All about ulcers

All about ulcers

Up to 45 million people in the U.S. have an open sore in the lining of their gastrointestinal tract known as an ulcer.  An ulcer can occur in the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), the stomach (gastric ulcer), and the esophagus (esophageal ulcer).  Ulcers are often referred to as “peptic ulcers” to indicate they occur in the digestive tract.

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What you should know about pancreatitis

What you should know about pancreatitis

Simply put, pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.  This large gland lies behind the stomach and is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes that are involved in the digestion of our food.  These digestive enzymes are collectively known as pancreatic juice and they join together with bile from the gallbladder - bile is made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder – to help break down food.  Both pancreatic juice and bile are carried to the small intestine through the pancreatic and common bile ducts.

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