Articles

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows for video images to be taken off the digestive tract. The patient swallows a capsule that contains cameras, a light, a battery, and a transmitter. Images are sent to a recorder that the patient wears during the day while the capsule passes through the digestive

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.