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Understanding Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction, also known as intestinal obstruction, is a functional or mechanical blockage of the intestines. A partial or complete blockage can be dangerous as it disrupts the normal flow of the solids, fluids, and gas, fluids in the intestine. An obstruction may occur in the small intestine or in the large intestine. Bowel obstruction is a medical emergency. Causes of bowel obstructionThere are many underlying conditions that could possibly cause bowel obstruction. These include abdominal…
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive system. It is characterized by inflammation of any part of the digestive tract lining between the mouth and the anus. The disease can then spread deep into layers and layers of affected tissue. Without treatment, Crohn’s disease can become very painful and disabling and can also lead to life threatening complications. Causes of crohn’sThe underlying cause of Crohn’s disease is not yet known. Doctors may not yet have a conclusive reason …
Understanding Esophagitis
Esophagitis is the inflammation of the lining of the esophagus (lower end). This condition can be extremely uncomfortable if left untreated, causing ulcers, scarring of the esophagus, and problems with swallowing. In some cases, esophagitis can lead to a condition called “Barrett’s Esophagus,” a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Causes of esophagitisThe following are the underlying conditions that could cause esophagitis: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or reflux esophagitis, swallowing …
Understanding Heartburn
Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, is the burning sensation in your esophagus, just below your breastbone. It is often connected with regurgitation of the gastric acid. The sensation rises in the chest and usually radiates to the throat, neck, or angle of your jaw. This condition has been found to cause chronic cough, and may imitate asthma. The term “heartburn” is a misnomer as this condition has nothing to do directly with the heart. What causes heartburn?Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophag…
When to Call a Doctor for Digestive Problems
People usually call their doctor when they experience signs and symptoms of an illness or medical condition. However, with regards to digestive problems, sometimes it’s hard to determine whether you have a certain medical condition or just gas, for instance. Here are a few things you can go by so you would know when to call your doctor: HeartburnCall your doctor if your heartburn persists, is not relieved by medication or has gotten more severe. Also, if your heartburn causes you to vomit, it’s …
Understanding Colon Cleansing
Colonics or colon cleansing is the process of flushing the colon with the use of water that is usually mixed with herbs and other supplements. This procedure has been practiced as early as 1500 BC where a record of the procedure was found in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient medical instruction book. Colon cleansing was also being practiced during the 4th and 5th Century BC up until the 2nd Century AD. The practice of colon cleansing became popular in modern times during the 1930’s up to the 1950’s …
What Is Peptic Ulcer?
Ulcer is a common, albeit very painful stomach problem. Ulcer is common in adults. The doctor’s report that about 1 in every 10 people will eventually get an ulcer. What is an ulcer?An ulcer, or a peptic ulcer, is basically a sore. These sores form in the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. They cause a sharp or burning pain in the stomach.The pain usually follows a few hours after you eat. Stomach pains can also happen at night or early in the morning when the This pain often…
How the Digestive System Works
The digestive system is one of the main functions of the body, working together to make life possible. It is composed of the digestive tract which is a series of hollow organs that are joined by a long twisting tube starting from the mouth to the anus. It is also helped by the other organs to aid in the proper digestion of food. Importance of the digestive systemThe body requires essential nutrients in order to function properly. This can be acquired from food that we eat. But in order for the b…
How to Prevent Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is also considered as a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It has been estimated that about 170 million people all over the world have been chronically infected with the Hepatitis C virus with an additional three to four million people infected each year. There is no vaccine currently available to combat the spread of the disease and the treatment for chronic Hepatitis C that may be available may prove to be too costly especially in less developed countries wh…
How to Prevent Liver Disease
The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body. It serves several functions in the body. One of its major functions is to produce substances that help break down fat. The liver also converts glucose in the body into glycogen, which provides the body with the primary short term energy storage in the cells. The liver also helps filter the harmful substances that contains in the blood, produce certain amino acids as well as maintaining the proper level of glucose in the blood. With the liver …
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