Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a chronic condition in which the lining of the colon is inflamed. It affects men and women equally and is generally diagnosed before age 35 but it can be developed at any age. Ulcerative colitis is a disease more common in Caucasians and is found more often in the Jewish population versus other ethnic groups.

Rectal bleeding is an indication something is wrong. Usually it is something minor and easily diagnosed, but not always. It is important to identify the specific cause of rectal bleeding and ensure appropriate treatment is started. Although rectal bleeding isn’t usually serious, it may be a sign of rectal cancer.

Pancreatitis is the most common form of exocrine pancreatic disease. In pancreatitis, the “factory” manufacturing and storing digestive enzymes for transport into the intestines explodes and the enzymes escape into the surrounding tissues. The enzymes digest and destroy the surrounding tissues resulting in considerable swelling or inflammation and increased amounts of blood in the pancreatic vessels. Pancreatitis can be very serious and is often fatal if not treated and lifestyle changes made. Multiple attacks of pancreatitis will eventually irreparably damage your pancreas and chronic...

When IBS is present, the colon does not contract in the usual manner. Contractions are disorganized and at times may be exaggerated and last for extended periods of time. Instead of contracting in a normal sequential manner, one area of the colon may contract with no regard for another or there may be very few contractions. These exaggerated, abnormal, painful contractions can lead to altered bowel movements. Constipation is the most common bowel pattern but diarrhea can also occur.