Ulcers

Heartburn

Celiac Disease

Bowel Regularity

Constipation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diverticulosis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cirrhosis

Ostomy Surgery

Specific Diseases

Additional Data

Glossary

Why is digestion important?

How is food digested?

Movement of Food Through the System

Production of Digestive Juices

Absorption and Transport of Nutrients

How is the digestive process controlled?

Hormone Regulators

Nerve Regulators

Harmful Effects

Heartburn

Peptic Ulcer

Liver Disease

Crohn’s Disease

Gallstones

Can the damage be reversed?

For more information

Causes

Symptoms

Risk Factors

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Food Irradiation

Links to Other Disorders

Common Sources of Foodborne Illness

Points to Remember

Symptoms

Causes

Transmission

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Points to Remember

Disease Definition

Clinical Presentation and Natural History

What is constipation?

What can I do about constipation?

Points to Remember

What is lactose intolerance?

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

How is lactose intolerance treated?

How is nutrition balanced?

What is hidden lactose?

Summary

What causes gas?

Swallowed Air

Breakdown of Undigested Foods

Which foods cause gas?

What are some symptoms and problems of gas?

Belching

Flatulence

Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

What diagnostic tests are used?

How is gas treated?

Diet

Nonprescription Medicines

Prescription Medicines

Reducing Swallowed Air

Conclusion

Points to Remember

What causes bleeding in the digestive tract?

What are the common causes of bleeding in the digestive tract?

Esophagus

Stomach

Small Intestine

Large Intestine and Rectum

How is bleeding in the digestive tract recognized?

How is bleeding in the digestive tract diagnosed?

Endoscopy

Other Procedures

How is bleeding in the digestive tract treated?

How do you recognize blood in the stool and vomit?

What are the symptoms of acute bleeding?

What are the symptoms of chronic bleeding?

For more information

Causes

Constipation

Muscle Damage

Nerve Damage

Loss of Storage Capacity

Diarrhea

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Diagnosis

Treatment

Dietary Changes

Medication

Bowel Training

Surgery

What to do about anal discomfort

Emotional Considerations

Everyday Practical Tips

Fecal Incontinence in Children

Why children get constipated

Hope Through Research

For more information

Summary

Definition and Diagnosis

Risk Factors and High-Risk Groups

Child Day-Care Centers

Bacterial Diarrheas

Salmonellosis

Shigellosis

E. Coli 0157:h7–Hemorrhagic Colitis

Viral Diarrheas

Causes

Symptoms

People With Special Concerns

Diagnosis

Medical History and Physical Examination

Laboratory Tests

Imaging Tests

Treatment

Surgery

Antibiotics and Other Treatments

Complications

Prevention

Points to Remember

Clinical Epidemiology of Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

How common are hemorrhoids?

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

Diagnosis

What is the treatment?

How are hemorrhoids prevented?

Diet and Alcohol

What are gallstones?

What causes gallstones?

Cholesterol Stones

Pigment Stones

Other Factors

Who is at risk for gallstones?

What are the symptoms?

How are gallstones diagnosed?

What is the treatment?

Surgery

Nonsurgical Treatment

Don’t people need their gallbladders?

Points to Remember

Summary

Definitions

Current Means of Diagnosis

Natural History

Prevention

Diverticulum, diverticulosis, diverticulitis

What causes diverticular disease?

What are the symptoms?

Diverticulosis

Diverticulitis

What are the complications?

Bleeding

Abscess, Perforation, and Peritonitis

Fistula

Intestinal Obstruction

How does the doctor diagnose diverticular disease?

What is the treatment for diverticular disease?

Diverticulosis

Diverticulitis

When is surgery necessary?

Points to Remember

Additional Readings

What is gastroparesis?

Signs and Symptoms

Complications of Gastroparesis

Major Causes of Gastroparesis

Diagnosis

Treatment

Insulin for Blood Glucose Control

Medication

Meal and Food Changes

Feeding Tube

Parenteral Nutrition

New Treatments

Hope Through Research

Points to Remember

Acute Pancreatitis

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

Gallstones and Pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Pancreatitis in Children

Points To Remember

Hope Through Research

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

The Four Phases of CVS

Triggers

CVS and Migraine

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

Points to Remember

What is Hirschsprung’s disease?

Why does HD cause constipation?

What causes HD?

If I have more children, will they have HD too?

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms in Newborns

Symptoms in Young Children

Symptoms in Teenagers and Adults

How does the doctor find out if HD is the problem?

Barium Enema X Ray

Manometry

Biopsy

What is the treatment?

Pull-through Surgery

Colostomy and Ileostomy

What will my child’s life be like after surgery?

Ostomy

Adjusting After Pull-through

Diet and Nutrition

Infection

Points to Remember

Acknowledgments

For more information

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis E

Other Causes of Viral Hepatitis

Hope Through Research

Autoimmune Disease

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Side Effects

Other Treatments

Hope Through Research

Points to Remember

What is hepatitis A?

