Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and various health complications. It can affect people of all ages and is triggered by consuming foods or products containing gluten.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the number or type of bacteria in the small intestine. While the large intestine naturally houses a large number of bacteria, the small intestine typically has fewer. In SIBO, bacteria from the colon migrate to the small intestine or multiply excessively, disrupting digestion and nutrient absorption.
An Upper GI Endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows doctors to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It involves the use of a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light called an endoscope, inserted through the mouth.
