Celiac
Sprue
Celiac Sprue is an inherited disorder that is characterized
by alabsorbtion of nutrients by the intestines. In the United
States, it is estimated that one person in 250 has celiac
sprue, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. The actual number may be greater. Celiac sprue has many
names- gluten sensitive enteropathy, non-tropical sprue, idiopathic
steatorrhea, celiac disease and sprue. The small intestine lining
of persons with this disorder is damaged by a protein fraction
of gluten, called gliadin.
Gliadin is
present in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Since the function
of the small intestine is digestion and absorption of nutrients,
water, and bile salts, damage can have many effects. Healing
of the small intestine will only occur when gliadin is removed
from the diet. Celiac sprue has no age restriction. Symptoms
can occur at any time after gliadin containing food are eaten.
Diagnosis can be made any time between infancy and old age.
Many questions
remain about the way celiac sprue is inherited. People who develop
celiac sprue must have the genetic potential to develop this
disorder, a source of gliadin in the diet, and a trigger factor
to develop the disorder. There must be a source of gliadin in
the diet and there must be a trigger factor. When a person explores
their genetic background, celiac sprue may not be found, but
disorders include:
- Dermatitis
Herpetiformis
- Insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (Type I)
- Systemic
Lupus Erythematousus
- Sjogren's
Syndrome
- Sclerodema
- Grave's
Disease
- Addison's
Disease
-
Myasthenia Gravis
- Autoimmune
Chronic Active Hepatitis
- Wegener's
Granuomatosis
Many
trigger factors have been reported. Some seem to have their
celiac sprue triggered by surgery or stresses to the body.
Women often develop symptoms of celiac sprue after delivering
a baby. Some report having a virus infection, then never recovering.
Others report having their celiac sprue triggered by severe
psychological stress.
What
are the signs and symptoms of celiac sprue?
Symptoms vary, but people with celiac sprue often have abdominal
bloating, cramping, distention, steatorrhea, and diarrhea
accompanied by weight loss in adults and failure to thrive
in babies. Irritability is also a typical symptom. Damage
caused to intestinal cells results in secondary lactose intolerance
and loss of potassium and other electrolytes. Vitamin deficiencies
can cause osteomalaci, rickets, muscle spasms, night blindness,
and anemia. Symptoms for adults can be variable. A person
with celiac sprue may have isolated symptoms or multiple deficiencies.
Diarrhea may or may not be present. Appetite is often increased.
Weight loss, weakness, and fatigue are also common complaints.
When the absorptive lining of the small intestine is damaged,
fat cannot be absorbed normally. The results include fatty
diarrhea, weight loss and absorption of fat soluable Vitamins
A, D, E, and K.
How
is Celiac Sprue diagnosed? Other
than signs and symptoms, the best way to diagnose celiac sprue
is by a small intestinal biopsy. In this test, a small flexible
tube is passed down the throat into the stomach and out into
the specific area of the small intestine where a biopsy is
taken. The difference between normal bowel tissue and that
found in celiac sprue is great. In celiac sprue, the normal
finger-like projections (villi) which increase the absorptive
surface area of the small intestine are partially or totally
absent. The brush border, which normally appears on the surface
of the villi, is substantially reduced. Enzymes located on
the brush border are greatly reduced. Lactase, the enzyme
responsible for splitting milk sugar (lactose) so it can be
absorbed, is one of the border brush enzymes. This decrease
in lactose explains why persons with untreated celiac sprue
may not be able to tolerate milk products.
The second
essential part to the diagnosis is improvement on a gluten-free
diet. Elimination of wheat, rye, barley, and oat products
and their derivatives from the diet is essential. About 95%
of persons with abnormal biopsies related to celiac sprue
improve dramatically on the gluten-free diet. When gluten
is removed from the diet, the cells in the intestinal lining
are already returning to normal.
