The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen involved in digestion. Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The most common causes are alcohol consumption and gallstones. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment,

This test is used to measure how often and for how long acid enters the esophagus from the stomach. It is done to evaluate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as measure how effective GERD is being treated by medication. It is performed by placing a very thin tube through

Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal. Common symptoms include anal pain, especially with bowel movements, and bleeding. Treatment can include stool softeners, Sitz baths, topical medications, or minor surgery.

This test measures the muscle function of the rectum and anus. It is commonly performed in patients who have constipation, difficulty passing stool, or leakage of stool (incontinence). A very thin tube is inserted into the rectum. It is attached to a machine that records data on the muscle contractions

Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus is damaged by chronic acid reflux (GERD). It does not cause any symptoms and can be diagnosed by a physician performing an upper endoscopy (EGD). There is a small increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. It is therefore managed

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows for video images to be taken off the digestive tract. The patient swallows a capsule that contains cameras, a light, a battery, and a transmitter. Images are sent to a recorder that the patient wears during the day while the capsule passes through the digestive

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, interfering with digestion. It is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. It can cause a variety of symptoms, although some patients are asymptomatic. Treatment

Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with hepatitis B, a virus. People become infected with hepatitis B from exposure to blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid from an infected person. Patients can have no symptoms or become mildly or severely ill over a period of weeks to months.

Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted by exposure to blood from an infected person. Many patients experience no symptoms, but chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. It is diagnosed by blood tests. Patients

The pancreas is an abdominal organ involved in digestion. Repeated injury can lead to inflammation and then scarring of the pancreas. This can lead to problems with digestion, as well as the development of diabetes. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is chronic alcohol consumption.

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that can lead to liver dysfunction. There are many causes of cirrhosis, but the most common causes are infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, chronic heavy alcohol use, or fat deposits in the liver. Complications of cirrhosis can include jaundice (yellow

C. diff is a bacterial infection of the large intestine that causes diarrhea, and sometimes colitis (inflammation of the lining of the large intestine). This bacteria is found in the environment. Patients most commonly develop an infection after taking a course of antibiotics, or after being exposed

Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the large intestine and rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States. These cancers typically form from smaller polyps which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal

Colon polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). They typically do not cause symptoms, although larger polyps can bleed or cause a change in bowel habits. Some polyps have the potential to turn into colon cancer, which is why they are completely removed at

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visually examine the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically while the patient is sedated. Prior to the exam, patients will drink a laxative to clean out their digestive tract. A colonoscope is used, which is a long thin flexible tube with a light

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of part of the digestive tract. Any area can be affected but most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine and the right side of the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. Crohn's disease

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a disorder characterized by multiple recurring episodes of nausea and vomiting. It can sometimes be severe enough to lead to dehydration. In between episodes, patients typically have no symptoms. Chronic marijuana use has been associated with some cases. Physician and emotional

Diverticula are pockets or sacs that form in the lining of the intestine. Risk factors for forming these pockets include age, obesity, smoking, and a low-fiber diet. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become inflamed or infected. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Antibiotics are typically

This is a procedure that allows a physician to visualize the upper portion of the digestive tract, which is the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). It is performed for symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing. Patients

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure that evaluates and treats disorders of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It is performed with an endoscope, which is a long flexible tube with a light and camera at the end of it. The tube has a channel that allows the

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that can visualize and take tissue samples of lesions from many organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, bile ducts, pancreas, and liver. It can also help determine the stage of many cancers of the digestive system. It is performed

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is more common in people who have a history of environmental or food allergies, or asthma. The most common symptoms are difficulty swallowing and chest pain.

Esophageal cancer is a cancer of the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Risk factors for developing this cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic acid reflux. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, heartburn, and weight loss.

This test is used to measure how well the esophagus is functioning. It evaluates the strength and coordination of the contractions of the muscles of the esophagus. Patients with heartburn, chest pain, and swallowing issues may undergo this test. A very thin tube is placed through the nose into the esophagus

This procedure is used to visualize the rectum and lower part of the large intestine with a long thin flexible tube with a light and camera on it. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be performed for a variety of reasons, including bleeding or a change in bowel habits. Patients typically prepare by taking several

GERD is a condition where stomach contents flow abnormally back into the esophagus. Common symptoms include heartburn (burning in the chest) and regurgitation. Risk factors for developing GERD include pregnancy, obesity, smoking, and the presence of a hiatal hernia. Treatment options can include dietary

The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile, which is a fluid involved with digestion. Sometimes, substances in the bile can harden to form gallstones. Most people with gallstones do not have any symptoms. Some patients can develop symptoms from gallstones, which include abdominal pain, nausea, and

Gastroparesis is a disease where the stomach empties its contents slower than expected, in the absence of obstruction (blockage). The exact cause is unknown but risk factors for developing gastroparesis include certain abdominal surgeries, diabetes, some medications, and previous infections involving

H pylori is a very common bacteria that infects the lining of the stomach. The infection itself may not cause symptoms but can lead to inflammation of the stomach, or ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. It is also a risk factor for the development of stomach cancer. H pylori can be diagnosed by

Hemochromatosis occurs when too much iron is absorbed from the diet and results in excessive iron accumulation in multiple organs including the skin, liver, heart, pancreas, and joints. This excessive accumulation can lead to organ damage. Complications can include the development of cirrhosis, heart

Hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels in the anal canal and rectum and are very common. Risk factors for forming hemorrhoids include pregnancy, constipation and diarrhea, and straining with bowel movements. They can be asymptomatic, or cause anal itching, bleeding, or anal soreness. Treatment options

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach abnormally extends into the chest. They are very common, and risk factors for developing a hiatal hernia include increasing age, smoking, and obesity. Its presence can increase the risk of acid reflux, with symptoms including heartburn, chest pain,

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal stools. Unlike Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, there is no inflammation of the digestive tract. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but some people develop it after an infection of the

Ischemic colitis is an injury to the lining of a portion of the large intestine, typically caused by decreased blood flow to that area. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Severe cases may require surgery, but most patients can be treated conservatively with intravenous

Microscopic colitis is a mild chronic inflammation of the lining of the colon (large intestine). The most common symptom is nonbloody diarrhea. The exact cause is unknown but is sometimes associated with the use of certain medications. Microscopic colitis is diagnosed by taking tissue samples during