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,

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.

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

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

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

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.