What causes hepatitis A?

How could I get hepatitis A?

Who can get hepatitis A?

What are the symptoms?

How is hepatitis A treated?

How can I protect myself?

What is hepatitis B?

What causes hepatitis B?

How could I get hepatitis B?

What are the symptoms?

What are the tests for hepatitis B?

Candidates for Hepatitis A Vaccination

Routine Vaccination

High-Risk Populations

Postexposure Prophylaxis

Candidates for Hepatitis B Vaccination

Routine Vaccination

High-Risk Populations

Postexposure Prophylaxis

Combination Vaccine

References

What is hepatitis C?

What causes hepatitis C?

How could I get hepatitis C?

Could I get hepatitis C from a blood transfusion?

What are the symptoms?

What are the tests for hepatitis C?

How is hepatitis C treated?

How can I protect myself?

Introduction

Risk Factors and Transmission

Maternal-Infant Transmission

Sexual Transmission

Sporadic Transmission

Unsafe Injection Practices

Clinical Symptoms and Signs

Clinical Features of Cirrhosis

Extrahepatic Manifestations

Serologic Tests

Enzyme Immunoassay

Recombinant Immunoblot Assay

Direct Assays for HCV RNA

Quantification of HCV RNA in Serum

Genotyping and Serotyping of HCV

Biochemical Indicators of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Normal Serum ALT Levels

Liver Biopsy

Serum Markers of Hepatic Fibrosis

Diagnosis

Acute Hepatitis C

Chronic Hepatitis C

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment

Who Should Be Treated?

Who Should Not Be Treated?

Side Effects of Treatment

Options for Patients Who Do Not Respond to Treatment

Hope Through Research

Basic Research

Diagnostic Tests

New Treatments

Prevention

Selected Review Articles and References

Causes

Symptoms

Complications of Cirrhosis

Diagnosis

Treatment

Diagnosis

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Hope Through Research

Points to Remember

What does my liver do?

What are the signs of liver problems?

What is liver transplantation?

What are the reasons for needing a liver transplant?

How will I know whether I need a liver transplant?

Can anyone with liver problems get a transplant?

How long does it take to get a new liver?

Where do the livers for transplants come from?

Health insurance

What happens in the hospital?

During Surgery

After Surgery

What is rejection?

How is rejection prevented?

Do immunosuppressants have any side effects?

What are the signs of rejection?

What are the other problems that can damage the liver transplant?

What if the transplant doesn’t work?

How do I take care of my liver after I leave the hospital?

Can I go back to my daily activities?

Glossary

Preparation

Preparation

Procedure

Recovery

Preparation

VC Procedure

Advantages of VC

Disadvantages of VC

Preparation

Preparation

Preparation

Preparation

What are the symptoms of GERD?

GERD in Children

What causes GERD?

How is GERD treated?

Lifestyle Changes

Medications

What if symptoms persist?

Surgery

Implant

What are the long-term complications of GERD?

Points to Remember

Hope Through Research

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Points to Remember

Hope Through Research

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Specific Instructions for Infants With GER

Points to Remember

For more information

Normal Function of the Esophagus

GERD

GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s Esophagus and Cancer of the Esophagus

Diagnosis and Screening

Treatment

Surveillance for Dysplasia and Cancer

Treatment for Dysplasia or Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Hope Through Research

Points to Remember

For more information

Summary

Diagnosis

What causes ulcerative colitis?

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

What is the treatment for ulcerative colitis?

Drug Therapy

Hospitalization

Surgery

Research

Is colon cancer a concern?

Hope Through Research

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

What causes Crohn’s disease?

What are the symptoms?

How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?

What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?

What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease?

Drug Therapy

Nutrition Supplementation

Surgery

Can diet control Crohn’s disease?

Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s disease?

Hope Through Research

For more information

What is celiac disease?

What are the symptoms?

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Screening

What is the treatment?

The Gluten-Free Diet

What are the complications of celiac disease?

How common is celiac disease?

Diseases Linked to Celiac Disease

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Points to Remember

For more information

Types of Ostomies and Continent Procedures

Types of Pouching Systems

Types of Accessories

Psychosocial Issues

Patient’s Concerns About Surgery

Body Image/Self-Esteem Concerns

Self-Care Concerns

Relationship Concerns

Phases of Psychological Adaptation

Making Love

Ostomy Management

Psychological Problems Following Surgery

Sexual Difficulty

Organic Problems Following Surgery

Seek Professional Advice

Making Love

Potential Problems

Factors Which Influence Sexual Intimacy

Talking About Sex

Seek Professional Advice

So You Have an Ostomy

Sharing the News

Preparing For Sex

Physical Sexual Limitations

Additional Concerns

Seek Professional Advice

Who should I tell? What should I say about my surgery?

Will I be able to continue my daily activities once I recover from surgery?

