Your gallbladder is part of your digestive system, storing bile that was formed by your liver and then releasing the bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion. If the bile becomes too concentrated, contains too much cholesterol, or contains too much bilirubin (a residual from red blood cells), then gallstones can form in your gallbladder. These stones can cause abdominal pain, back pain, or even shoulder pain. Let’s talk about the types of gallstones, how they form from bile, and ... [Read More]
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Bowel Prep: Things to Know
A colonoscopy is a medical test that is utilized to evaluate your colon for pre-cancerous cells, inflammation, and polyps. The colon is the large intestine, but a colonoscopy evaluates the entire tract from your rectum through your intestine. One of the major benefits of a colonoscopy is that it is not only a test but also a preventive measure in which your gastroenterologist can remove any polyps – which can be cancerous or precancerous – that may be found. Before your colonoscopy, there ... [Read More]
Could My Gallbladder Be Causing My Stomachache?
When you have a stomachache, you may have stomach-area pain or feel nauseous. A normal stomachache generally goes away fairly quickly. However, if the pain or uncomfortable aching feeling is persistent, it may be due to something other than the stomach. In some cases, it may be an issue with your gallbladder. Let’s talk about how best to have your stomachache diagnosed, and where you can go for a medical evaluation and treatment. What Is the Gallbladder? Your gallbladder is an organ in ... [Read More]
How is Hepatitis A Transmitted?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that affects over a million people throughout the world each year. It causes the liver to swell and triggers symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and nausea. Generally, the symptoms are mild and subside within a few weeks, but some cases can be serious. Fortunately, if you understand how hepatitis A is transmitted, you may reduce your chances of acquiring it or passing it along if you should happen to get it. Poor-Quality Drinking Water or Well ... [Read More]
Symptoms of Poor Digestive Health
There can be many reasons for having digestive issues, and some of them are normal. However, if they become painful or interfere with living a normal life, it may be time to see a gastroenterologist for a digestive checkup. Let’s talk about some of the main symptoms of digestive health issues that warrant medical attention, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment: Frequent Diarrhea Occasional bouts of diarrhea can happen when you have an infection or a food reaction, but ... [Read More]