Back
To Top
Constipation
can be defined
as infrequent or hard pellet stools, or difficulty in evacuating
stools. Passing one or more soft, bulky stools everyday is a
desirable goal. While troublesome, constipation is not usually
a serious disorder. However, there may be other underlying problems
causing constipation and, therefore, testing is often recommended.
What
causes constipation? The stomach churns and
mixes food so it can be digested. The near-liquid food then
enters the small intestine which extracts calories, minerals,
and vitamins. The small intestine ends in the right-lower
abdomen where it enters the colon. The colon, or large bowel,
is 5 to 6 feet long. Its function is to withdraw water from
the liquid stool, so that by the time it reaches the rectum
there is a soft formed stool. If an excessive amount of water
is extracted, the stool cane become hard and difficult to
expel. Constipation is often caused by a lazy colon that does
not contract properly and fails to move the stool to the rectum.
The colon also can become spastic and remain contracted for
a prolonged time. In this case, stool cannot move along and,
again, too much water is absorbed. Constipation also can result
from a mechanical obstruction, such as tumors or advanced
diverticulosis. Other conditions that can produce a sluggish,
poorly contracting bowel include: pregnancy, anal fissures
and hemorrhoids, certain drugs, certain hormone deficiencies,
the abuse of laxatives, travel, and stress.
Diagnosis
The patient's medical history is the most important factor
in diagnosing constipation. The physician also will perform
a physical exam and obtain certain blood tests. A barium x-ray
exam of the lower bowel or colon is often warranted. In addition,
a "procto" or sigmoidoscopic exam is necessary to rule out
a mechanical blockage of the lower bowel, such as a tumor.
This exam allows the physician to view the bowel wall and
obtain biopsies (tissue samples) of any suspicious areas.
Colonoscopy is the visual
examination of the inside of the entire colon using a lighted
fiberoptic colonoscope. The exam is usually performed under
mild sedation. At times colonoscopy is necessary when the
cause of constipation is not clear. In certain cases, pressure
measurements of the rectum and lower colon can provide valuable
information.
Back
To Top
Crohn's
Disease Crohn's
disease is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the
intestinal tract. The intestinal tract has four major parts:
the esophagus, or food pipe; the stomach, where food is churned
and digested; the long, small bowel, where nutrients, calories,
and vitamins are absorbed; and the rectum and colon, where water
is absorbed and stool is stored. The two primary sites for Crohn's
disease are the ileum, which is the last portion of the small
bowel, and the colon. The condition begins as small, microscopic
nests of inflammation which persist and smolder. The lining
of the bowel then becomes ulcerated and the bowel wall thickened.
Eventually, the bowel may become narrowed.
What
causes Crohn's Disease?
After many years of intense research, the cause of Crohn's
disease still remains unknown. One theory is that the condition
is caused by an unidentified, slow-growing microorganism.
The body's immune system, which protects it against many different
infections, is also thought to be a factor. In spite of the
unknown cause, enormous understanding and knowledge currently
exist about the disease and its treatment.
Symptoms
can include recurrent
pain in the right lower abdomen, diarrhea (sometimes bloody),fever,
and weight loss.
Diagnosis
There is no conclusive diagnostic test for Crohn's disease.
The physician uses a series of tests to assess the patient's
overall condition and then makes a diagnosis. The patient's
medical history and physical exam are always helpful. Certain
blood and stool tests are performed in arriving at a diagnosis.
X-rays of the small intestine and colon are required. In addition,
a visual examination (sigmoidoscopy)
of the lining of the rectum and lower bowel is usually necessary.
A more extensive exam of the entire colon (colonoscopy)
allows photography and small, painless biopsies to be performed.
Back
To Top
Diverticulosis
/ Diverticulitis Diverticulosis means that there
are pockets or projections extending out from the colon. These
occur gradually over a long period of time. They occur at weak
points in the bowel wall. The pockets develop because of the
pressure exerted within by the contracting colon. Since the
sigmoid colon has the highest pressure in the colon, it is here
that most diverticuli occur. Because of these balloon-like projections,
the sigmoid often becomes thickened and narrowed. When this
happens, significant changes in the bowel function can occur,
such as discomfort, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Who
gets Diverticulosis? Since it takes so long
to develop, diverticulosis usually appears later in life.
