Digestive Disorders Medical Reference
- H. pylori Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Most people harbor H. pylori and never get sick. Others will have painful ulcers and a higher risk of cancer from infection with the bacteria. WebMD tells you the causes, symptoms, and treatments for H. pylori.
- Ruptured Spleen
WebMD looks at why a spleen might rupture, the symptoms of a ruptured spleen, and surgery to repair or remove this organ, which helps the body fight foreign bacteria.
- Enlarged Spleen: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Enlarged spleen: Learn the possible causes of an enlarged spleen, symptoms to be aware of, and treatments that can help.
- Enlarged Pancreas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
WebMD looks at possible causes of an enlarged pancreas, including symptoms and treatments.
- What Can I Eat if I Have Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis Diet - Get insights into what a diverticulitis diet is, what foods you should eat & avoid when you have this condition
- Milk Thistle: Benefits and Side Effects
WebMD explains the uses and benefits of milk thistle.
- Diarrhea: When Dairy Is the Problem
Are your stomach cramps and diarrhea caused by lactose intolerance? WebMD explains how to control symptoms --and which nondairy foods will give you the calcium and vitamin D your body needs.
- Medicines to Treat Constipation
Find out what kind of prescription and over-the-counter medicine can help treat chronic constipation.
- Safely Using Laxatives for Constipation
Laxatives are typically prescribed for constipation. WebMD explains their different types and how to use them safely.
- Dietary Fiber for Constipation
For safe and effective relief from chronic constipation, look for fiber on your grocer's shelves. Find out more.
- Exercise to Ease Constipation
Straining on the toilet? Move more. Learn why exercise is a natural remedy for chronic constipation.
- How Drinking Fluids Can Help You Manage Constipation
Always constipated? Drinking plenty of water and other natural fluids can help. WebMD explains the connection between hydration and constipation.
- 10 Questions for Doctor About Chronic Constipation
What's causing your chronic constipation? What can you do about it? Print this list of 10 questions for your doctor.
- The Digestive System: How It Works
WebMD explains how your digestive system works.
- Understanding Hernia -- Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn how a hernia is diagnosed and treated from experts at WebMD.
- Encopresis
Read about encopresis, which is linked to constipation in children.
- Cirrhosis of the Liver: Symptoms, Stages & Treatment
Learn why your liver can get scar tissue that affects how well the organ works, and find out how you can get it treated.
- Tests Used to Diagnose Gallbladder Problems
Learn about tests used to help diagnose gallbladder problems.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
WebMD explains when an endoscopic ultrasound should be used to help diagnose problems with the digestive system.
- Pancreatitis
Learn more from WebMD about pancreatitis, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- Types of Surgeries to Treat Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid surgery is safe and effective most of the time. Learn about the most common procedures and what you can expect afterward.
- Healthy Eating When You Have Digestive Problems
Many digestive problems can be prevented by eating healthfully. WebMD tells you how.
- Digestive Diseases Glossary of Terms
WebMD provides a glossary of terms and definitions related to the gastrointestinal system and digestive diseases.
- What Is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome?
WebMD looks at the symptoms and treatment of the digestive disease called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or ZES.
- Gastroparesis
Are you having symptoms of gastroparesis? Learn about the causes and treatment options for this condition in our informative guide.
- Diverticular Disease
Read about the three types of diverticular disease, including diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and diverticular bleeding.
- Laparoscopic Surgery for Digestive Problems
WebMD explains when and how laparoscopic surgery is performed for digestive disorders, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): What Are They?
WebMD looks at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for gallstones.
- Nausea: Causes and Treatments
WebMD explains the causes of nausea and vomiting – and when to call the doctor.
- Esophagitis: Management and Treatment
WebMD looks at the causes and treatments of esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus.
- What Is Constipation?
Constipation: Learn about the major causes of constipation, effective treatment methods and risk factors involved.
- What Is Liver Failure?
Liver failure can occur gradually or suddenly. Learn more about the causes of liver failure from the experts at WebMD.
- Swallowing Problems
WebMD explains the potential causes, diagnosis, and treatment of swallowing problems.
- Traveler's Diarrhea: Quick Remedies
Traveler's diarrhea or Montezuma's revenge can wreak havoc on tourists & travelers. Understand the symptoms, treatment methods & preventive measures.
- Diarrhea
Learn more from WebMD about the causes, complications, and treatment of diarrhea.
- Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool for digestive diseases -- and in some cases, it can be used to treat certain conditions. WebMD tells you more.
- Hydrogen Breath Test and Lactose Intolerance
WebMD explains how lactose intolerance can be detected through a hydrogen breath test.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Bleeding in the Digestive Tract)
Bloody stools can be caused by anything from an ulcer to inflammation of the colon to hemorrhoids. Learn more from WebMD about the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Imaging Tests for Digestive Diseases
WebMD explains some of the imaging tests used to diagnose digestive problems.
- Inherited Liver Diseases
WebMD explains the symptoms and treatment of hemochromatosis and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, both inherited conditions.
- Liver Biopsy
WebMD explains why and how a liver biopsy is performed.
- What Is Portal Hypertension?
WebMD explains portal hypertension, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- EGD (Upper Endoscopy)
An upper endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin scope with a light and camera at its tip is used to examine the inside of the upper digestive tract. Learn why this procedure is used and how to prepare for it.
- The Urea Breath Test and H. Pylori
WebMD looks at the urea breath test, which is used to detect the H. pylori bacteria that causes ulcers.
- Digestive Problems and Bleeding Varices
WebMD explains bleeding varices, a potentially fatal complication of liver damage and portal hypertension.
- Digestive Diseases and ERCP Testing
WebMD looks at how ERCP (endoscopic retrograde of cholangiopancreatography) can be used to diagnose and treat problems of the digestive system.
- What Is Gastritis?
WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of gastritis, a common condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed and irritated.
- Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed, swollen, or infected, causing pain in the lower right side of your torso. People with appendicitis will need surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test: Everything You Should Know
Learn more from WebMD about the fecal occult blood test -- and others -- which is used to detect blood in the stool.
- The Basics of Colonoscopy
WebMD explains colonoscopy, a procedure used to screen for colon cancer and in some cases, to treat other intestinal conditions.