Digestive Disorders Medical Reference
- What Is an Anal Fistula?
An untreated infection near the anus can cause big problems.
- Giardiasis
Giardiasis is one of the most common intestinal parasites. If it’s in the water you drink or a diaper you change, you’re more likely to have tummy trouble.
- What Is Low Gamma-GT Intrahepatic Cholestasis?
Find out the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment of low gamma-GT intrahepatic cholestasis, a liver disease that usually appears in children.
- What Is Aerophagia?
Find out why swallowing too much air can lead to aerophagia, with symptoms like upset stomach, frequent burping, and even pain.
- What Meds Cause Diarrhea?
Could your medication be the cause of your diarrhea? We've got the answer.
- What Is an Intraoperative Cholangiogram?
When you get your gallbladder removed, your doctor might use a type of imaging called an intraoperative cholangiogram. Find out how it can help, how it's done, and what the risks are.
- How Do You Treat a Twisted Bowel?
Twisted bowel is a serious condition that needs prompt care. Learn about surgical and nonsurgical options to treat it.
- Which Probiotic is Right for You?
Get tips on how to pick a probiotic that's safe and effective to help you boost health.
- Habits That Cause Constipation
Laxatives offer a quick fix for constipation, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to help stop the problem from coming back.
- Upper GI Series Test
An upper GI (UGI) series is like an X-ray movie of your digestive tract. But instead of eating popcorn, you drink a thick liquid called barium. Find out more about this test.
- Feeding Tubes: Types, Placement, What to Know
A feeding tube provides you with nutrition when you're unable to eat and drink normally. Learn about the different types and what it's like to live with one.
- Constipation After Surgery: Tips for Relief
Constipation is a common but uncomfortable side effect of surgery. Learn what causes postoperative constipation and how to treat it.
- What Not to Do When You’re Constipated
Having trouble pooping? Avoid these common mistakes when your digestive tract is out of whack.
- Why Am I Burping?
Burping is normal most of the time. But when might it be a problem?
- How Can I Prevent Belly Pain?
You can do some things to make stomach pain less likely to ruin your day.
- Lactose Intolerance vs. Dairy Allergy
Lactose intolerance and dairy allergy may seem the same, but there are important differences. Find out how they differ and what tests are used for diagnosis.
- What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products. Learn more about this common condition.
- What Causes Lactose Intolerance?
If you feel stomach pain, bloating, cramping, or have diarrhea after you eat or drink dairy products, you may be lactose intolerant. Learn about what causes the different types of lactose intolerance.
- What Are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
If you feel bloated and gassy after you drink milk or eat ice cream, you might be lactose intolerant. Learn what causes this common condition.
- Esophageal Spasm
Esophageal spasm is a rare cause of chest pain that can feel like a heart attack. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for esophagus spasms.
- What Is a Gallbladder (HIDA) Scan?
This test uses a radioactive compound to “trace” the path bile takes through your body. This article explains how and why it’s done.
- Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse is not a common ailment or life-threatening. But if you have this disorder, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
- What Are Intractable Hiccups?
Intractable hiccups are a very rare condition in which a person has hiccups lasting more than a month. This may indicate an underlying health problem.
- How Do I Treat Constipation?
Constipation is a common problem that can be treated at home with changes to your diet and exercise. Laxatives can also help with constipation, but should be used after speaking with your doctor.
- The Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff) Bacteria
If you’re taking antibiotics and develop a serious case of diarrhea, you could have a bacterial infection known as C. diff. Learn more from WebMD about the symptoms and what doctors can do to treat it.
- Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles. Learn causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
- What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Learn more about laparoscopic surgery, in which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera into your body and operates it without having to put in their hands.
- What Does It Mean to Have Mucus in Your Stool?
It is normal to have mucus in your poop. But sometimes, it could also indicate an underlying health condition and might need medical intervention.
- What Is a Lipase Test?
Lipase test: Lipase is a protein that helps your body absorb fats. Your doctor can order a lipase blood test to find out how your pancreas is doing.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test: What Does It Mean?
An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test can show whether you have a liver disease or injury. Learn how this test works and how it can help your doctor diagnose you.
- What Is an Alkaline Phosphatase Test?
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in your body. If you show signs of liver disease or a bone disorder, your doctor may want you to get an ALP test to diagnose the problem.
- What is Malabsorption Syndrome?
If your body is not taking in the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals you need, it could be because of malabsorption syndrome. Learn what causes it and what you can do about it.
- What Are the Tests for Cirrhosis?
The earlier your doctor finds cirrhosis, the better your chances of stopping liver damage. Learn about the tests used in making a diagnosis.
- Treatment Options for Chronic Constipation
Looking for constipation treatment options? Learn more about laxatives, fiber supplements, stool softeners, and more.
- How Chronic Constipation Affects Your Body
What effects does chronic constipation have on your body? Learn about anal fissures, fecal impaction, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, and more.
- What is Functional Constipation?
Functional constipation isn’t caused by medicine or a medical problem. Learn why this problem happens and how doctors diagnose it.
- Medical Causes of Chronic Constipation
Medications and medical conditions are common causes of constipation. Here’s a look at what could be backing things up.
- Chronic Constipation: Your Doctor’s Visit
Dealing with chronic constipation? Here’s what to expect at your doctor’s visit.
- Risks and Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are "good" bacteria found in some foods and supplements. They keep your gut healthy and have other benefits for your body, but may have some risks, too.
- What Does My Stool Color Mean?
What does it mean if your poop is green? What about red, yellow, white, or black? Find out possible causes and when to call a doctor.
- When Can Probiotics Help?
A look at how probiotics may help with diarrhea, pouchitis, irritible bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis.
- What Are Probiotics?
Everything you need to know about probiotics from why you'd take them to the differences between the different types, and then some.
- Best Types of Probiotics
How to get the most from probiotics for digestive health, including whether to use supplements, foods, or yogurt depending on your condition.
- Ascites: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Ascites is a condition, usually caused by cirrhosis, where excess fluid builds up in your abdomen. Learn the symptoms of ascites and how it’s treated.
- Bowel Obstruction
If a section of your bowel becomes blocked, you'll need to be hospitalized to get better. Learn what causes a bowel obstruction, what the symptoms are, and how it's treated.
- Fecal Impaction: What Is It and How Is It Treated?
When you haven’t had a bowel movement in so long that a hard mass of stool gets stuck in your colon or rectum, it’s known as a fecal impaction. Find out the causes and treatments for this dangerous problem.
- Tips for a Quiet Tummy, Restful Sleep
There are some simple steps you can take to help ease the symptoms of indigestion and set yourself up for a restful night's sleep.
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Treatment and Complications
There's no cure for primary biliary cholangitis, but you can ease symptoms and stop the disease from getting worse. Here's a look at some treatments for the condition.
- How Is PBC Diagnosed?
Primary biliary cholangitis often doesn't have symptoms early on. Your doctor will use blood tests and imaging tests to help diagnose the disease.
- What Is Primary Biliary Cholangitis?
Primary biliary cholangitis, also known as primary biliary cholangitis, is a chronic liver disease. Learn about its causes, symptoms, treatment and more.