However, it is not uncommon to see this occur in people who
are in their 30s.
Diagnosis
The medical history is the physician's most important tool
in diagnosing diverticulitis. The physical exam may find tenderness
present in the left lower abdomen. A barium enema x-ray usually
is required to determine the extent of the disorder. Flexible
sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
are exams performed through the rectum with a lighted, flexible
endoscope. These exams view the colon from the inside and
provide additional information about the problem.
Back
To Top
Esophagitis
and Stricture When stomach acid and digestive
enzymes repeatedly reflux into the esophagus, the tissues become
inflamed and ulcerated. This inflammation is known as esophagitis.
When the inflammation is severe, esophageal ulcers develop.
Signs
and Symptoms Heartburn occurs when acid refluxes
into the esophagus. It is experienced as a burning sensation
in the lower chest and may be felt up the esophagus. At times,
bitter-tasting liquid may regurgitate up into the mouth. When
esophagitis is severe and ulcers are present, swallowing may
cause pain when food reaches this part of the esophagus. Furthermore,
if the lower esophagus narrows due to scarring, food may stick
in this area. The symptom is called dysphagia and is uncomfortable.
Esophagitis also may cause bleeding. Black stools, anemia,
and vomiting of blood are signs of bleeding.
Diagnosis
An upper GI series x-ray is
usually done to outline the esophagus. An endoscopy also is
performed using a flexible, fiberoptic endoscope. Tissues
can be visualized and biopsied during this procedure. This
examination is important since cancer of the esophagus can
mimic esophagitis.
Back
To Top
Gallstones
Bile is composed of a variety of chemicals,
including cholesterol, salts, and certain pigments. The
gallbladder absorbs water from the bile, causing it to thicken.
In some people, tiny crystals form the cholesterol and pigments.
These crystals grow gradually until one or even hundreds
of gallstones develop. About 80 percent of gallstones are
composed of cholesterol, while the remainder are made of
pigments, salts, and other chemicals. The way stones are
formed is a gradually becoming known to scientists. It is
possible that in the future gallstones can be prevented.
Diagnosis
The physician, and even the patient, may suspect the presence
of gallstones simply from the medical history. A sound wave
test (ultrasound or sonography) provides a simple, quick
method of diagnosis. In this test, sound waves are beamed
into the gallbladder. If hard stones are present the wave
is reflected back (echo) to the machine which picks up and
documents this echo. This test looks at the anatomy of the
gallbladder. Another way of testing is to evaluate the function.
In this test (a hapatobiliary scan) a small amount of radioactive
material is injected by vein. It then concentrates in the
gallbladder. An agent is then given that will cause the
gallbladder to contract and empty. A diseased gallbladder
does not do this very well and so this test can indicate
a gallbladder problem. There are other tests available for
difficult cases.
Back
To Top
Gas
When people complain of gas they usually mean frequent belching
of air from the stomach, bloating of the abdomen after eating,
and frequent passing of gas from the rectum. It may be uncomfortable
or inconvenient, but only rarely is gas associated with a
serious illness. Gas is usually just the result of certain
habits or diet choices.
-
BELCHING
is the result of too much air in the stomach. It gets
there by being swallowed with food or liquid. The stomach
releases it by forcing it up the windpipe in a belch.
Occasionally, it is necessary to treat excessive belching
with medicine. In most cases, however, patients can reduce
belching by following simple lifestyle changes to correct
the causes.
-
BLOATING for most people is simply the sensation
of stuffiness. However, for some it can feel painful.
Usually bloating is a result of poor motility. Motility
refers to the contractions that automatically move food
through the digestive tract. Poor motility slows the movement
of food through the stomach and intestinal tract. Bloating
is often part of irritable bowel syndrome, a condition
in which there is disorganized motility and spasm of the
bowel. For this reason, the physician may perform tests,
including x-rays and endoscopy.
