Endoscopy Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Endoscopy that may be used to diagnose or monitor the status of the diseases and conditions listed below.

  • Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Abdominal Pain Article
    • Abdominal pain facts
    • What is abdominal pain?
    • What causes abdominal pain?
    • How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
    • Characteristics, symptoms, and signs of the abdominal pain
    • Associated signs and symptoms of abdominal pain
    • Physical examination
    • Exams and tests
    • Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
    • Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
    • How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
  • Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anemia Article
    • Anemia facts*
    • What is anemia?
    • What causes anemia?
    • Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
    • What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
    • What are other causes of anemia?
    • Can anemia be hereditary?
    • What are the symptoms of anemia?
    • How is anemia diagnosed?
    • What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
    • How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
    • What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
    • What is hemoglobin?
    • What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
    • What is the hematocrit?
    • How is hematocrit determined?
    • How is anemia treated?
    • What are the complications of anemia?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
  • Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia) Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe...learn more »
    In This Article
    Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia) Article
    • Rectal bleeding (blood in stool) facts
    • What does rectal bleeding (blood in stool) mean?
    • What are the causes of blood in the stool (rectal bleeding)?
    • What diseases and conditions can cause blood in the stool (rectal bleeding)?
    • Anal fissure
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Diverticulosis
    • Colon cancer and polyps
    • Polypectomy
    • Angiodysplasias
    • Colitis and proctitis
    • Meckel's diverticulum
    • Rare causes of rectal bleeding
    • How is the cause and site of rectal bleeding determined?
    • History and physical examination
    • Anoscopy
    • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
    • Colonoscopy
    • Radionuclide scans
    • Visceral angiogram
    • Video capsule and small intestine enteroscopy
    • MRI and CT tomographic angiography
    • Nasogastric tube aspiration
    • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
    • Blood tests
    • How is rectal bleeding treated?
  • Hiatal Hernia A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest....learn more »
    In This Article
    Hiatal Hernia Article
    • What is a hiatal hernia?
    • What causes a hiatal hernia?
    • Are there different types of hiatal hernias?
    • What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia?
    • How does a hiatal hernia cause GERD?
    • How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed?
    • How is a hiatal hernia treated?
    • Hiatal Hernia At A Glance
  • Crohn's Disease Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect...learn more »
    In This Article
    Crohn's Disease Article
    • Crohn's disease facts
    • What is Crohn's disease?
    • What causes Crohn's disease?
    • How does Crohn's disease affect the intestines?
    • How is Crohn's disease different from ulcerative colitis?
    • What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
    • What are the complications of Crohn's disease?
    • How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
    • How is Crohn's disease treated?
    • Crohn's Disease Medications
    • Anti-inflammatory medications
    • 5-ASA (mesalamine) oral medications
    • 5-ASA rectal medications (Rowasa, Canasa)
    • Corticosteroids
    • Budesonide (Entocort EC)
    • Antibiotics
    • Immuno-modulator medications
    • Azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP, Purinethol)
    • Infliximab (Remicade)
    • Adalimumab (Humira)
    • Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
    • Natalizumab (Tysabri)
    • Methotrexate
    • Surgery in Crohn's disease
    • Are there any recommendations for diet and supplementation for Crohn's disease?
    • Conclusions
  • Thrush Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Thrush Article
    • Thrush facts
    • What is thrush?
    • What causes thrush?
    • What are risk factors for thrush?
    • What are thrush symptoms and signs?
    • How is thrush diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for thrush?
    • Are there home remedies for thrush?
    • What is the prognosis of thrush?
    • Can thrush be prevented?
  • Internal Bleeding Internal bleeding occurs when an artery or vein is damaged and blood to escapes the circulatory system and collects inside the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Internal Bleeding Article
    • What is internal bleeding?
    • What causes internal bleeding?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding?
    • How is internal bleeding diagnosed?
    • How is internal bleeding treated?
    • What are the complications of internal bleeding?
