Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that develops in some people who have chronic gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). In Barrett’s esophagus, the normal cells that line the esophagus called squamous cells turn into a type of cell not usually found in humans, called specialized columnar cells. Damage to the lining of the esophagus – for example, by acid reflux, from GERD – causes these abnormal changes.
Celiac Disease
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is caused by a sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in many grains. When people with Celiac disease eat foods containing gluten an allergic-like reaction by their immune system results in damage to the villi of the lining of the small intestine. Nutrients from food are normally absorbed into the bloodstream but the damage to the villi cause and ineffective absorption. Since the body’s own immune system causes the damage, celiac disease is considered an autoimmune disorder.
Celiac Disease is inherited (passed down) in families. It sometimes affects more than one family member.
Constipation
What is Constipation?
Constipation means that a person has fewer bowel movements less often than usual. The stool is hard, dry and painful to pass. This can be a problem that lasts a short time or it can be a chronic problem that never seems to go away. Each person has its own normal number of bowel movements. It depends on the food you eat, exercise, and other things. It can be controlled when you understand its causes.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Hiatal Hernia and Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter. (LES)—the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach.
In normal digestion, the LES opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately allowing the stomach’s contents to flow up into the stomach’s contents to flow up into the esophagus. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the location of the LES between the esophagus and the stomach.
The severity of Gerd depends on LES dysfunction as well as the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach and the neutralizing effect of saliva.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
What is H. pylori?
This is a bacterium that infects the lining of the stomach. It commonly affects the elderly and the very young. Some people experience ulcer symptoms like burning, cramping, nausea or vomiting and others experience no symptoms whatsoever.
Hemorrhoids
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen but normally present blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in the legs.
The increased pressure and swelling may result from straining to move the bowel. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, heredity, aging, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.