-
RECTAL
GAS is most often produced by bacteria in the colon.
There are literally hundreds of different bacteria normally
present in the colon. Most are harmless. In fact, they
are even beneficial to digestion. In the process of breaking
down nutrients, bacteria generate gases such as hydrogen,
carbon dioxide, and methane. Under normal conditions,
many of these gases are reabsorbed and do not cause excessive
gas.
Back
To Top
GERD
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
What
is GERD?
Gerd is a very common disease of the digestive tract that
is characterized by the reflux of gastric fluid from the stomach
back up to the esophagus or swallowing tube. Approximately
15% of the adult population suffers from GERD and it occurs
equally between men and women. frequent heartburn. Characteristic
symptoms of GERD include:
- Frequent
heartburn
- Difficult
or painful swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Sour
or bitter taste in the mouth from the reflux of stomach
fluids
- Nighttime
wheezing or coughing
- Feeling
like you need to clear your throat repeatedly
Usually
some or all of the symptoms worsen after eating, or when bending
over or lying down. Occasionally heartburn is common in all
of us, however, frequent or regular heartburn accompanied
by other symptoms should alert you to the possibility of GERD.
What
is the cause of GERD?
To understand the cause of GERD it is important to understand
the process of digestion. Normally, when we eat food, it passes
from the mouth down through the esophagus (swallowing tube)
and into the stomach. At the junction of the esophagus and
the stomach there is a valve known as the lower esophageal
sphincter or LES. The LES normally opens just long enough
to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach and
then closes to prevent food from refluxing back into the esophagus.
In patients who suffer from GERD there is generally a malfunction
of the LES that allows stomach juices to flow back into the
esophagus. Most commonly this malfunction is a transient relaxation
of the LES but it can also be an anatomic malfunction caused
by a hiatal hernia. In a very small percentage of people the
LES is simply to weak to do its job. Regardless of the cause
there is unwanted reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
What
are the complications associated with GERD? If
left untreated, GERD can cause serious complications. The
chronic reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus can result
in inflammation, ulcers, or stricture of the delicate esophageal
tissue. Stricture of the esophagus occurs secondary to the
chronic inflammation caused by the chronic reflux of stomach
acids. This complication can progress to the point where it
becomes difficult to swallow food. If this occurs it may become
necessary to undergo esophageal dilatation to open the area
of stricture. Barrett's esophagus describes a complication
of GERD where there are actual precancerous changes in the
tissue that lines the esophagus. Once Barrett's esophagus
is diagnosed it becomes very important to undergo regular
biopsies of the esophagus as there is an increased risk for
the development of esophageal cancer. Because the complications
associated with GERD can be so serious, it is important to
recognize the problem and implement appropriate treatment
in the early stages of the disease in order to prevent these
more serious consequences.
What
is the treatment for GERD? The
focus of the treatment for GERD is to neutralize the stomach
acids, reduce the volume of acid in the stomach, hasten the
passage of food into the small intestine, and increase the
tone of the LES. Your doctor, by prescribing different medications,
a change in dietary habits, and a change in lifestyle can
help reduce or eliminate reflux and the symptoms associated
with GERD.
Back
To Top
Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids
are one of mankind's most common and nagging disorders. By themselves,
hemorrhoids are rarely serious, but they can be extremely troublesome.
They may mask a more serious disorder, such as colon cancer
or rectal cancer.
Hemorrhoids
are enlarged veins which occur around the anus and rectum. They
may be external or internal and can be felt or seen as lumps
or knots.
Conditions
which contribute to hemorrhoids are:
- Poor
Bowel Habits
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Frequent
straining when having a bowel movement
Some patients
do not suffer from these conditions and still develop hemorrhoids.
What
are the complications?
