Gastrointestinal Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook

Basic Consumer Health Information about the Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract, Including the Esophagus, Stomach, Intestines, Rectum, Liver, and Pancreas, with Facts about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastritis, Hernias, Ulcers, Celiac Disease, Diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Gastrointestinal Cancers, and Other Diseases and Disorders Related to the Digestive Process

Between sixty and seventy million Americans are affected by digestive disorders, and these disorders are responsible for more than thirty-five million doctor's office visits each year. Digestive disorders affect all parts of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, the stomach, the large and small intestines, the rectum and anus, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the liver, and the appendix, and range in severity from minor inconvenience to life-threatening illness.

This edition of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook provides basic consumer health information about the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It describes disorders related to the digestive process, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernias, gastritis, ulcers, cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, gall stones, intestinal gas, celiac disease, constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, and cancer of the digestive tract. Symptoms, methods of prevention, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods for each disorder are fully explained. The book also includes information on current research initiatives, a glossary, and a list of resources for further help and information.