Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
September 17, 2020 This is our twenty-seventh weekly update regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). Below, you will find updated facts and figures. Confirmed cases and deaths 29,444,198 confirmed cases and 931,321 deaths worldwide (as of 9/16/20) 6,571,867 confirmed cases and 195,053 deaths in the United States (as of 9/16/20) 58,000 confirmed cases, 1,074 deaths, 1,068,026 tested, […]
Malabsorption: An Overview
Malabsorption is a condition in which a person has difficulty digesting and/or absorbing nutrients from food. Here’s what you need to know. Causes of Malabsorption Malabsorption can be caused by various diseases. Typically, malabsorption involves difficulty absorbing nutrients like vitamins, fats, proteins, or sugars. Any disease that hinders the body’s ability to absorb nutrients can […]
Cirrhosis: What You Need to Know
Cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver is scarred and suffers permanent damage. Here’s what you need to know about the condition. Causes and Risk Factors When the liver is damaged, it attempts to repair itself and scar tissue forms. Over time, this scar tissue builds up and makes it difficult for the liver […]
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice causes the whites of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes to turn yellow as a result of heightened levels of bilirubin. Here’s what you need to know about the condition. Causes and Risk Factors Jaundice is ultimately caused by bilirubin levels that are too high. Bilirubin is a yellow chemical in hemoglobin, the part […]
Coronavirus and the GI system: What does the evidence tell us?
The coronavirus continues to have an enormous impact on the way we live. Over the past several months, we have begun to learn more and more about the virus. We’ve learned about how it spreads, its symptoms, how to detect it, and potential approaches for vaccines. Crucially, the virus has several documented impacts and features […]
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP): A Brief Overview
An Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is a therapeutic endoscopic procedure that helps diagnose and treat diseases in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile system. Here’s what you need to know about the procedure. When an ERCP is used There are several reasons your doctor may perform an ERCP. One common reason is to diagnose and […]
Endoscopic Ultrasound: How to Prepare
An Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure for assessing and producing images of the digestive system with an endoscope. It is also used as a modality to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders through fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Follow along for an overview of EUS. When an Endoscopic Ultrasound is used An EUS can help doctors determine the […]
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): An Overview
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, or EMR, is a therapeutic technique that helps remove precancerous and early stage cancer lesions during an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. This technique is a less-invasive alternative to surgery. Here’s what you need to know if you are preparing for an EMR. When is an Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Used? EMRs are used […]
Hemorrhoid Banding: What to Expect
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can cause bleeding, itching, and pain. While most hemorrhoids resolve with home treatment, some can be harder to get rid of. There are several non-invasive treatments for hemorrhoids. In cases of highly symptomatic hemorrhoids, banding is one approach that can help. Here’s what you […]
Breath Testing
Breath testing is a noninvasive method doctors can use to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions. Here’s what you need to know about breath testing. Breath Testing Breath testing gives doctors a noninvasive way to diagnose several conditions. They can analyze your breath to detect amounts of particular gases, making diagnosis quick and simple. Typically, there are a […]
