Diseases
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease means a chronic backup of digestive acid into the food pipe
What is a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy means the visual endoscopic examination of the large intestine
What are Proton Pump Inhibitors?
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that block the production of stomach acid to allow tissue healing
What is Helicobacter pylori?
H. pylori is a specific bacterial infection known to cause stomach irritation and ulcers
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis means inflammation of abnormal small pouches/pockets in the intestinal wall
What is a cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy means the surgical removal or excision of the gallbladder
What is bowel rest?
Bowel rest means restricting all oral intake—NPO—to allow the digestive tract to heal
What is chronic alcohol consumption?
Chronic alcohol abuse refers to the long-term excessive intake of alcohol that damages organ tissues
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease refers to an immune reaction to eating gluten that damages the small intestine
What is an EGD?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy means the visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine
What is a gluten-free diet?
Gluten-free diet refers to an eating plan that excludes the protein gluten to treat celiac disease
What are gallstones?
Gallstones or cholelithiasis refers to hardened crystalline deposits of cholesterol or calcium salts that block bile flow
What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis refers to chronic irreversible scarring and hardening of the liver
What is a colostomy?
Colostomy means surgically creating a new, permanent or temporary opening into the colon
What is TPN?
Total Parenteral Nutrition means providing complete nutritional needs completely outside of the digestive tract through an IV
What is a low-fiber diet?
Low-fiber intake means eating a diet lacking in complex plant carbohydrates, which increases pressure inside the colon
What is mesenteric ischemia?
Mesenteric ischemia means a dangerous reduction or loss of blood flow to the intestines
What is an ERCP?
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography means an X-ray and endoscopic examination of the bile and pancreatic ducts
What is decompression and antibiotic therapy?
Biliary decompression means surgically or endoscopically relieving a dangerous blockage and fluid pressure in the bile ducts
What is the cause for Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is caused by the loss or destruction of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for making melanin (the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color