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 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

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease refers to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver, in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Over time this can lead to inflammation in the liver and then scarring (cirrhosis). Patients with cirrhosis can develop complications, some of which include bleeding,

Cancer may develop in the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion. Risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer may include smoking, alcohol consumption, and a history of chronic pancreatitis. Early cancer may cause no symptoms, while more advanced cancers may cause abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea,

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvis do not work in a coordinated way. Symptoms can include constipation and incontinence. Risk factors for developing this include pregnancy, obesity, and aging. Doctors can use a variety of studies to check the structure and function of the

Peptic ulcer disease refers to open sores (ulcers) that can form in the stomach or first portion of the small intestine (duodenum). Most ulcers are caused by either a bacterial infection (H pylori) or by a group of anti-inflammatory medications known as NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen). Some ulcers cause no