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 Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and
tight. It is usually caused by intestinal gas. Common
causes are overeating, lactose intolerance and other
food intolerances, air swallowing (a nervous habit),
Irritable bowel syndrome, partial bowel obstruction, and
constipation. Important but uncommon causes of abdominal
bloating include ascites and tumors, such as those
arising from ovarian cancer.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is traditionally described by
its chronicity (acute or chronic), its progression over
time, its nature (sharp, dull, colicky), its
distribution (by various methods, such as abdominal
quadrant (left upper quadrant, left lower quadrant,
right upper quadrant, right lower quadrant)) or other
methods that divide the abdomen into nine sections), and
by characterization of the factors that make it worse,
or alleviate it. Due to the many organ systems in the
abdomen, abdominal pain is a concern of general
practitioners/family physicians, surgeons, internists,
emergency medicine doctors, pediatricians,
gastroenterologists, urologists and gynecologists.
Abnormal Liver Tests
An initial step in detecting liver damage is a simple
blood test to determine the presence of certain liver
enzymes in the blood. Under normal
circumstances, these enzymes reside within the
cells of the liver. But when the liver is injured, these
enzymes are spilled into the blood stream signaling
liver damage.
Anemia
Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin
that results in a reduced ability of blood to transfer
oxygen to the tissues, causing tissue hypoxia. Since all
human cells depend on oxygen for survival, varying
degrees of anemia can have a wide range of clinical
consequences. Hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in
the red blood cells) has to be present to ensure
adequate oxygenation of all tissues and organs. The
three main classes of anemia include excessive blood
loss (acutely such as a hemorrhage or chronically
through low-volume loss), excessive blood cell
destruction (hemolysis) or deficient red blood cell
production (ineffective hematopoiesis). In menstruating
women, dietary iron deficiency is a common cause of
deficient red blood cell production. Anemia is the most
common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of
anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes.
Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on
the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms,
and discernible clinical spectra, to mention a few.
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal
cavity. Mild ascites is hard to notice, but severe
ascites leads to abdominal distension. Patients with
ascites generally will complain of progressive abdominal
heaviness and pressure as well as shortness of breath
due to mechanical impingement on the diaphragm. Ascites
is detected on physical examination of the abdomen by
visible bulging of the flanks in the reclining patient
("flank bulging"), "shifting dullness" (difference in
percussion note in the flanks that shifts when the
patient is turned on the side) or in massive ascites
with a "fluid thrill" or "fluid wave" (tapping or
pushing on one side will generate a wave-like effect
through the fluid that can be felt in the opposite side
of the abdomen). Other signs of ascites may be present
due to its underlying etiology. For instance, in portal
hypertension (perhaps due to cirrhosis or fibrosis of
the liver) patients may also complain of leg swelling,
bruising, gynecomastia, hematemesis, or mental changes
due to encephalopathy. Those with ascites due to cancer
(peritoneal carcinomatosis) may complain of chronic
fatigue or weight loss. Those with ascites due to heart
failure may also complain of shortness of breath as well
as wheezing and exercise intolerance.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the
small intestine and interferes with absorption of
nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease
cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat,
rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may
also be found in products we use every day, such as
stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins.
When people with celiac disease eat foods or use
products containing gluten, their immune system responds
by damaging the small intestine. The tiny, fingerlike
protrusions lining the small intestine are damaged or
destroyed. Called villi, they normally allow nutrients
from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Without
healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, regardless
of the quantity of food eaten. Because the body's own
immune system causes the damage, celiac disease is
considered an autoimmune disorder. However, it is also
classified as a disease of malabsorption because
nutrients are not absorbed. Celiac disease is also known
as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive
enteropathy. Celiac disease is a genetic disease,
meaning it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is
triggered-or becomes active for the first time-after
surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or
severe emotional stress.
Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the large intestine.
Also this is used to refer to inflammation of the small
intestine. Although the proper term would be ileitis
when speaking of the ileum which is the end of the small
intestine, colitis may be due to infections like
Salmonella, diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's
disease.
