Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent forms of pain among adults and children. Pain in the stomach area can be as simple as a belly ache or it can be life-threatening.
Learn MoreAbdominal pain is one of the most frequent forms of pain among adults and children. Pain in the stomach area can be as simple as a belly ache or it can be life-threatening.
Learn MoreAchalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach.
Learn MoreAnorectal disease refers to ailments of the anus and/or rectum. The most common conditions include hemorrhoids, anal warts, anal fissures, anorectal abscesses and anal fistulas.
Learn MoreJoint pain, stiffness or reduced mobility can be signs of arthritis. Most arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints. Over time, swollen joints can become severely damaged.
Learn MoreBarrett’s esophagus is a complication of chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Learn MoreGallstones, hard, pebble-like deposits that form when materials in the bile harden, are the most common cause of blocked ducts. Cancer, infection and scar tissue may also result in blocked ducts.
Learn MoreCarpal tunnel syndrome starts gradually with a slight aching in the wrist that can extend to the hand and forearm. Patients can treat carpal tunnel syndrome with a variety of procedures, including endoscopic carpel tunnel release surgery.
Learn MoreA cataract is a cloudiness of the normally transparent eye lens. If left untreated, it will decrease vision and can lead to blindness.
Learn MoreCeliac disease is a genetic digestive disorder that causes damage to the small intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.
Learn MoreA person who has loose, watery stools more than three times a day, for longer than two weeks, is experiencing chronic diarrhea. Other symptoms include cramping, nausea, bloating and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Learn MoreChronic liver disease is a broad term that encompasses any disease that causes the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. There are many kinds of liver diseases, some of which are caused by viruses, like Hepatitis C. Others can be caused from longtime drug and alcohol use or even poison.
Learn MoreCirrhosis is a condition that causes the slow deterioration of the liver due to scarring. Over time, the liver will malfunction and not be able to perform its primary functions of making protein, fighting infections, storing energy and cleaning blood.
Learn MoreColon cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer in America. Here is what you need to know about colon cancer.
Learn MoreConjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as “pink eye,” is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball.
Learn MoreConstipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that affects approximately 30 percent of the general population and is most common in women, children and the elderly. Even though it is a common problem, constipation should not be ignored as it can have serious side-effects if it persists.
Learn MoreCorneal dystrophies are genetic eye disorders that occur when abnormal material gathers in the cornea. Examples include macular corneal dystrophy, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy and Fuchs’ dystrophy.
Learn MoreA corneal infection, or keratitis, occurs when the cornea is damaged by a foreign object, by bacteria or by fungi from a contaminated contact lens. Keratitis can cause painful inflammation and lead to corneal scarring.
Learn MoreCrohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This chronic disorder causes inflammation in the digestive tract, also known as the GI tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and other symptoms.
Learn MoreDiabetic retinopathy refers to any damage that occurs to the eye’s retina in conjunction with long-term diabetes. (Retinopathy refers to any non-inflammatory disease of the retina.) Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults.
Learn MoreDifficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is the feeling of food “sticking” in your throat or chest and is one of the complications of acid reflux/GERD.
Learn MoreDiverticulosis is a condition when small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. This becomes more common as people get older. About half of people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis. A low-fiber diet can exert more pressure on the colon during bowel movements, which can cause these pouches to form. Diverticulosis does not cause any symptoms until they become inflamed or infected resulting in diverticulitis. These two conditions together are called diverticular disease.
Learn MoreSome conditions, like droopy eyelids, can gradually interfere with your eyesight. Not only do droopy eyelids make you look sad or tired, they can actually limit your field of vision.
Learn MoreDry eye is caused by a lack of tears, which lubricate the eyes and clear away particles and foreign bodies.
Learn MoreEsophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Esophageal cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and can occur anywhere in the esophagus.
Learn MoreEsophagitis is a general term for any inflammation, irritation or swelling of the esophagus, which is the tube that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach.
Learn MoreAfter any spine surgery, a percentage of patients still may experience pain. This is called failed back or failed fusion syndrome, which is characterized by uncontrollable pain and an inability to return to normal activities. Surgery may be able to fix the condition but not eliminate the pain.
Learn MoreSometimes referred to as bowel incontinence or anal incontinence, fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing an unintentional passing of solid or liquid stool or mucus from the rectum.
Learn MoreGallstones are small, pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder, the small sac just below the liver in the right upper abdomen. Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens.
Learn MoreThe term gastrointestinal (GI) refers collectively to the organs of the body that play a part in food digestion. A gastroenterologist is an internal medicine physician who has undergone additional education and training to specialize in gastroenterology, or the treatment of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
Learn MoreGlaucoma has been called “The Sneak Thief of Sight” because, in its early stages, there are often no symptoms, and once glaucoma has been diagnosed, permanent vision loss may have occurred.
Learn MoreHammer toe usually affects the second toe, although it may also affect the other toes. The toe goes into a claw-like position.
Learn MoreAcid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. This may cause heartburn and may ultimately cause damage to the lining of the esophagus.
Learn MoreHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the stomach, chronic gastritis, and ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
Learn MoreHemorrhoids are veins around the anus or lower rectum that have become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can happen either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. They are common in both men and women.
Learn MoreHepatitis literally means “inflammation of the liver.” Hepatitis is a viral disease which targets the liver includes several strains, but the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States are hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Learn MoreHepatitis C is a contagious liver disease, most often spread through contact with blood infected with the Hepatitis C virus. The virus can also be passed on through childbirth or unprotected sex.
