An itchy bottom can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you have an anal itch, it may be difficult to restrain yourself from scratching — which would only make it itch worse. There is no end to embarrassing gastrointestinal problems. Even compared to other embarrassing conditions such as leaks and gas to diarrhea and sudden urges, itchy anus is one of the more embarrassing gastrointestinal issues to be suffering from in public. There is...

An endoscopy is a procedure conducted by gastroenterology specialists that examines either the large intestine from the rectum (lower endoscopy) or the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine from your mouth. This non-invasive procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible endoscope into your digestive system to examine tissue and diagnose conditions. There are many different types of endoscopy procedures, some of...

There are a number of triggers that lead one to scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist (i.e., a digestive disease specialist):

• Bloating

• Unusual pain

• Frequent heartburn

• Abnormal bowel movements

• Difficulty swallowing

• Being 50+ years of age

Your primary care doctor may instruct you...

Barrett’s esophagus is an issue that can arise in the tissue lining the esophagus. It occurs when the tissue that lines the esophagus begins to resemble the tissue lining the intestines due to chronic regurgitation of stomach acid. This is problematic for a number of reasons, including being a possible precursor of esophageal cancer. It is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is generally considered a pre-cancer,...

As you get older, your doctor is likely to recommend you get a colorectal cancer screening. Before the doctor can check for any abnormalities, your colon must be clean so they can see inside properly.

Colonoscopies are brief, 20- to 30-minute procedures that are conducted while you are under anesthesia. The most dreaded part of colonoscopies isn’t the procedure itself, but the preparation that one must do before...