What about showering and bathing? Should I bathe with or without my pouch?

What can I eat? Will I need to change my diet?

Will I be able to wear the same clothes as before?

What about sex and intimacy? Will I be able to get pregnant after surgery?

Is travel possible?

What about medications? Can I take vitamins?

Will I always be wearing the same size and type of pouch?

Got any tips on emptying the pouch?

How often should I change the pouch?

What should I do if hospitalized again?

Where can I purchase supplies?

Does insurance cover the cost of ostomy supplies?

When should I seek medical assistance?

Suppliers

Selection Considerations, Problems, and Customized Options

How to Handle Problems

Custom-Fitted Pouching Systems

Major Manufacturers

Evaluating Suppliers

Locating a Supplier

Choosing the Right Supplier

Causes

Risk Factors

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment and Maintenance

Chelation

Maintenance

Venous Access

Treatment–Patient Information

Phlebotomy

When Tests Indicate You Have Iron Overload

Where Phlebotomy Treatments Are Done

Keep Good Records

The Procedure

Screening for Hemochromatosis

Hope Through Research

What is a peptic ulcer?

What is H. pylori?

How does H. pylori cause a peptic ulcer?

What are the symptoms of an ulcer?

Emergency Symptoms

How is an H. pylori-related ulcer diagnosed?

Diagnosing an Ulcer

Diagnosing H. pylori

How are H. pylori peptic ulcers treated?

Drugs Used to Treat H. pylori

Can H. pylori infection be prevented?

Why don’t all doctors automatically check for H. pylori?

Points to Remember

Complications

Disability and Mortality

Smoking

NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers

Alcohol

Stress

Social Class and Occupational Energy Expenditure

Introduction

The Esophagus

Understanding the Cancer Process

Risk Factors

Recognizing Symptoms

Diagnosing Esophageal Cancer

Staging the Disease

Treatment and Prognosis

Side Effects of Treatment

Nutrition for Cancer Patients

The Importance of Follow-up Care

Providing Emotional Support

Questions for Your Doctor

Diagnosis

Treatment

Side Effects

Follow-up

The Health Care Team

Resources

Introduction

The Stomach

Stomach Cancer

Symptoms

Causes of Stomach Cancer

Diagnosis

Staging

Treatment

Getting a Second Opinion

Methods of Treatment

Clinical Trials

Side Effects of Treatment

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Biological Therapy

Nutrition for Cancer Patients

Support for Cancer Patients

Vitamins, Anti-Bacterials May Prevent Stomach Cancer

Other Booklets

Booklets About Cancer Treatment

Facts and Figures

New Cases

Deaths

Risk Factors

Early Detection

Treatment

Survival

The Colon and Rectum

Understanding Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer: Who’s at Risk?

Risk Factors

Screening

Are new tests under study for colorectal cancer screening?

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Staging

Treatment

Getting a Second Opinion

Preparing for Treatment

Methods of Treatment

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Treatment for Colon Cancer

Treatment for Rectal Cancer

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Nutrition

Rehabilitation

Follow-up Care

Support for People with Colorectal Cancer

The Promise of Cancer Research

Diagnosis

Selected References

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

What causes portal hypertension?

What are the symptoms of portal hypertension?

How is portal hypertension diagnosed?

What are the treatment options for portal hypertension?

First Level of Treatment

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Second Level of Treatment

What tests are required before the TIPS and DSRS procedures?

More About the TIPS Procedure

Potential Complications of the TIPS Procedure

More About the DSRS Procedure

Follow-up Care After the TIPS or DSRS Procedures

Fiber Content of Foods

I know it’s good to eat a lot of fiber to stay regular, but sometimes I eat too much fiber and have painful gas or even diarrhea. What’s the best way to strike a healthy balance?

If fiber doesn’t protect against colon cancer, why should I continue to eat foods high in fiber? 
Is there any value to altering my diet to protect against colon cancer?

What foods should a person avoid if he or she has heartburn, GERD, or Barrett’s esophagus?

What are some common foods that may contain gluten?

My son has just been diagnosed with celiac disease and needs to follow a gluten-free diet. 
Can you offer some suggestions to help us get started?

How important is nutrition for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

What should I do to maintain proper nutrition?

I am concerned that my child, who has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is not getting the nutrition he needs. What’s the relationship between IBD and nutrition in children?

I recently had the pelvic pouch surgery, and diarrhea (up to 15 loose bowel movements 
daily) has become a real problem for me. Can you suggest any dietary changes to help improve this?

Should I be taking a vitamin or mineral supplement if I have a gastrointestinal disease?

I am confused about the diet for diverticulitis . They say more fiber, even fruit with skin, but other information I’ve read states that people with diverticulitis cannot tolerate seeds, skins, raw vegetables, etc. Can you give me direction on exactly what is digestible for people with this condition? Sure hope to get some help, I’m in a panic. 

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