Learn MoreA hernia develops when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area in an adjacent muscle or connective tissue. Hernias are caused by a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness.
Learn MoreWhen a part of the body pushes into another area where it is not intended, this is known as a hernia. A hiatal hernia is a hernia that develops when the stomach moves above the diaphragm.
Learn MoreInflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a general term that reflects an abnormal immune response resulting in inflammation of the intestinal tract.
Learn MoreIridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) is a grouping of three closely linked conditions: Iris Nevus (or Cogan-Reese Syndrome), Chandler’s Syndrome and Essential Progressive Iris Syndrome. There are three main features of ICE: visible changes of the iris, swelling of the cornea and the development of glaucoma, which can cause severe vision loss.
Learn MoreIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine (colon) and can cause bloating, abdominal cramping and a change in bowel habits.
Learn MoreJaundice is a condition that causes the whites of your eyes and skin to turn a yellowish hue. This is caused by bilirubin, a yellow chemical in hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
Learn MoreKeratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea and is the most common cornea dystrophy in the United States, affecting one in every 2,000.
Learn MoreThere are two forms of liver cancer. Cancer that starts in the liver is called primary liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cancer that spreads to the liver from another organ is called metastatic liver cancer. HCC accounts for most liver cancers, and it occurs more often in men than women.
Learn MoreLiver disease, also called hepatic disease, refers to a number of diseases that may affect the liver and its function. The liver plays a role in the production of bile, blood-clotting factors and amino acids, and aids in the processing and storage of iron for red blood cell production.
Learn MoreAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans who are 60 or older. Macular degeneration damages a person’s central vision, which is needed to see objects clearly, read and drive. Without clear vision, a person can become incapable of completing daily tasks effectively or independently.
Learn MoreMalabsorption is difficulty digesting food in general or, more specifically, not being able to absorb nutrients like fats, proteins, sugar or vitamins from food.
Learn MoreObesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern.
Learn MoreOcular herpes is a recurrent viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. In fact, it is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the country.
Learn MoreIf you break, sprain or otherwise injure a bone, the symptoms may not always be clear. The area may be bruised or swollen, even if at first glance it is unclear whether there is a fracture. Patients can also experience numbing, tingling or even paralysis below the fracture. Sprains can occur in any joint, and even though the joint continues to function normally, there should be some swelling, pain and tenderness.
Learn MoreAnyone can develop osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and more likely to break, but it is more common in older women. This disease progresses silently, and, in fact, most people remain undiagnosed until a bone breaks.
Learn MorePancreatitis is a swelling of the pancreas, a small organ behind the stomach that produces the chemicals the body needs to digest food.
Learn MoreA peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. When an individual has chronic peptic ulcers, it is known as peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Learn MoreWhen skin cancer is near your eyes, it is called periocular skin cancer. Skin cancer can arise from any of the types of cells in your skin. The most common form is basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are relatively slow growing.
Learn MorePosterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common eye condition where the vitreous separates from the retina. Normally the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance within the eye, is in direct contact with the retina. As the eye ages, the vitreous tends to get more liquid, so PVD is a normal part of the aging process.
Learn MorePterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) is a common eye condition that affects people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Pterygium is also known as surfer’s eye because of its common occurrence in surfers. Individuals with pterygium have a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the white of the eye. This growth usually forms on the side of the eye closest to the nose.
Learn MoreRectal bleeding should be viewed as a symptom and not a disorder itself. Most rectal bleeding is associated with a condition that can be treated.
Learn MoreReflux esophagitis is one of the complications that can come from having chronic heartburn and acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophagitis is inflammation that damages the lining of the esophagus and often causes painful or difficult swallowing and chest pain.
Learn MoreMost common vision problems are caused by refractive errors – the eye’s inability to focus, or refract, light correctly on the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Refractive disorders are usually the result of an eyeball that is too short or too long, a cornea (the clear front part of your eye) that is irregularly shaped or a lens that is curved too much or too little.
Learn MoreThe retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye, sending visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When detached, the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position.
Learn MoreShingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a patient has chickenpox, the virus stays in the body, and, as some people age, it may reappear as shingles. Shingles is not contagious – you can’t “catch it.” In about 40 percent of people with shingles, the cornea will be affected.
Learn MoreLaryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as “silent reflux,” is another possible complication that may develop with chronic heartburn and acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Learn MoreStevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. SJS can cause serious eye problems, such as severe conjunctivitis; iritis, an inflammation inside the eye; corneal blisters and erosions; and corneal holes. In some cases it can lead to severe vision loss.
Learn MoreMost people have experienced some type of stomach problem or discomfort in their lifetime. A person experiencing swallowing problems, which is called dysphagia, may have difficulty swallowing foods or liquids.
Learn MoreAn ulcer is a disruption of the surface of the skin or a mucus membrane, which results in an open sore that may heal very slowly. Ulcers can develop on many areas of the body but the most common ulcers are found in the gastrointestinal tract.
Learn MoreStrictures act as a barrier to food being swallowed and can eventually prevent food and even liquids from making their way down the esophagus and into the stomach. Eighty percent of esophageal strictures are related to GERD.
Learn MoreUlcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has injured the cells that usually line the colon, which then may bleed and create pus.
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