Peptic ulcers are breaks that extend through the mucosa, typically occurring in the stomach or in the duodenum. The two primary causes of peptic ulcers are infection with a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.  Smoking has also been associated with increased risk of PUD. Stress and diet were initially thought to predispose to PUD, but now are recognized to be of little or no risk.

by: Mark Fleisher, M.D.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is by far the most common inherited cause of iron overload (1). Without diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, there is a risk that iron overload will occur resulting in tissue damage and potentially premature death. Less common forms of iron overload associated with mutations of transferrin receptor 2, (TFR2), hepcidin, hemojuvelin, and a sub-type of ferroportin (1) will not be discussed. 

Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is typically caused when the acidic contents of the stomach reflux into the esophagus. Heartburn is a burning sensation located in the upper abdomen and behind the sternum which may radiate up the esophagus to your mouth.

The average person produces 1-3 pints of gas each day which is passed as flatus or belching about 20 times daily.

In people over the age of 50, the presence of small pockets which protrude out from the wall of the colon called “diverticula” are very common. These pockets typically form where blood vessels enter the colon wall. These diverticula are usually asymptomatic; however, should they become inflamed, the term “diverticulitis” is used.

by: Bharat Misra, M.D.

Celiac Sprue, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or nontropical sprue is a disease primarily affecting the small bowel caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Over the past several decades, it has become apparent that celiac sprue is often underdiagnosed due to minimal or no clinical symptoms. Studies suggest that celiac sprue is present in 1:250 to 1:500 persons in most countries (1,2). Celiac sprue is particularly common in populations from Northern Europe and Western Ireland.

Hepatitis is a general term indicating inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses, drugs, lack of blood flow (ischemia) and in some cases the immune system attacks the liver causing “autoimmune hepatitis.” Autoimmune hepatitis can occur in all age groups and both genders, however, it is most common in young adults and those in the fourth-sixth decades and is more common in women with an 3.6:1 female to male predominance (1-3).