Stress-related colitis, also called the irritable bowel
syndrome does not truly cause inflammation of the colon,
but it does cause the same symptoms.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon),
the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer
is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together,
they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About
112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually,
and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are
diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer
Society. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small,
noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous
polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon
cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any,
symptoms. Regular screening tests can help prevent colon
cancer by identifying polyps before they become
cancerous. If signs and symptoms of colon cancer do
appear, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood
in your stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal
pain.
Colon Polyps
As many as 30 percent of middle-aged and older adults
have one or more colon polyps - a small clump of cells
that forms on the colon lining. Although the great
majority of colon polyps are harmless, some may become
cancerous over time. Anyone can develop colon polyps,
but you're at higher risk if you are 50 or older, are
overweight or a smoker, eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet,
or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or
colon cancer. Sometimes colon polyps can cause signs and
symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel
habits and abdominal pain. But most small colon polyps
don't cause problems, which is why experts generally
recommend regular screening. Colon polyps that are found
in the early stages usually can be removed safely and
completely.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer
than three times per week. With constipation stools are
usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to
eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it
painful to have a bowel movement and often experience
straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.
Some people think they are constipated if they do not
have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool
elimination may be three times a day or three times a
week, depending on the person. Constipation is a
symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences
constipation at some point in their life, and a poor
diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is
temporary and not serious.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an ongoing disorder
that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also
referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's
disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the
mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the
lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The
swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected
organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the
intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the
general name for diseases that cause swelling in the
intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn's disease are
similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable
bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be
difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes
inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining
of the large intestine. In Crohn's disease, all layers
of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy
bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.
Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems
to run in some families. Crohn's disease may also be
called ileitis or enteritis.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of
the number of bowel movements in a 24-hour period.
People interpret diarrhea differently but the strict
definition is as stated: " Diarrhea may be caused by
many different disorders ranging from food poisoning,
infections, food allergies, malabsorption (not absorbing
food properly), medications (prescription and
non-prescription) and colitis ". Any persistent diarrhea
should come to one's attention and should be addressed
by a physician.
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Many people have small
pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak
spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places
in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Pouches
(plural) are called diverticula. The condition of having
diverticula is called diverticulosis. About 10 percent
of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis. The
condition becomes more common as people age. About half
of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis.
When the pouches become infected or inflamed, the
condition is called diverticulitis. This happens in 10
to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called
diverticular disease.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the
lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from
the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this
condition can become very uncomfortable, causing
problems with swallowing, ulcers and scarring of the
esophagus. In rare instances, a condition known as
"Barrett's esophagus" may develop, which is a risk
factor for cancer of the esophagus. Esophagitis is
caused by an infection or irritation in the esophagus.
An infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi
or diseases that weaken the immune system.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is the accumulation of fat
in liver cells. Simple fatty liver is not a disease,
since it does not damage the liver, but is a condition
that can be identified by taking a sample of liver
tissue (liver biopsy) and examining it under a
microscope. Another term often used to describe this
condition is fatty infiltration of the liver.
Fissures
An anal fissure is a small split or tear in
the anal mucosa that may cause painful bowel movements
and bleeding. There may be blood on the outside of the
stool or on the toilet tissue following a bowel
movement. Anal fissures are extremely common in young
infants but may occur at any age. Studies suggest 80% of
infants will have had an anal fissure by the end of the
first year. Most fissures heal on their own and do not
require treatment, aside from good diaper hygiene.
However, some fissures may require medical treatment.
The incidence of anal fissures decreases rapidly with
age. Fissures are much less common among school-aged
children than among infants. In adults, fissures may be
caused by constipation, the passing of large, hard
stools, or by prolonged diarrhea. In older adults, anal
fissures may be caused by decreased blood flow to the
area. Anal fissures are also common in women after
childbirth and people with Crohn's disease.
Fistulas - An abnormal passageway in the body. The
fistula may go from the body surface into a blind pouch
or into an internal organ or go between two internal
organs. For a common example, an anal fistula has an
opening in the skin near the anus that leads into a
blind pouch or may connect through a tunnel with the
rectal canal. For a rare example, a gastropericardial
fistula is a passageway between the stomach and the
pericardial sac (that surrounds the heart). There are
numerous types of fistulas and they are usually
designated by the organs or parts they connect.
