Featured Tests and Procedures
A barium enema is conducted by taking x-rays of the lining of your rectum and colon. As this eMedTV article explains, a barium enema is used for diagnosing problems in the large intestine, which may include colon cancer or abnormal growths.
A colonoscopy is used to look for early signs of cancer or the causes of changes in bowel habits. This eMedTV Web page further describes the procedure in detail, including how it is carried out and possible risks associated with it.
Colonoscopy preparation begins several days before the procedure, when you start a liquid diet to empty your colon. This eMedTV article further explains the colonoscopy preparation process, including what to expect and what you can and cannot eat.
As this eMedTV page explains, EGD stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy -- a procedure that allows your doctor to examine your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This Web page offers an in-depth look at this procedure.
Liver donation surgery is the process of replacing someone's diseased liver with part of your healthy liver. This eMedTV article further discusses the purpose of the surgery and offers a detailed description of the surgery itself.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, an adult living donor liver transplant involves taking part of a liver from a healthy person and transplanting it into a sick person. Before this type of surgery, livers were taken from deceased donors only.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy allows a doctor to see bleeding, inflammation, and abnormal growths in the descending colon and rectum. This eMedTV page further explains sigmoidoscopy, including a step-by-step guide of what to expect during the procedure.
Upper endoscopy is a procedure used to examine your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This eMedTV page explains how an endoscope is used for the procedure, the purpose of this examination, and potential complications a patient may experience.
Featured Conditions and Diseases
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly, lasts for a short period of time, and usually gets better. This eMedTV article provides an in-depth look at acute pancreatitis by discussing the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.
Appendicitis is a serious medical attention, often requiring emergency treatment. This page of the eMedTV website provides an in-depth look at appendicitis, including symptoms, and includes links to additional information.
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus forms new types of cells on its surface. As this eMedTV page explains, these cells are similar to the cells found in the intestines. This page offers an in-depth look at this disorder.
Chronic pancreatitis is a disorder involving digestive enzymes that attack and destroy the pancreas. As this eMedTV article explains, this can lead to pain and scarring. This page describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of chronic pancreatitis.
In someone with cirrhosis, liver injuries cause scar tissue to replace normal, healthy tissue in the liver. This eMedTV article lists causes of cirrhosis (such as hepatitis C) and explains how cirrhosis scarring keeps the liver from working properly.
Colon polyps are growths that develop in the large intestine. As explained in this eMedTV article, most polyps that grow in the colon are benign; however, some polyps may become cancerous over time.
Diverticulitis occurs when small sacs in the colon become infected. As this article from the eMedTV library explains, diverticulitis can develop suddenly and without warning, so it is important to know the symptoms and causes of the disease.
People who have diverticulosis have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots. As this eMedTV page explains, diverticulosis itself is harmless, but if infection occurs in the pouches, it can cause pain in the lower abdomen.
Common types of food intolerance include food poisoning, histamine toxicity, and lactose intolerance. This eMedTV article provides an in-depth look at the various types of food intolerance and explains how they are often confused with food allergy.
Hemochromatosis is a disorder in which the intestines absorb too much iron. The information in this eMedTV Web page discusses the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition and provides links to more information.
Hirschsprung's disease, an illness of the large intestine, is characterized by severe constipation. This eMedTV article describes the condition in more detail, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Intussusception is a condition in which one part of the intestine tunnels into an adjoining section. This eMedTV article offers an overview of intussusception, including information about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Hidden lactose may be found in foods such as baked goods, breakfast cereals, and instant potatoes. This eMedTV segment talks about hidden lactose and explains how it is even found in some prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which a person is unable to digest lactose (a sugar found in milk). This eMedTV Web page offers an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of lactose intolerance.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. As this eMedTV article explains, it comes in two forms: acute and chronic. This portion of the Web site provides detailed information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatitis.
A liver disease that destroys bile ducts, primary biliary cirrhosis affects women more often than men. This eMedTV Web page provides a general overview of primary biliary cirrhosis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Secondary biliary cirrhosis occurs when the large bile ducts outside of the liver become blocked. This eMedTV page takes an in-depth look at secondary biliary cirrhosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment -- and also links to more information.