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Itching
and Irritation
Treatment
of Hemorrhoids
- Keep
anal are clean
- Keep
anus and hemorrhoids as dry as possible
- Eat
a high-fiber diet
- Avoid
straining when having a bowel movement
- Hot
sitz baths
- Ligation
- A common method of treating internal hemorrhoids by using
a small rubberband to tie off the base of the swollen vein.
While under treatment, the blood circulation to the hemorrhoid
stops and the hemorrhoid later falls off.
- Infared
Photocoagulation - An infared light source is used to
coagulate the internal hemorrhoidal vein.
- Lasers
- A laser directs a high-intensity light beam at tissue
and produces great heat, thereby coagulating the hemorrhoid.
This technique is still in the research phase, but may have
applications in the future.
- Surgery
Back
To Top
 Hepatitis
Hepatitis
is caused by any inflammation of the liver. This inflammation
can be caused by many different things such as: drugs, viruses,
bacteria, heredity, and fatty tissue.
Other
causes?
- Alcohol
- Binge drinking can inflict an acute hepatitis injury on
the liver.
- Drugs
- Certain drugs can injure the liver.
- Autoimmune
Disorders
- Hereditary
Conditions
Syptoms
- Loss
of taste in food
- Loss
of taste in cigarettes
- Heaviness
in the right-upper abdomen
- Jandice
- with acute B hepatitis
Diagnosis
- Blood
tests
- Ultrasound
- Liver
Biopsy
Treatment No
specific treatments are available for acute viral hepatitis.
Fortunately, in most cases the body develops antibodies that
fight and kill the virus. For alcohol and drug-induced hepatitis,
the patient has to avoid the offending agent.
Chronic
Phase The liver smolders with
persistent inflammation. These patients must be followed closely.
Effective treatment is available for many types of chronic
hepatitis.
Contagion
and Spread Contaminated water
and poor sanitation provide easy transmission for these viruses.
In addition, during acute phases, all body secretions are
infectious.
Vaccination
Passive and active vaccines are now available against hepatitis
A and B.
Back
To Top
Hiatus
Hernia In
some people, the hiatus or hole in the diaphragm weakens and
enlarges. It is not known why this occurs. It may be due to
heredity, while in others it may be caused by obesity, exercises
such as weightlifting, or straining at stool. Whatever the cause,
a portion of the stomach herniates, or moves up, into the chest
cavity through this enlarged hole. Hiatus hernias are very common,
occurring in up to 60 percent of people by age 60.
Diagnosis
of a hiatus hernia is typically made through an upper GI barium
x-ray. A complementary test is gastroscopy, or upper
GI endoscopy, in which the physician visually examines
the esophagus and stomach.
Back
To Top
IBD
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What
is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD is a group of chronic disorders of the
bowel that are characterized by inflammation or ulceration
of the large and small intestines. IBD is a true inflammation
of the intestine that can result in the following :
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Cramping
abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Elevation
of the white blood cell count
IBD
can be confirmed by a barium x-ray or by a colonoscopy procedure.
Are
there different types of IBD?
The
common types of IBD include:
- Ulcerative
Colitis
- Crohn's
Disease
- Enteritis
- Ileitis
- Proctitis
Is
there a differnce between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease?
Although ulcerative colitis and
Crohn's disease cause very similar symptoms
they exhibit some distinct differences. Ulcerative colitis
causes ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of
the colon and rectum, and very rarely extends into the small
intestine. Crohn's disease effects not only the superficial
lining of the intestine, but also extends into the deeper
layers of the intestinal wall. Unlike ulcerative colitis,
Crohn's disease can involve the small intestine and in some
instance inflammation of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and
appendix.
What
causes IBD? There are many theories
regarding causes of IBD, however, the exact cause of IBD has
yet to be proven. The current prevailing theory suggests that
IBD occurs secondary to a viral, bacterial, or allergic process
that results in the production of antibodies that attack the
intestine, thus resulting in inflammation. IBD also exhibits
a family or genetic predisposition as 10 to 20 percent of
the patients with IBD have a close family member that has
the disease. Stress, although it may increase the severity
of IBD, is probably not a major cause of the disease.