Gallstones
Gallstones are pieces of solid material
that form in the gallbladder. Gallstones form when
substances in the bile, primarily cholesterol and bile
pigments, form hard, crystal-like particles. Cholesterol
stones are usually white or yellow in color and account
for about 80 percent of gallstones. They are made
primarily of cholesterol. Pigment stones are small, dark
stones made of bilirubin and calcium salts that are
found in bile. They account for the other 20 percent of
gallstones. Risk factors for pigment stones include
cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and hereditary
blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell anemia.
Gallstones vary in size and may be as small as a grain
of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder may
develop a single, often large, stone or many smaller
ones, even several thousand.
Gas
(excessive)
Perhaps the most frequent
gastrointestinal complaint, intestinal gas is one of the
more embarrassing symptoms for which patients seek
assistance. Aside from causing embarrassment, too much
gas in the digestive system can result in considerable
pain, bloating, and discomfort - symptoms that may
appear on their own or in conjunction with functional
dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome. There are only
two ways for gas to originate. Either you swallow it (aerophagia),
or it's manufactured in the gut (producing flatus).
Flatus, also known as flatulence, describes gas that
escapes from the rectum. The gas is mostly the
by-product of the fermentation of undigested food by
bacteria in the colon. It contains carbon dioxide,
hydrogen, and, in some people, methane. Tiny amounts of
volatile chemicals produced by bacterial metabolism of
residual fats and proteins are responsible for the
distinctive foul odor of flatus. Gas that escapes from
the far end of the GI tract may be natural, but nowhere
is it an accepted part of society. The average human
intestine holds 100-200 milliliters of gas, but
researchers have found that in 24 hours, production of
flatus averages 2 liters. This gas originates in the
intestine, and its quantity and composition depend
largely on the foods you eat. Studies using hydrogen
breath testing have found that up to one-fifth of the
complex carbohydrates eaten by average, healthy
individuals is turned into gas.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
When you
swallow, food passes down your throat and through your
esophagus to your stomach. A muscle called the lower
esophageal sphincter controls the opening between the
esophagus and the stomach, and remains tightly closed
except when you swallow food. When this muscle fails to
close, the acid-containing contents of the stomach can
travel back up into the esophagus. This backward
movement is called reflux. When stomach acid enters the
lower part of the esophagus, it can produce a burning
sensation, commonly referred to as heartburn.
Several factors might explain why this reflux action
occurs and might offer some clues for relief. The most
important are the position of your body after eating (An
upright posture helps prevent reflux.) ,the size of the
meal (Smaller meals reduce reflux.), the nature of foods
you consume (Certain substances that irritate the
esophagus or weaken the sphincter can cause reflux.)
GI Bleeding
The many causes of gastrointestinal (GI)
bleeding are classified into upper or lower, depending
on their location in the GI tract. Upper GI bleeding
originates in the first part of the GI tract-the
esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (first part of the
intestine). Bleeding can come from ingestion of caustic
poisons or stomach cancer. Most often, upper GI bleeding
is caused by Peptic ulcers, Gastritis, Esophageal varices, or Mallory-Weiss tears. Lower GI bleeding
originates in the portions of the GI tract farther down
the digestive system-the segment of the small intestine
farther from the stomach, large intestine, rectum, and
anus. Diverticular disease, angiodysplasia, polyps,
hemorrhoids, and anal fissures most commonly cause the
bleeding. Blood in the stool can result from cancers,
inflammatory bowel disease, and infectious diarrhea.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the
center of the chest that often occurs after eating,
bending over, with exercise, and sometimes at night when
lying down. Approximately one in 10 adults has heartburn
at least once a week and one in three monthly. Some
pregnant women experience heartburn almost daily as a
result of increased pressure on the abdomen and hormonal
changes. Although its name implies otherwise, heartburn
has nothing to do with your heart. Rather, these
symptoms indicate a condition called gastroesophageal
reflux disease, or GERD.