Short bowel syndrome is a condition characterized by diarrhea, cramping, and heartburn. As this eMedTV article explains, it can occur in people who have had half or more of their small intestine removed. This page discusses the syndrome in detail.
As this eMedTV article explains, spastic colon is another name for irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder that often results in diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramping. This page offers an overview of the symptoms and diagnosis of spastic colon.
Wilson's disease is an inherited condition in which excessive amounts of copper accumulate in the body. This eMedTV article discusses Wilson's disease in detail, including information on its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Featured Medications
Balsalazide can help relieve inflammation and other symptoms caused by ulcerative colitis. This eMedTV segment offers an in-depth look at the drug, including how it works to treat the condition, tips for those taking it, and possible side effects.
People who have Crohn's disease may benefit from budesonide EC, a prescription steroid. This segment of the eMedTV archives further describes the uses and effects of the medication and provides links to more detailed information on budesonide EC.
Bumex is a prescribed medication that is approved to treat fluid retention due to many causes. This eMedTV page explains how the drug works to decrease blood volume and offers information on its effects, dosing guidelines, and side effects.
Dyrenium is a prescription medication that is licensed to treat fluid retention. This article from the eMedTV library explains how Dyrenium works, offers dosing information for the drug, and lists potential side effects that may occur with treatment.
Ethacrynic acid is a prescription medication that is licensed to treat fluid retention. This eMedTV Web page offers a more in-depth look at the medication, including its effects, dosing information, and possible side effects.
Olsalazine is prescribed to prevent ulcerative colitis symptoms in people for whom it is in remission. This eMedTV article presents an in-depth look at the drug, including how it works, possible side effects, and helpful tips for people taking it.
Pancreatic enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. This section of the eMedTV library explains how pancreatic enzymes aid in digestion of meals in people who have cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.
Ranitidine is a drug that may be used to treat heartburn, ulcers, GERD, and other conditions. This eMedTV Web page covers both over-the-counter and prescription forms of ranitidine, including details about how they reduce acid in the stomach.
Tegaserod is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. This eMedTV resource provides a detailed overview of the prescription drug, noting in particular its effects, strengths, and dosing guidelines.
Triamterene-HCTZ is typically used for the treatment of fluid retention and high blood pressure. This eMedTV segment offers a detailed look at the drug, including how it works, dosing information, and possible side effects.
Featured Symptoms
Anal bleeding can be caused by things like infection, hemorrhoids, inflammation, cancer, and ulcers. This eMedTV article explores the different types of anal bleeding as well as common diagnostic tests (such as endoscopy) and treatment options.
Heartburn occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach come back up the esophagus and cause irritation. This eMedTV Web page discusses risk factors for heartburn, key symptoms associated with the condition, and treatment options that are available.
Intestinal gas occurs as a result of swallowed air or the breakdown of foods, especially carbohydrates. This eMedTV segment discusses intestinal gas and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
This eMedTV Web page offers a detailed look at rectal bleeding, which can be a symptom of various diseases, from hemorrhoids to cancer. This page also explains the types of bleeding that can occur, possible causes, and treatment options.
Featured Anatomy
The colon is a tube that connects rectum and anus to the small intestine and absorbs nutrients, salts, and water from food. This eMedTV page discusses the function of the colon and the rest of the digestive system, such as the esophagus and stomach.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the digestive system allows your body to absorb nutrients from food (to use for energy, growth, and repairs), and then remove the leftover waste products. This article provides an overview of the digestive system.
The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that makes insulin, other hormones, and pancreatic juices. This eMedTV Web page describes the location and purpose of the pancreas in the body, including its role in helping the body use and store energy.
Featured Other
Liver donation is a two-step process that involves a complete medical evaluation before the actual surgery. This eMedTV Web page explains the process, including a description of the medical evaluation and things to consider before donating.
Liver Donation Surgery Recovery
After liver donation surgery, recovery consists of follow-up doctor visits and avoiding strenuous activity. This eMedTV segment offers more information on the recovery process, including what to expect and tips on relieving surgery-related pain.
