A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that enables doctors to view the inside of the large intestine. This procedure is carried out for a number of reasons but is most frequently used as a screening tool for cancer, polyps, and disease inside the colon. A conventional colonoscopy uses a scope, which is a long thin semi-flexible tube…
digestive disorders
What Types of Testing Are Available for Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is when a person’s body is unable to properly digest lactose, which is a type of sugar found in dairy products. Your small intestines need to produce enough of the enzyme lactase in order to fully digest lactose, and people who are lactose-intolerant are generally deficient in this enzyme. The symptoms of lactose…
What to Know About At-Home Colon Cancer Screenings
It’s easier than ever to get a colon cancer screening. You can even do it from your own home. You receive the test, collect the sample, and send in your results. You can benefit from this because the test is noninvasive and can be done in the comfort and privacy of your home. However, before…
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn is a common gastrointestinal condition that feels like burning in the chest. Although occasional heartburn is not usually a cause for concern, frequent episodes may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – which, if left untreated, can lead to serious medical complications. The sensation of heartburn is caused by stomach acid traveling…
When To Get A Lactose Intolerance Test?
A lactose intolerance test is used to measure how well your body can digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Normally, the human body is able to process lactose, but some individuals cannot digest lactose properly, which can lead to symptoms, such as gas, stomach cramps, and bloating. What Is Lactose…
Benefits of Seeing A GI Specialist
A gastrointestinal issue can affect the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. All of these body parts and organs play a part in the digestive process. A gastroenterologist commonly referred to as a GI specialist is a physician you see when you have symptoms that point to a problem in the gastrointestinal tract….
How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?
Almost 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease, but roughly 75% of them do not know that they have it, according to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic. A person who has an immediate family member with this hereditary, autoimmune disease has a 10% chance of developing the condition. Celiac disease…
Causes of Indigestion
Indigestion is a common digestive condition which can affect people of all ages. It can happen after eating a large meal, but chronic indigestion may be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you are having regular symptoms of indigestion, it may be time to seek the expertise of a doctor specializing in gastroenterology in…
10 Ways to Get Rid of Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom that accompanies many digestive disorders. A few examples include celiac disease, acid reflux, and Hepatitis C. Diagnosing the condition causing your symptoms is the first step to getting rid of symptoms. Nausea doesn’t induce pain, at least not in the true sense of the word. It does, however, involve an…
How Common Is Colon Cancer?
Our colon is an integral part of our digestive system. The colon is also called the “bowel” or the “large intestine,” and sometimes the entire intestine is referred to as the colon. The colon is consistently at work whenever we eat and drink. Food is processed in the stomach and then moves into the small…