Podcasts

Hepatitis Hepatitis is caused by viruses, exposure to certain medications, alcohol/substance abuse, and even bacteria that attack the liver.  Acute hepatitis lasts less than 6 months. Chronic hepatitis can eventually cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. The most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, …

Esophageal Varices The esophagus is what connects your throat to your stomach. Esophageal varices are enlarged and abnormal veins located in the lower part of the esophagus. This condition is usually seen in patients with liver disease. When normal blood flow to the liver is blocked by scar tissue or …

Colon Cancer   Colon cancer attacks the large intestine. If the cancer is seen in the last few inches of the colon, it is referred to as rectal cancer.  It is not uncommon to hear the term colorectal cancer when speaking about colon cancer. Usually colon cancer starts as benign …

Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s Disease is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can cause the patient to have abdominal pain, malnutrition, weight loss, severe diarrhea and even fatigue. Crohn’s can lead to scarring, abscesses, fistulas, and ulcerations in the intestine. It is also characterized …

What is Cholecystitis:   Cholecystitis is defined as inflammation of the gallbladder. Usually due to a gallstone that blocks the cystic duct. Once the duct is blocked, the bile builds up which will cause irritation and swelling of the gallbladder. This can cause infection.     The other causes include: …

Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is an illness that is characterized by inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum, Crohn’s disease is a similar condition and both are a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis causes chronic ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in poor …

Bowel Obstruction Bowel obstruction means an intestinal obstruction. On the other hand, we can say that in a bowel obstruction, there is a blockage that prevents the necessary body nutrients and waste products to flow correctly through the gastrointestinal tract. The blockage can happen in the upper portion or the …

Appendicitis The appendix is a small appendage that is located at the beginning of the large intestine. Appendicitis is an inflammation to the inner lining of the appendix most often occurring in patients between age 10 – 30. Appendicitis is thought to start when the appendix becomes blocked by feces, …

Peritonitis Peritonitis occurs when the membrane that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and supports and covers most of the abdominal organs becomes inflamed. Peritonitis can be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. It can also be caused by rupture or perforation in the abdomen. Peritonitis will always …

Gastritis Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach gets swollen or inflamed. This can occur suddenly, this is called  acute gastritis or if the gastritis occurs slowly, it is called chronic gastritis.  Chronic gastritis can last from weeks to years. Once the stomach lining is inflamed, the lining of …