in the colon. Diverticulosis is the presence of multiple pouches in the colon and is often asymptomatic. Diverticulitis is when these diverticula become inflamed or infected, causing symptoms. While diverticula may occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, … Read more
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation in the throat, epigastric area, or abdomen that may cause a conscious desire to vomit but doesn’t always lead to vomiting. Nausea may occur in relation to gastrointestinal problems like infection, overeating, acid reflux, obstruction, and more. Nausea may also be related to anxiety disorders, as a side effect of … Read more
Any bleeding that takes place in the gastrointestinal tract is referred to as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus are all parts of the GI tract. GI bleeding is not an illness in and of itself, but rather a sign of an underlying condition. Upper and lower … Read more
Colostomy and ileostomy are surgical procedures that create an opening from the intestines through the abdominal wall, known as a stoma. One difference is the part of the bowel that is used. A colostomy uses part of the colon while an ileostomy uses part of the ileum. Both procedures can be temporary or permanent depending … Read more
Small bowel obstruction (SBO) refers to a complete or partial blockage in the small intestine. It can be caused by scar tissue from a previous surgery, hernias, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disorders. An SBO prevents contents from passing through into the large intestine. This causes waste products to build up above the portion of the … Read more
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when enzymes in the pancreas start digesting their own tissue, known as autodigestion. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with pancreatitis being acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis will cause severe abdominal pain and tenderness often radiating to the back along with abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, and … Read more
Liver cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver from liver diseases. The advancement of liver disease to cirrhosis is irreversible. The most common causes include: Alcoholic liver disease. Years of alcohol abuse damage the liver over time. Fatty liver disease. A buildup of fat in the liver caused by obesity and diabetes. Excessive alcohol intake … Read more
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix has shown to have benefits in infants but the function in adults is largely unknown. Research suggests the appendix may help regulate intestinal bacteria. If the appendix becomes blocked it … Read more