Helicobacter Pylori
(Stomach Infection)
This unusual
name identifies a specific bacteria that can cause
infection of the stomach. This infection can contribute
to the development of diseases, such as dyspepsia
(heartburn, bloating and nausea), gastritis
(inflammation of the stomach), and ulcers in the stomach
and duodenum. But even though the bacteria can cause
these illnesses, experts believe that most H. pylori
infections are "silent" and produce no symptoms. The
bacteria are found everywhere in the world, but
especially in developing countries, where up to 10% of
children and 80% of adults can have laboratory evidence
of an H. pylori infection - usually without having any
symptoms. In industrialized countries, the infection is
rare in children, and only about 40% of adults are
infected. The risk of infection is higher for those who
live in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is the most common
form of iron overload disease. Primary hemochromatosis,
also called hereditary hemochromatosis, is an inherited
disease. Secondary hemochromatosis is caused by anemia,
alcoholism, and other disorders. Hemochromatosis causes
the body to absorb and store too much iron. The extra
iron builds up in the body's organs and damages them.
Without treatment, the disease can cause the liver,
heart, and pancreas to fail. Healthy people usually
absorb about 10 percent of the iron contained in the
food they eat, which meets normal dietary requirements.
People with hemochromatosis absorb up to 30 percent of
iron. Over time, they absorb and retain between five to
20 times more iron than the body needs. Because the body
has no natural way to rid itself of the excess iron, it
is stored in body tissues, specifically the liver,
heart, and pancreas.
Hepatitis
The word hepatitis simply means an inflammation of the
liver without pinpointing a specific cause. Someone with
hepatitis may
have one of several disorders, including viral or
bacterial infection of the liver , a liver injury caused by a toxin (poison),
have liver damage caused by interruption of the organ's
normal blood supply,
be experiencing an attack by his or her own immune
system through an autoimmune disorder or
have experienced trauma to the abdomen in the area of
the liver.
Hepatitis is most commonly caused by one of three
viruses, the hepatitis A virus, the hepatitis B virus
and the hepatitis C virus. In some rare cases, the
Epstein Barr Virus (which causes mononucleosis) can also
result in hepatitis because it can cause inflammation of
the liver. Other viruses and bacteria that also can
cause hepatitis include hepatitis D and E, varicella
(chickenpox), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Hepatitis A
The most common form of hepatitis is
hepatitis A (also called infectious hepatitis). This
form is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which
lives in the stools (feces or poop) of infected
individuals. Infected stool can be present in small
amounts in food and on objects (from doorknobs to
diapers). The hepatitis A virus is spread when someone
ingests anything that's contaminated with HAV-infected
stool (this makes it easy for the virus to spread in
overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions) in water,
milk, and foods, especially in shellfish. Because
hepatitis A can be a mild infection, it's possible for
some people to be unaware that they have had the
illness. In fact, although medical tests show that about
40% of urban Americans have had hepatitis A, only about
5% recall being sick. Although the hepatitis A virus can
cause prolonged illness up to 6 months, it typically
only causes short-lived illnesses and it does not cause
chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (also called serum hepatitis)
is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV can cause
a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from general malaise
to chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cancer.
The hepatitis B virus spreads through infected body
fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids,
tears, and urine, a contaminated blood transfusion
(uncommon in the United States), shared contaminated
needles or syringes for injecting drugs, sexual activity
with an HBV-infected person, and transmission from HBV-infected
mothers to their newborn babies.
Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by
direct contact with an infected person's blood. The
symptoms of the hepatitis C virus can be very similar to
those of the hepatitis A and B viruses. However,
infection with the hepatitis C virus can lead to chronic
liver disease and is the leading reason for liver
transplant in the United States. The hepatitis C virus
can be spread by sharing drug needles, getting a tattoo
or body piercing with unsterilized tools, blood
transfusions (especially ones that occurred before 1992;
since then the U.S. blood supply has been routinely
screened for the disease), transmission from mother to
newborn , sexual contact (although this is less common).
Hepatitis C is also a common threat in kidney dialysis
centers. Rarely, people living with an infected person
can contract the disease by sharing items that might
contain that person's blood, such as razors or
toothbrushes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a
disorder characterized most commonly by cramping,
abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but
it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not
lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people
can control their symptoms with diet, stress management,
and prescribed medications. For some people, however,
IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend
social events, or even travel short distances. As many
as one in five Americans, have symptoms of IBS, making
it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by
doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and
it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of
people.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a symptom of liver disease and
manifests as yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera
(whites of the eyes). Usually when one is jaundiced the
urine is very dark in color and the stool very light.
