Gastrointestinal Conditions and Treatments
Conditions
Welcome to Gardenstategastro’s informational page on Gastrointestinal Conditions and Diseases that we treat. For additional information, click on one of the items in the list.
Celiac Disease
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine. When people with Celiac disease eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, the immune system reacts by damaging the small intestine. This damage prevents the small intestine from absorbing nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. Celiac disease is a condition that, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
For More Information Visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-203522
Cirrhosis
What is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a chronic disease that gradually destroys the liver. The liver is a vital organ that helps the body digest food, absorb nutrients, and remove toxins. Cirrhosis is a condition where healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. Scar tissue prevents the liver from working properly. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, which is fatal.
For More Information Visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
What is Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches form along the lining of the intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when small sacs or pouches form in the lining of the intestine and become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, cramping, and fever. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and rest. Surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine in some cases.
For More Information Visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/multimedia/diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis/img-20006098
GERD
What is GERD?
The condition known as GERD occurs when the stomach’s acidic contents back up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. GERD sometimes causes serious complications including inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), ulcers, bleeding, and even Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to cancer. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
For More Information Visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940#:~:text=Gastroesophageal%20reflux%20disease%20(GERD)%20occurs,reflux%20from%20time%20to%20time.
H. Pylori
What is H. Pylori?
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that is known to cause stomach ulcers. This bacterium can be found in the stomach lining of infected individuals. H. pylori is acquired through contaminated food or water, and it is believed that this bacterium causes inflammation in the stomach, which can lead to ulcer formation. Treatment for H. pylori typically involves a combination of antibiotics and acid–reducing medications.
For More Information Visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/symptoms-causes/syc-20356171
Hepatitis B & C
What is Hepatitis B & C?
Hepatitis B and C are two viruses that cause inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, while Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood. Both viruses can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
For More Information Visit: https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hepatitis-b-and-c
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
The large intestine is affected in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can result in symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. IBS can be painful and disruptive, but it does not permanently damage the intestine or other parts of the digestive system. Some people with IBS may have periods of time when their symptoms are worse, and periods of time when they are better.
For More Information Visit: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome#:~:text=Irritable%20bowel%20syndrome%20(IBS)%20is,disease%20in%20your%20digestive%20tract.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and sores, or ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is similar to another IBD called Crohn‘s disease. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only the colon. Crohn‘s disease is a condition that can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong disease that currently has no known cure.
For More Information Visit: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis#:~:text=Ulcerative%20colitis%20is%20a%20chronic,ages%20of%2015%20and%2030.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
In (NAFLD) Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, fat builds up in the liver instead of being removed. It is the most common form of liver disease in the United States, affecting up to one-third of adults. NAFLD can lead to a more serious condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can cause liver damage and lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. Although there is no specific treatment for NAFLD, weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise may help.
For More Information Visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
Anemia
What is Anemia?
Anemia affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. When there are not enough red blood cells, or they are not functioning properly, it results in an insufficient amount of oxygen being transported to the body tissues. The body can function less efficiently when this occurs.
For More Information Visit: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia#:~:text=Anemia%20is%20a%20condition%20that,you%20feel%20tired%20or%20weak.
Hemorrhoids
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum or anus and can be quite painful. Hemorrhoids may cause bleeding when having a bowel movement. They can be Internal, which means they are located inside the rectum or they can be External, which means they are outside the anus.
For More Information Visit: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hemorrhoids