Browse our Health Library to learn about treatments, conditions, and how Cedars-Sinai can support your healthcare needs.
The 24-hour probe study measures the pH (acid level) in your food pipe (esophagus). For the 24-hour probe study, your health care provider will insert a thin tube into your nose. The tube goes down into your esophagus. The tube will have...
An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly.
X-rays use beams of energy that pass through body tissues onto a special film and make a picture. They show pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs. Bone and metal show up as white on X-rays. X-rays of the belly may be done ...
Achalasia is a disease that makes it hard to eat and drink normally. It affects your esophagus, which is the swallowing tube that connects the back of your throat to your stomach.
Achalasia is a rare disease that makes it hard to swallow foods and liquids. In achalasia, there is a problem with the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be caused by gallstones, alcohol consumption, and certain medicines, among other causes.
Alcohol-induced liver disease is caused by heavy use of alcohol. The liver's job is to break down alcohol. If you drink more than it can process, it can become badly damaged.
Alcoholic hepatitis is liver inflammation and damage cause by drinking too much alcohol over time.
An anal fissure is a small, painful tear in the lining of the anus. Anal fissures may hurt and bleed during or after a bowel movement, but about 90% heal without surgery.
An anal fistula is an abnormal opening in the skin near the anus. It leads to the inside of the anal canal in the colon.
An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus under the skin in the area of the anus and rectum.
Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower part of the digestive tract.
An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix when it is infected. This condition is called appendicitis. Appendectomy is a common emergency surgery.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that happens when your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased.
Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix. It is a medical emergency. The appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more infection. If not treated, it can be fatal.
Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid collects in spaces in your belly. It can be painful and keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your belly. Fluid may also move into your chest ...
Autoimmune hepatitis is when your body’s infection-fighting system (immune system) attacks your liver cells. This causes redness and swelling (inflammation) and liver damage.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation in the digestive tract, including the stomach and the small and large intestines. When it's caused by a type of bacteria, it’s called bacterial gastroenteritis.
A barium swallow is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your upper GI tract includes the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus is when the normal cells that line your food pipe (esophagus) turn into cells not usually found in your body. The new cells take over because the lining of the esophagus has been damaged. The new, abnormal cells are ...
The Bernstein test (esophageal acid perfusion test) is used to see if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Biliary atresia is a rare liver disease that occurs in infants. It is often found shortly after birth. The disorder affects tubes in the liver called bile ducts. If not treated with surgery, it can be fatal.
In blind loop syndrome, food is not able to follow the normal digestive route. Instead, it bypasses a section of your intestine.
An intestinal blockage interrupts the normal digestive process. Many possible causes can lead to intestinal blockage including scarring, a hernia, or tumors.
Celiac disease is a digestive problem that hurts your small intestine. It stops your body from taking in nutrients from food. You may have celiac disease if you are sensitive to gluten.
Cholangitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the bile duct system. In most cases cholangitis is caused by a bacterial infection. The infection often happens suddenly. But in some cases it may be long-term (chronic).
A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.
Cholecystitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder. It happens when a digestive juice called bile gets trapped in your gallbladder.
Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis is a long-term (chronic) liver disease. The damage to your liver builds up over time.
Pancreatitis is an inflamed, swollen and irritated. If you don't recover from an acute pancreatitis attack, the inflammation gets gradually worse, you have chronic pancreatitis.
Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options.