Introduction Serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis can cause a number of complications, including esophageal varices — abnormally enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach. Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked. The blood then backs up into smaller, more [...]
Introduction Almost everyone has had hiccups. Some people even have them before they’re born. “Singultus” is the medical term for hiccups, derived from the Latin word “singult,” which means the act of catching your breath while sobbing, an apt description of the way hiccups sound. Although they can be embarrassing — especially if the “hic” [...]
Introduction Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Oats may contain gluten as well. When a person with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten, an immune reaction occurs in the small [...]
Introduction Occasional difficulty swallowing usually isn’t cause for concern, and may simply occur when you eat too fast or don’t chew your food well enough. But persistent difficulty swallowing may indicate a serious medical condition requiring treatment. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) may mean it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from your [...]