    • Internal Bleeding At A Glance
  • Helicobacter Pylori (H pylori) Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Helicobacter Pylori (H pylori) Article
    • What is Helicobacter pylori?
    • What does H. pylori cause in humans?
    • What are the symptoms of H. pylori infections?
    • Is H. pylori contagious?
    • How is H. pylori infection diagnosed?
    • Why treat H. pylori?
    • What is the treatment for H. pylori?
    • Who should receive treatment for H. pylori?
    • Can H. pylori infections be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for H. pylori infections?
  • Stomach Cancer Though the cause of stomach cancer is unknown, risk factors for stomach cancer include diet, H. pylori infection, smoking age,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Stomach Cancer Article
    • What is the stomach?
    • What is cancer, and how does stomach cancer spread?
    • What are risk factors and causes of stomach cancer?
    • What are symptoms of stomach cancer?
    • How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
    • How is staging determined?
    • What is the treatment for stomach cancer?
    • Surgery
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • How do I go about getting a second opinion?
    • What are some of the nutritional concerns of stomach cancer patients?
    • What are treatment options for cancer that blocks the digestive tract?
    • What follow-up care is necessary for stomach cancer patients? What about complementary and alternative medicine?
    • What support is there for cancer patients?
    • How can I take part in clinical trials for stomach cancer?
    • Stomach Cancer At A Glance
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Article
    • GERD facts
    • What is GERD (acid reflux)?
    • What causes GERD?
    • What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
    • What are the complications of GERD?
    • How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
    • Symptoms and procedures to diagnose GERD
    • GERD tests
    • How is GERD treated?
    • Lifestyle changes and GERD diet
    • GERD medications
    • GERD surgery
    • What is a reasonable approach to the management of GERD?
    • What are the unresolved issues in GERD?
  • Esophagitis Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the esophagus. Infections that cause esophagitis include candida yeast...learn more »
    In This Article
    Esophagitis Article
    • What is esophagitis?
    • What causes esophagitis?
    • What are the types of esophagitis?
    • What are the symptoms of esophagitis?
    • How is esophagitis diagnosed?
    • How is esophagitis treated?
    • What about esophagitis and diet?
    • What options are there for pain relief for esophagitis?
    • What are the complications of esophagitis?
    • Can esophagitis be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for esophagitis?
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis has many causes including acid reflux,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Eosinophilic Esophagitis Article
    • What is eosinophilic esophagitis?
    • What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
    • How does eosinophilic esophagitis cause dysphagia?
    • What are the other causes of dysphagia or solid food?
    • How is eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosed?
    • How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?
    • What about elimination diets for treating eosinophilic esophagitis?
    • What is the future of eosinophilic esophagitis?
    • Eosinophilic Esophagitis At A Glance
  • Celiac Disease Celiac disease is a result of an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat or related grains and present in many foods...learn more »
    In This Article
    Celiac Disease Article
    • Celiac disease facts
    • What is celiac disease?
    • What causes celiac disease?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of celiac disease?
    • How do symptoms of celiac disease differ with age of onset?
    • What is latent and silent celiac disease?
    • What diseases are associated with celiac disease?
    • How is celiac disease diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of celiac disease?
    • What if individuals don't respond to gluten free diet?
    • What is refractory celiac disease?
    • What is the treatment of refractory celiac disease?
    • What are the complications of celiac disease?
    • Can cancer risk be reduced in celiac disease?
    • What's new in celiac disease?
    • Information on gluten free diet
  • Oral Cancer The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches...learn more »
    In This Article
    Oral Cancer Article
    • What is the oral cavity?
    • What is cancer?
    • Who's at risk for oral cancer?
    • What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
    • How is oral cancer diagnosed?
    • How is oral cancer treated?
    • Methods of treatment
    • What are the side effects of treatment for oral cancer?
    • What is rehabilitation for oral cancer?
    • What happens after treatment for oral cancer?
    • What does the future hold for patients with oral cancer?