How
is IBD diagnosed? If you are
exhibiting symptoms of IBD your doctor will most likely perform
a complete physical exam, including blood tests and stool
tests. A colonoscopy procedure
that allows visualization of the intestinal lining will be
performed and biopsies of the intestinal lining will be taken.
The colonoscopy and biopsies
(tissue samples) will help determine if you have ulcerative
colitis or Crohn's disease. It will also help determine the
extent and severity of the IBD.
What
is the treatment for IBD? The
majority of patients with IBD can be treated on an outpatient
basis with drugs that have been proven helpful in treating
the inflammation. Occasionally, severe cases of IBD require
hospitalization for more aggressive treatment with intravenous
medications and fluids. Complicated cases of IBD may also
require surgical intervention with removal of the intestine
or removal of the entire colon. Fortunately, the majority
of patients with IBD can be treated without surgical intervention.
Back
To Top
Irritable
Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is
a common disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy pain,
gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. IBS effects
the entire gastrointestinal tract , but especially the colon.
When
does IBS occur?
IBS occurs when the colon does not contract properly. Instead,
it contracts in a disorganized and, at times, violent manner.
What
causes IBS?
The cause of IBS is not known. It is often called a functional
disorder because there is no sign of disease when the colon
is examined. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress,
but it does not cause permanent harm to the intestines and
does not lead to intestinal bleeding of the bowel or to a
serious disease such as cancer.
Diagnosis
- Examination
of the patients medical history
- Lab
tests
- Stool
Samples - to check for the presence of blood
- X-rays
- Endoscopy
Treatment
The treatment
of IBS is directed to both the bowel and the emotional/stress
aspects. The diet requires review, as there may be foods that
aggravate symptoms. Eating causes contractions of the colon.
Normally, this response may cause an urge to have a bowel
movement within 30-60 minutes after a meal. In people with
IBS, the urge may come sooner with cramps and diarrhea.
Stress also
stimulates colonic spasms in people with IBS. This process
is not clearly understood, but scientists point out that the
colon is controlled partly by the nervous system. Mental health
counseling and stress reduction can help relieve the symptoms
of IBS. It is important to note that this does not mean IBS
is the result of a personality disorder or problem.
Proper diet
is important. Increasing dietary fiber and eating smaller
meals or smaller portions may help decrease symptoms.
Specific medications
and exercises may be prescribed by the physician.
Back
To Top
Lactose
Intolerance Lactose intolerance
is a condition in which the body is not capable of properly
digesting lactose. Lactose is a complex sugar that is found
in milk and in all other dairy products. Lactose can also be
found in many processed foods. Lactose intolerance has also
been associated with numerous prescription and non-prescription
medications since lactose is used as a filler in the production
of many of these medicines.
Why
can't the body digest the lactose?
Normally lactose, like other sugars, is broken down by an
intestinal enzyme (lactase) so that it can then be used as
fuel by the body. When there is a deficiency or absence of
the lactase enzyme in the small intestine the body cannot
properly digest and utilize this complex sugar. The reduced
or absent lactase activity in the small intestine can occur
secondary to other diseases affecting the intestines. Approximately
75 percent of the American adult population develops some
degree of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is most
common in the African-American and Asian populations.
What
are the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance?
The symptoms
of lactose intolerance may include nausea, bloating, abdominal
cramps, gas, and diarrhea. The symptoms normally begin to
develop approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting
lactose containing foods. When undigested lactose reaches
the large intestine it is broken down by bacteria resulting
in acid containing by-products. These acidic by-products are
responsible for producing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
The severity of the symptoms is normally related to the degree
of lactose defiance and the amount of lactose ingested.
How
is lactose intolerance diagnosed? If
you experience symptoms of lactose intolerance you should
consult your physician for a definitive diagnoses. There are
other more severe digestive diseases that may have symptoms
similar to the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Your physician,
after reviewing your history, physical, and necessary tests
can exclude the more serious causes associated with your symptoms.
