1. What Are Hemorrhoids and How Can They Be Prevented?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels near the anus and lower rectum. These blood vessels are found in spongy cushions of tissue just under the lining of the anal canal. Hemorrhoids bleed when the blood vessels rupture (for example, from straining during a bowel movement). Because bleeding can be a sign of colon cancer or colon polyps, you should consult with your doctor whenever you have bleeding from the rectum, blood in your stools, or blood in the toilet after a bowel movement. Your doctor may recommend a visual examination of the lower colon (sigmoidoscopy) or entire colon (colonoscopy).

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft so they pass easily without straining. Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses each day) can help you stay regular and keep your stools soft, reducing constipation, and lowering the risk of developing new hemorrhoids.

2. What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

When you swallow, food passes down your throat and through your esophagus to your stomach. A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach and remains tightly closed except when you swallow food. When this muscle fails to close, the acid-containing contents of the stomach can splash back up into the esophagus. This backward movement is called reflux. When stomach acid enters the lower part of the esophagus, it can produce a burning sensation, commonly referred to as heartburn.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when reflux is frequent enough to affect your daily life, and/or damage your esophagus.

3. What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is "minimally invasive" surgery in which several small (usually 5- to 10-millimeter) incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon is guided by the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the internal organs onto a monitor, during the procedure.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is used to treat GERD when medications don't help. During the procedure an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus is created.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is most appropriate for people who have not had previous abdominal surgery, those who have small hiatal hernias without complications of GERD, and those who experience most symptoms of reflux when lying down.

4. How Can Dietary Changes Prevent Digestive Discomfort?

Many digestive problems can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly or skipping meals, can result in digestive discomfort. Be sure to eat food slowly, chewing thoroughly. You might want to try eating several small meals throughout the day to help lessen any symptoms of digestive discomfort.

In addition, eating a balanced diet can help you avoid digestive discomfort. Unhealthy diets can contribute to digestive system difficulties. Many people eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

5. How Can I Help a Loved One Cope with Digestive Difficulties?

Encourage your loved one to seek treatment as soon as digestive symptoms appear. Immediate treatment can help in relieving as much discomfort as possible. Diarrhea, vomiting, poor absorption of nutrients, and side effects of drug treatment all may lead to malnutrition. If the symptoms do not get better after a few days or if they are very severe, call a doctor to ensure that your loved one receives proper evaluation and treatment.

6. What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten. Glutens are a form of protein found in some grains. The damage to the intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, especially fat, calcium, iron, and folate.

7. What Is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible, lighted tube to look inside the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first section of the small intestine), colon, or rectum. The procedure is commonly used to help diagnose:

• Abdominal or chest pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Bleeding
• Swallowing disorders
• Ulcers
• Tumors
• Inflammation
• Bowel movement difficulties

8. What Is Hepatitis and How Can It be Prevented?

Hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be either acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting more than six months). Several viruses are known to cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C.
To reduce your chances of getting hepatitis:

• Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B
   (there is currently no vaccine available for hepatitis C)
• Use a latex condom during sex
• Don't share needles or take drugs
• Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing
• Don't use an infected person's personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes
• Take precautions when getting any tattoos or body piercings
• Take precaution when traveling to areas of the world with poor sanitation.
   Make sure you get immunized against hepatitis A.

9. What Are Ulcers and How Do I know I Have Them?

Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include:

• A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or
  at night
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, ulcer symptoms can include:

• Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen

10. When Should I Call the Doctor About Digestive Problems?

You should call your doctor if you have any of the following digestive symptoms.

• Heartburn that persists and/or becomes more severe, or is not relieved by
   medication
• A sensation of food caught in the chest or throat
• Unusual or persistent abdominal pain
• Discomfort that interferes with daily activities
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Heartburn that causes vomiting
• Vomiting of blood
• Bloody or black stools
• Dramatic weight loss
• Persistent hoarseness and/or a sore throat
• Episodes of choking
• Persistent diarrhea
• New or persistent constipation

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

*Information provided by WebMD