    • What resources are available to patients with oral cancer?
    • Oral Cancer At A Glance
  • Esophageal Cancer Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the esophagus. Risk factors of cancer of the esophagus include...learn more »
    In This Article
    Esophageal Cancer Article
    • Esophageal cancer facts*
    • What is the esophagus?
    • What is cancer?
    • What are the types of esophageal cancer?
    • What are esophageal cancer causes and risk factors?
    • What are esophageal cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
    • What are the stages of esophageal cancer?
    • What is the treatment for esophageal cancer?
    • Surgery
    • Radiation therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Should people get a second opinion after an esophageal cancer diagnosis?
    • What are the side effects of treatment for cancer of the esophagus?
    • What follow-up care is necessary during recovery?
    • Where can people get support for esophageal cancer?
    • How can people with esophageal cancer participate in clinical trials?
    • Where can people find more information about esophageal cancer?
  • Gastritis Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Causes of gastritis include drinking too much alcohol, medications such as...learn more »
    In This Article
    Gastritis Article
    • Gastritis facts*
    • What is gastritis?
    • What causes gastritis?
    • What are the symptoms of gastritis?
    • What are the complications of gastritis?
    • How is gastritis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for gastritis?
  • Anal Cancer Anal cancer, cancer located at the end of the large intestine, has symptoms that include anal or rectal bleeding, anal pain or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anal Cancer Article
    • What is anal cancer?
    • What are the risk factors for anal cancer?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of anal cancer?
    • How is anal cancer diagnosed?
    • What affects the prognosis?
    • How is the staging of anal cancer determined?
    • What is recurrent anal cancer?
    • What is the treatment for anal cancer?
    • How does staging affect the treatment of anal cancer?
    • What are the treatment options for recurrent anal cancer?
    • Where can I find more information about anal cancer?
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder involving abnormal gut contractions (motility) characterized...learn more »
    In This Article
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Article
    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) facts
    • What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What are the complications of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?
    • How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treated?
    • Constipation medications
    • Diarrhea medications
    • Abdominal pain medications
    • Psychotropic drugs
    • Psychological treatments
    • IBS Diet
    • Is there a relationship between IBS and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth?
    • What is a reasonable approach to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What is in the future for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
  • Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach) Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a functional disease in which the gastrointestinal organs, primarily the stomach and first part of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach) Article
    • What is dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • What are the symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • What causes dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • What is the course of dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • What are the complications of dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • How is dyspepsia (indigestion) diagnosed?
    • Exclusion of other diseases
    • Specific tests of gastrointestinal function
    • How is dyspepsia (indigestion) treated?
    • What is a reasonable approach to the diagnosis and treatment of dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • What is in the future for dyspepsia (indigestion)?
    • Dyspepsia (Indigestion) At A Glance
  • Barrett's Esophagus Barrett's esophagus occurs as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), primarily in white males. GERD...learn more »
    In This Article
    Barrett's Esophagus Article
    • What is Barrett's esophagus?
    • Why is there so much interest in Barrett's esophagus?
    • What causes Barrett's esophagus?
    • Who develops Barrett's esophagus?
    • What is the specific abnormality in the inner lining (epithelium) of Barrett's esophagus?
    • What about the cancer that occurs in Barrett's esophagus?
    • What is dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus?
    • What is the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in Barrett's?
    • What are the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus?
    • How is GERD with or without Barrett's esophagus treated?
    • Why is it important to screen patients with GERD to diagnose Barrett's esophagus?
    • Why is it critical to be accurate in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus?
    • What does endoscopic biopsy surveillance in Barrett's esophagus involve?
    • How is high grade dysplasia managed?
    • How is low grade dysplasia managed?
    • What are the experimental approaches for treatment of high grade dysplasia?
    • What experimental options are there for Barrett's esophagus WITHOUT dysplasia?
    • What does the future hold for Barrett's esophagus?
