Blog Archive

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

A cholecystectomy is the surgical procedure typically used to remove the gall bladder, a small, pear-shaped organ which stores and dispenses bile before it is released into the small intestine through the bile duct to aid in the digestion process. Just as with other organs, the gall bladder can fall...

Often referred to as the “great mimic” because symptoms can resemble many disorders, a hiatal hernia is created when the stomach slides through an upper diaphragm opening (called the hiatus) into the middle compartment of the chest creating discomfort, heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation and anemia. The most typical...

How To Prevent Colon Cancer An unhealthy lifestyle and other inherent factors can increase the risk of developing many types of cancer. Colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is this type of cancer. Although it doesn’t receive as much attention as other, higher-profile cancers, it’s considered to be the...

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is when cancerous growths are found in the colon or rectum. Many times, what started as small, noncancerous clumps of cells (known as adenomatous polyps) turn into cancerous cells. Most often, these polyps don’t produce symptoms, which is why it is highly recommended...

You definitely might have heard of the term ‘colonoscopy’ but might be unaware of the meaning. Colonoscopy is the most accurate test for finding colon cancer. It is proven to detect the colon cancer in its early stage and thus save lives. During the process, a long flexible tube is inserted into...

The turbulent discomfort of a stomachache hits everyone at some or the other point. You are aware when the bloating, gassy signs and the pain strikes. So, why suffer in silence? If you suspect that you are suffering from something like this, you should not delay in consulting your doctor....

Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract. The digestive tract is made up of the stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and the esophagus. At the Digestive and Liver Disease Center of San Antonio, they offer patient education and advanced diagnostic methods for a wide range of digestive...

Fatty Liver Disease is no laughing matter, and contrary to popular belief, it can occur in individuals that don’t even drink! The disease is actually more popular amongst those with diabetes than it is for those that drink on occasion. Individuals that consume a high amount of sugar, flour, high...

When first being diagnosed with Hepatitis C, it can be a hard coming to terms with this news. There are many ways to contract the disease such as tattoos, sharing a needle with someone that was infected, or even a blood transfusion are the most common ways. While it is a severe disease, there are now different...

Here is a shocking statistic for you: The American Liver Foundation states that 10 to 20 percent of heavy drinkers will develop liver disease like Cirrhosis of the liver. When it comes to liver disease, finding it earlier rather than later, can help to prevent even more serious damage from occurring, and can ease...

Learning that you or a loved one have esophageal cancer can be a frightening idea to come to terms with. There are many several reasons that the cancer can appear though no sure-fire ways to prevent it. While the esophageal variety occurs more commonly in those that drink heavily, smoke, have a...

  April is Alcohol Awareness month, a time that is used to spread alcoholism awareness and related complications. It’s a time to learn more about the effects that liquor can have on the body and how health can be affected by an increased intake in consumption of alcoholic beverages. Cirrhosis...

If during your most recent checkup the words “Colonoscopy” and “Colon Cancer” were thrown around, you might be worried. Stay calm though, often doctors will advise patients to get a colonoscopy as a routine procedure to help in preventing colon cancer or being able to catch it in the early stages. What...

Hiatal hernia Unless you are a medical professional, you may not have an idea as to what a hernia is and how it is caused. Maybe a friend mentioned a hernia after you complained about severe chest coughs, heartburn, or pain from lifting a heavy object, and now you are...

The large intestine, or colon, is about 4 feet long and exists to absorb nutrients from food and break it down. The colon absorbs fluids and electrolytes to concentrate the fecal material. It also stores fecal matter until the body is ready to eliminate it. Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer,...

Gastroenterologists are trained to examine and manage issues relating to digestion. Having any kind of pain in the belly could be a warning sign that something is wrong; therefore, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious problems and get treated for conditions that affect the digestive...

From pollution to pesticides, it is easy to breathe in or ingest a variety of unhealthy chemicals that are found in the environment. Fortunately, the liver has a remarkable ability to cleanse the blood of the many toxins that people come in contact with every day. The liver is the...

The esophagus is a hard-working muscle that has an important responsibility: moving food from the mouth to the stomach. It is approximately 10 inches long, and it is shaped like a tube. The innermost layer of the esophagus is called the mucosa, and the outermost layer is made of muscle....

When a person struggles with chronic digestive issues, seeking the help of a gastroenterologist is the best way to determine if a serious health concern is the culprit. Dietary changes, stress, travel and too much of a good thing can all cause occasional digestive problems. But when excess gas, more...

People with a family history of colon cancer should take steps to learn about the disease and preventative measures that can decrease their risk of getting it. Individuals who have been diagnosed with colon cancer in the early stages can take heart that this disease is one of the most curable types...

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be quite painful, and individuals who suffer from this condition often find that it disrupts their ability to work, travel and participate in their favorite hobbies. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the symptoms, many find it difficult to talk about. Their discomfort with sharing...

For many of us, there is something awkward and uncomfortable when talking about our digestive problems. Why are stomachs so embarrassing for so many people to discuss? Because of this, many people go day to day suffering in silence. In fact, digestive disorders are placing a “growing burden” on Americans....

If you’ve ever experienced heartburn, it may have been due to acid reflux. When you feel a burning pain around the chest or throat area, it is likely to be heartburn. You are experiencing this because the stomach acid is going back up into the food pipe – when it...

Let’s face it, cancer is frightening. Most people know someone who has or had cancer, and the results are understandably scary. According to the National Cancer Institute, 38.5 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. However, thanks to advancements in medical technology and...

Have you ever held a football? It’s pretty big, right? Well, that football is about as big as your liver, the largest organ inside the human body. The liver helps your body digest food, fight off illnesses, store energy, and remove toxic substances. The liver is in the upper right...