Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is estimated to affect about 1 to 2 million Americans. It not only affects a person’s quality of life but one type of IBD is also be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Despite its name, inflammatory bowel disease may not only affect the bowels (small or large >> Read More ...
Diarrhea is one the most common acute problems that every person experiences now and then. It is difficult to avoid diarrhea entirely because it can be due to a variety of causes. However, several simple dietary and lifestyle changes can ensure that complications of diarrhea are minimized. It also ensures that the diarrhea >> Read More ...
There are many different types of stomach conditions. From acid irritation to ulcers and even cancer, these stomach problems involve some type of disturbance or disorder of the stomach wall. A lesser known condition is a hiatal hernia. It can affect even a healthy stomach. The problem in a hiatal hernia is that a portion >> Read More ...
Non-stop diarrhea may be a cause for concern but most of the time it is short-lived and does not lead to any serious problems if properly managed. The main danger with diarrhea is dehydration. However, dehydration can be prevented. Even when it does arise, dehydration can be effectively treated if attended to early. >> Read More ...
Constipation may be a problem most of the time for some people (chronic), while others only experience it every now and then (acute). Foods, beverages, diseases, inactivity and even change of environment or stress can contribute to acute constipation. It may last only for a week or two and then ease on its own. However, >> Read More ...
Diverticulitis is a condition of the bowels (intestines). It mainly affects the large intestine (cecum and colon) but may also involve the small intestine or other parts of the gut. Diverticula are abnormal pouches that form in the bowels, especially in the large intestine. When these pouches become inflamed then it is >> Read More ...
Most of us do not associate diarrhea with any serious consequences. We often experience diarrhea that may last for a few days and resolves a short while thereafter. Apart from the frequent trips to the toilet and other symptoms of diarrheal illnesses like abdominal cramps, diarrhea is often thought of as a minor ailment. >> Read More ...
Constipation is a common bowel symptom and affects both males and females of all age groups. It is estimated that chronic constipation affects about 15% of Americans. However, it may be far more prevalent as many people do not seek medical attention for constipation and attempt to treat it on their own. Furthermore >> Read More ...
Burping (belching) is a normal and common phenomenon that we all experience on a daily basis. Passing gas from any orifice is part of the digestive process and we often do not think about, unless it is loud, smelly and done in a public space. In fact, we may burp as many as 20 times in a day, sometimes more and sometimes >> Read More ...
Ulcers are open sores that can form on the surface of the body as well as internally. One of the common sites of ulcers within the body is the digestive tract. Although these ulcers can form anywhere along the digestive tract, it is more likely to occur in the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine >> Read More ...