    • Barrett's Esophagus At A Glance
  • Gastroparesis Gastroparesis is a medical condition in which the muscle of the stomach is paralyzed by a disease of either the stomach muscle...learn more »
    In This Article
    Gastroparesis Article
    • Gastroparesis facts
    • What is gastroparesis?
    • What causes gastroparesis?
    • What are gastroparesis symptoms and signs?
    • How is gastroparesis diagnosed?
    • How is gastroparesis treated?
    • What is the prognosis (long-term outcome) for patients with gastroparesis?
    • What's new in gastroparesis?
  • Dysphagia Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, swallowing problems. Dysphagia is due to problems in nerve or muscle control. It is...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dysphagia Article
    • What is dysphagia?
    • What causes dysphagia?
    • Physical obstruction of the pharynx or esophagus
    • Diseases of the brain
    • Diseases of the smooth muscle of the esophagus
    • Diseases of the skeletal muscle of the pharynx
    • Miscellaneous diseases
    • What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
    • Swallowing related symptoms
    • Non-swallowing related symptoms
    • What is the differential diagnosis for dysphagia?
    • How is dysphagia evaluated and the cause diagnosed?
    • How is dysphagia treated?
    • What is the prognosis for dysphagia?
    • What does the future offer for dysphagia?
    • Dysphagia At A Glance
  • Peptic Ulcer A peptic ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter...learn more »
    In This Article
    Peptic Ulcer Article
    • Peptic ulcer facts
    • What is a peptic ulcer?
    • What causes of peptic ulcers?
    • What are symptoms of peptic ulcers?
    • How is a peptic ulcer diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for peptic ulcers?
    • What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
    • Peptic ulcer summary
  • Achalasia Achalasia is a disease of the esophagus that mainly affects young adults. Abnormal function of nerves and muscles of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Achalasia Article
    • What is achalasia?
    • How does the normal esophagus function?
    • How is esophageal function abnormal in achalasia?
    • What causes achalasia?
    • What are the symptoms of achalasia?
    • What are the complications of achalasia?
    • How is achalasia diagnosed?
    • How is achalasia treated?
    • Achalasia At A Glance
  • Schatzki's Ring Schatzki (Schatzki's) ring, is a narrow ring of tissue located just above the junction of the esophagus and stomach. The cause of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Schatzki's Ring Article
    • What is a Schatzki ring?
    • What are symptoms of a Schatzki Ring?
    • How is a Schatzki Ring diagnosed?
    • What treatment is for Schatzki Ring?
  • Heartburn Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heartburn Article
    • Heartburn facts
    • What are the symptoms of heartburn?
    • What causes heartburn?
    • Dietary causes of heartburn
    • Lifestyle causes of heartburn
    • Medical causes of heartburn
    • What is the treatment for heartburn?
    • Tips to alleviate heartburn symptoms
    • OTC heartburn treatments
    • Prescription heartburn treatments
    • When is heartburn surgery necessary?
  • Salivary Gland Cancer Salivary gland cancer is cancer that affects the parotid glands, sublingual glands, or the submandibular glands. Risk factors...learn more »
    In This Article
    Salivary Gland Cancer Article
    • What is salivary gland cancer?
    • What increases the risk of salivary gland cancer?
    • What are symptoms and signs of salivary gland cancer?
    • What exams and tests are used to detect and diagnose salivary gland cancer?
    • What is the prognosis for salivary gland cancer?
    • What tests are done to determine if salivary gland cancer has spread?
    • How does salivary gland cancer spread in the body?
    • What are the stages for salivary gland cancer?
    • What is the treatment for salivary gland cancer?
    • How does staging affect treatment options?
  • Carcinoid Syndrome and Carcinoid Tumor A carcinoid tumor is a tumor that develops from enterochromaffin cells. The important characteristic of carcinoid tumors that...learn more »
    In This Article
    Carcinoid Syndrome and Carcinoid Tumor Article
    • What is a carcinoid tumor?
