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Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that impacts the entire digestive system. The cause is unknown, but specialists suspect it’s a combination of the interaction between genetics, environmental factors, immune issues, and pathogens.  Like many autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease is characterized by immune cells attacking healthy tissues in the digestive tract. Unlike other autoimmune […]

Chronic acid reflux occurs due to weakening in a band of muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which acts like a valve that opens when food passes through the esophagus and closes after food passes into the stomach.  If this muscle doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can go up the esophagus, causing burning. Some foods can

When found early, colon cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 91%. Colonoscopies are also useful for detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous.  Most people are recommended to get a colonoscopy after age 45. However, with increasing rates of colon cancer in younger individuals, it’s wise to look into what other risk factors may play

Although it’s rarely a sign of a dangerous affliction, bloating can cause a lot of discomfort. When you’re bloated, your clothes may not fit properly, or you may simply find it hard to finish daily tasks with that dreadful feeling of fullness and heaviness in your tummy.  If you’re looking for answers and help, look

Celiac disease is a condition in which the digestive system attacks gluten (a protein found in many grains) and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and damage in the small intestine. As a consequence, sufferers may struggle to absorb nutrients and have abdominal pain and bloating.  However, a little-known symptom of celiac disease is treatment-resistant acne. If

Do you rarely use the restroom and strain when you go? Hard stools and an inability to fully empty the bowel are signs of constipation.  If you suspect you’re constipated and are unsure of what’s fact or fiction about treating it, read on. Below, we asked our team of highly skilled experts at Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition caused by chronic, long-term acid reflux that damages the inside of the esophagus. Due to exposure to stomach acid, the cells inside the esophagus change through a process called metaplasia.  Sometimes, the cells may even become precancerous. Fortunately, the risk of developing cancer is low, despite the damaged cells in

Obstetric injuries are injuries that occur during vaginal delivery. Unfortunately, certain types of injuries can cause fecal incontinence even if treated properly. In some women, surgery to repair the tissue may fail due to an increased risk of injuries in the area and poor wound healing.  Fecal incontinence can occur during a bout of diarrhea, but if

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and the third most common type of cancer in developing countries. Fortunately, when detected early, the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. Below, we asked the Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County in Orange County, California, to explain how a simple procedure can save your life. Read

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria is present in almost half of the population, but not everyone develops symptoms. H. pylori becomes problematic when it triggers an overproduction of stomach acid, which damages the stomach lining and causes ulcers in some people. Scientists don’t yet know why certain people carry H. pylori without any issues while other