There are several relatively simple tests that your doctor
can utilize to determine if you have lactose intolerance.
What
is the treatment for lactose intolerance? Treatment
for lactose intolerance will depend on the severity and tolerance
of the symptoms that develop after ingesting foods containing
lactose. Some individuals may experience relief simply by
reducing milk consumption. Individuals with more severe symptoms
may need to completely eliminate lactose containing foods
from their diet. Many groceries now carry lactose free products
in the specialty sections of their stores. Your physician
can help you develop a diet to help you avoid food products
containing lactose. Along with diet restrictions, there are
now over-the-counter lactose enzyme tablets available that
can be taken with meals to aid in the digestion of foods containing
lactose. Since a high percentage of daily calcium requirements
come from lactose containg food (milk), individuals on lactose
restricted diets may require calcium supplements. Again, your
physician can help determine if a dietary calcium supplement
is necessary.
Although lactose
intolerance is not a life threatening condition, it can certainly
be an annoying condition because of the symptoms associated
with it. If you are suffering from any of the aforementioned
symptoms you should consult your physician to rule out the
possibility of more severe gastrointestinal diseases. If the
diagnosis of lactose intolerance is made your physician can
provide you with the necessary guidance for minimizing or
eliminating your symptoms.
Back
To Top
Liver
Disease When we talk about liver
disease, most people entertain visions of the alcoholic who
has abused alcohol to the point where the liver no longer functions.
Alcohol can in fact cause liver disease, however, there are
many other causes of liver disease such as Hepatitis and Wilson's
disease which is inherited.
What
are the symptoms of Liver Disease? The
signs and symptoms of early liver disease are many times very
subtle and non-specific. Some people in the very early stages
of liver disease may not experience any symptoms at all. Others
may experience flu like symptoms that might include fatigue,
fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and nausea.
Other symptoms that should alert you to seek medical attention
include darkening of the urine, jaundice, easy bruising or
bleeding.
What
kind of Liver Disease does alcohol cause? Alcohol
can cause an acute liver disease as well as permanent liver
damage. "Fatty liver" can occur in the earliest stage of alcoholic
liver disease but can go unrecognized because it is usually
not associated with symptoms. Fatty liver caused by alcohol
consumption is reversible if the consumption of alcohol is
discontinued. A more serious consequence of alcohol toxicity
is alcoholic hepatitis. Alcoholic hepatitis causes inflammation
of the cells of the liver and in many cases will present itself
after an episode of binge drinking. With alcoholic hepatitis
the normal functions of the liver are impaired and in some
cases alcoholic hepatitis can be fatal. If alcoholic hepatitis
is detected and treated early, it is possible to prevent the
more serious consequences of cirrhosis. With alcoholic cirrhosis,
permanent damage of the liver occurs. Normal liver cells are
damaged and replaced with scar tissue. Once cirrhosis occurs
in the liver, it is no longer capable of performing its' normal
functions. Unfortunately, at this point, the alcohol induced
damage is irreversible.
Back
To Top
Rectal
Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is a sign that something is wrong. It is usually
something minor that can be easily diagnosed, but not always.
It is, therefore, important that the specific cause of rectal
bleeding be identified so appropriate treatment can be started
and the problem corrected.
Causes
of rectal bleeding:
- Hemorrhoids
- Fistula-
an abnormal, burrowing channel that usually runs from the
rectum to the skin around the anus.
- Fissure-
tears in the lining tissue of the anus caused by the passage
of a hard stool or severe diarrhea.
- Diverticulosis
- Proctitis
and Colitis
- Polyps
and Cancer
- Protrusion
from the rectum
DiagnosisThe
physician will inspect the anal area looking for tears and
hemorrhoids. A finger exam can provide information when there
is tenderness or a tumor inside. In men, the prostate is also
examined. A colonoscopy or
flexible sigmoidoscopy are
used to visually examine the colon using a lighted, flexible
endoscope.
Back
To Top
|