    • What is the carcinoid syndrome?
    • How common are carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome?
    • What is the prognosis and natural history of carcinoid tumors?
    • Where do carcinoid tumors occur?
    • How are carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome diagnosed?
    • How are carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome treated?
    • Carcinoid Syndrome and Carcinoid Tumors At A Glance
  • Head and Neck Cancer Head and neck cancer is cancer of the oral cavity, salivary glands, paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, or lymph...learn more »
    In This Article
    Head and Neck Cancer Article
    • What is cancer?
    • What kinds of cancers are considered cancers of the head and neck?
    • How common are head and neck cancers?
    • What causes head and neck cancers?
    • What are common symptoms of head and neck cancers?
    • How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?
    • What health professionals treat patients with head and neck cancers?
    • How are head and neck cancers treated?
    • Are clinical trials (research studies) available for patients with head and neck cancers?
    • What rehabilitation or support options are available for patients with head and neck cancers?
    • Is follow-up treatment necessary? What does it involve?
    • What can people who have had head and neck cancer do to reduce the risk of developing a second primary (new) cancer?
  • Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis (snail fever), a disease caused by parasites, causes a variety of symptoms and signs, such as cough, rash and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Schistosomiasis Article
    • What is schistosomiasis?
    • What causes schistosomiasis?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of schistosomiasis?
    • How is schistosomiasis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for schistosomiasis?
    • When should people with schistosomiasis seek medical care?
    • What are the complications of schistosomiasis?
    • Can schistosomiasis be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) for schistosomiasis?
    • Schistosomiasis At A Glance
  • GERD and Acid Reflux in Infants and Children GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the upward movement of stomach content, including acid, into the esophagus and...learn more »
    In This Article
    GERD and Acid Reflux in Infants and Children Article
    • GERD and Acid Reflux in Infants and Children Introduction
    • What are the symptoms of acid reflux in infants and children?
    • What causes GERD and acid reflux in infants and children?
    • How is acid reflux diagnosed in infants and children?
    • What are the treatments for acid reflux in infants and children?
    • Medications for GERD
    • Drugs to lessen gas
    • Drugs to neutralize or decrease stomach acid
    • Drugs to improve intestinal coordination
    • Surgery for reflux in children
  • Reflux Laryngitis Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Reflux Laryngitis Article
    • Why does reflux laryngitis occur?
    • What are the typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis?
    • How are reflux laryngitis evaluated?
    • What is the conservative therapy of reflux?
    • What types of medications are used to treat reflux?
    • What are the difficulties in diagnosing reflux laryngitis?
    • Reflux Laryngitis At A Glance
  • Duodenal Diverticulum Duodenal diverticula (extramural or intramural), or duodenal diverticulum, is a pouch that is attached to the first part of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Duodenal Diverticulum Article
    • What is a duodenal diverticulum?
    • What causes a duodenal diverticulum?
    • What complications are caused by a duodenal diverticulum?
    • How is a duodenal diverticulum diagnosed?
    • How is a duodenal diverticulum treated?
    • What about intramural diverticula?
  • The Digestive System Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves...learn more »
    In This Article
    The Digestive System Article
    • Digestion Introduction
    • What is Digestion?
    • Foods Journey - Stop 1: The Mouth
    • Foods Journey - Stop 2: The Pharynx and Esophagus
    • Foods Journey - Stop 3: The Stomach and Small Intestine
    • Foods Journey - Stop 4: The Colon, Rectum and Anus
    • Accessory organs in digestion
  • Bowel Incontinence Bowel or fecal incontinence refers to the loss of voluntary control of stool, or bowel movements. The condition can include...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bowel Incontinence Article
    • Bowel incontinence (fecal incontinence) definition
    • What causes bowel incontinence?
    • What are the symptoms of bowel incontinence?
    • How is bowel incontinence diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for bowel incontinence?
    • What about bowel incontinence in children?
    • Can bowel incontinence be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for bowel incontinence?