Treating

Learn about the different types of medicines that can be used to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your abdominal organs. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or liver disease.

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. The goal is to remove the appendix safely. Here's what you need to know.

You have been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Your pancreas is inflamed or swollen. Here's what you need to know about caring for yourself at home.

Long-term (chronic) pancreatitis is caused by repeated cases of inflammation of your pancreas. It results in permanent scarring of the pancreatic tissue. The pancreas is an organ that makes chemicals and hormones that help you digest food and use sugar for energy.

You have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. This is a condition in which small pouches form in your colon (large intestine) and become inflamed or infected. Follow the guidelines here for home care.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when acid flows back from the stomach into the swallowing tube (esophagus).

You had surgery to remove hemorrhoids. These are large, swollen veins inside and outside the anus. After surgery, it may take a few weeks or longer to recover. This sheet tells you how to care for yourself once you're home.

During an ileostomy, a surgeon removes the colon (large intestine) and part of the last section of the ileum (small intestine) if they are diseased.

Learn how to care for yourself at home after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove your gallbladder.

Learn about guidelines for home care after an open cholecystectomy.

You had a procedure called open hernia repair. Also called a rupture, a hernia is a tear or weakness in the wall of the belly. Hernias may get worse with time or with physical stress. But surgery can help repair the weakness and eliminate symptoms.

Detailed information on how to care for your G-tube at home.

The NG tube will give you food, fluids, and medicine. Read on for helpful information about when to call your provider.

You are going home with a feeding tube in place. If you normally take any medicines by mouth, you will need to take them through your feeding tube. You can make this easier by calling your pharmacist to see whether any of your medicines are available in liquid form. If they are, ask that your prescriptions be filled with liquid medicines.

If your symptoms persist, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the hemorrhoid. This can be done in your healthcare provider's office or at a surgical center.

You may need surgery for hemorrhoids if they cause severe symptoms. Or you may have it if your hemorrhoids come back after you have tried other treatments. Read on to learn what to expect.

A hernia won't heal on its own. You'll need surgery to fix the defect in the abdominal wall. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

After your surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. Here you will be carefully watched. Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be checked. You'll also get pain medicine to keep you comfortable. When you're ready, you'll be moved to a normal hospital room. You'll then be watched closely to be sure you're healing well. Your hospital stay may last from a few days to a week, or longer. Once home, follow instructions to help make sure you have a full recovery.

You can lead a full life even if you have ulcerative colitis. Focus on keeping your symptoms under control with diet, exercise, and stress relief. And don't let this disease isolate you. Read on to learn more.

Your child is going home with either a G-tube or a G-J tube in place. This sheet will help you remember the steps to take for feeding your child through this tube at home.

Samonella is a type of bacteria that can cause nausea and vomiting. Follow these directions for home care.

Salmonella can result in an infection that can cause nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, fever, and headache. Learn how to care for yourself at home when you have this condition.

Healthcare providers use PEG tube feeding (also called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) when you can't swallow food safely or there is a blockage in your esophagus or stomach.

If you have an upset stomach, your healthcare provider may recommend a bland diet. Here's a list of foods to eat, and foods to avoid.

Your healthcare provider has prescribed a soft diet. This means eating foods that are soft, low in fiber, and easy to digest. Here are some general guidelines to get you started.

You may be put on a clear liquid diet if you are recovering from irritation or infection of the stomach or intestinal tract. This diet may also be used before surgery or special procedures such as a colonoscopy.