Digestive Diseases
Appendicitis |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Hirschsprung's Disease
Hirschsprung's Disease is a disease of the large intestine. Normally, muscles in the intestine push stools to leave the body. Special nerve cells in the intestine, make the muscles push. A person with Hirschsprung's disease does not have these nerve cells in the last part of the large intestine.
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract
Bleeding in the digestive tract is a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself. Bleeding can occur as the result of a number of different conditions, some of which are life threatening. Most causes of bleeding are related to conditions that can be cured or controlled, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids. The cause of bleeding may not be serious, but locating the source of bleeding is important.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea--loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day--is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment. However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Dehydration is discussed below.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine and can affect any part of the digestive tract. Chron's disease can lead to blockage of the intestine as it thickens the intestinal wall with swelling, and scar tissue, narrowing the passage.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. With flexible sigmoidoscopy, the physician can see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths, and ulcers in the descending colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is not sufficient to detect polyps or cancer in the ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of the colon).
Viral Gastroenteritis
Anyone can get viral gastroenteritis and most people recover without any complications. However, viral gastroenteritis can be serious for people who cannot drink enough fluids to replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhea, especially infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. Complications from vomiting also can occur, even in healthy people.
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (false blockage) is a condition that causes symptoms like those of a bowel obstruction (blockage). But when the intestines are examined, no obstruction is found. A problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work causes the symptoms. Pseudo-obstruction symptoms include cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, fewer bowel movements than usual, and loose stools. Over time, pseudo-obstruction can cause bacterial infections, malnutrition, and muscle problems in other parts of the body. Some people also have bladder problems.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the end section, called the terminal ileum. Ulcerative colitis may also be called colitis or proctitis.
Ileostomy, Colostomy, and Ileoanal Reservoir Surgery
Sometimes treatment for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis involves removing all or part of the intestines. When the intestines are removed, the body needs a new way for stool to leave the body, so the surgeon creates an opening in the abdomen for stool to pass through. The surgery to create the new opening is called ostomy. The opening is called a stoma.
Rapid Gastric Emptying
Rapid gastric emptying, or dumping syndrome, happens when the lower end of the small intestine (jejunum) fills too quickly with undigested food from the stomach. "Early" dumping begins during or right after a meal. Symptoms of early dumping include nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. "Late" dumping happens 1 to 3 hours after eating. Symptoms of late dumping include weakness, sweating, and dizziness. Many people have both types.
Fecal Compaction
Fecal compaction, also know as impaction, occurs when hardened waste matter obstructs natural bowel function. Although this condition occurs for many reasons, diet appears to play a key role in promoting constipation, which is the forerunner of compaction. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treating this digestive disorder.
Mucoid Plaque
The colon normally produces a kind of specialized mucus to protect itself against unhealthful foods. Mucoid plaque, on the other hand, occurs as a result of an unhealthy colon and can lead to chronic constipation over time. Learn about other negative effects and treatment of this digestive condition.
Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome is a group of problems affecting people who have had half or more of their small intestine removed. The most common reason for removing part of the small intestine is to treat Crohn's disease.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be both embarrassing and inconvenient. It can also be very dangerous to your health. Learn more about the causes of diarrhea in children, infants and adults, and what you can do to prevent future infections.
Bleeding in Digestive Tract
Bleeding in the digestive tract can come from a number of different internal organs such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, or intestines. Learn how to properly identify this condition.
Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease is a general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon (large intestine). They are not related to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which are more severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Candida
Candida is a medical condition characterized by mold inhabiting the body. Learn about the its symptoms and the negative effects it has on your body.