Jaundice can be caused by a number of things such as
liver inflammation (hepatitis) of many causes
(medication, viruses, alcohol, etc.) blockage of the
tube leading out of the liver (Bile Duct) or blood
disorders. Jaundice is often temporary and if not, is
very often treated either with medication or surgery.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the
inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the
predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a
shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally
produced by the cells that line the small intestine.
Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that
can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. When there is
not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose
consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous,
may be very distressing. While not all persons deficient
in lactase have symptoms, those who do are considered to
be lactose intolerant.
Common symptoms include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas,
and diarrhea, which begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours
after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The
severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of
lactose each individual can tolerate.
Some causes of lactose intolerance are well known. For
instance, certain digestive diseases and injuries to the
small intestine can reduce the amount of enzymes
produced. In rare cases, children are born without the
ability to produce lactase. For most people, though,
lactase deficiency is a condition that develops
naturally over time. After about the age of 2 years, the
body begins to produce less lactase. However, many
people may not experience symptoms until they are much
older.
Between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose
intolerant. Certain ethnic and racial populations are
more widely affected than others. As many as 75 percent
of all African-Americans and Native Americans and 90
percent of Asian-Americans are lactose intolerant. The
condition is least common among persons of northern
European descent.
Liver Diseases
Liver disease is categorized both by the cause and the
effect it has on the liver. Causes may include
infection, injury, exposure to drugs or toxic compounds,
an autoimmune process, or a genetic defect (such as
hemochromatosis). These causes can lead to hepatitis,
cirrhosis, stones that develop and form blockages, fatty
liver, and in rare instances liver cancer. Genetic
defects can prevent vital liver functions and lead to
the deposition and build-up of damaging substances, such
as iron or copper.
Pancreas Disease
The pancreas is called the "hidden
organ" because it is located deep in the abdomen behind
the stomach. About six to eight inches long in the
adult, the organ contains thin tubes that come together
like the veins of a leaf. These tubes join to form a
single opening into the intestine that is located just
beyond the stomach. The pancreas produces juices and
enzymes that flow through these tubes into the
intestine, where they mix with food. The enzymes digest
fat, protein, and carbohydrates so they can be absorbed
by the intestine. Pancreatic juices, therefore, play an
important role in maintaining good health. The pancreas
also produces insulin, which is picked up by the blood
flowing through the organ. Insulin is important in
regulating the amount of sugar or glucose in the blood.
A number of problems can occur in the pancreas. These
include Diabetes mellitus, Acute pancreatitis, Chronic
pancreatitis, Pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and Pancreas
tumor.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the
pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the
stomach and close to the duodenum. The duodenum is the
upper part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes
digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a
tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help
digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The
pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon
into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use
the glucose it takes from food for energy. Normally,
digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach
the small intestine, where they begin digesting food.
But if these enzymes become active inside the pancreas,
they start "digesting" the pancreas itself.
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short
period of time and usually resolves. Chronic
pancreatitis does not resolve itself and results in a
slow destruction of the pancreas. Either form can cause
serious complications. In severe cases, bleeding, tissue
damage, and infection may occur. Pseudocysts,
accumulations of fluid and tissue debris, may also
develop. And enzymes and toxins may enter the
bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs, and kidneys, or
other organs.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
An ulcer is an open sore in the
lining of the stomach or intestine, much like mouth or
skin ulcers. Peptic ulcers are eventually caused by acid
and pepsin, a digestive stomach enzyme. These ulcers can
occur in the stomach, where they are called gastric
ulcers. Or they can occur in the first portion of the
intestine. These are called duodenal ulcers. "Peptic
Ulcer" is the term used to describe either or both of
these two types of ulcers. In the end, it is acid that
causes the injury to the stomach or bowel lining.
However, a revolutionary and startling recent discovery
is that most peptic ulcers result from a stomach
infection caused by the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a very common ailment,
affecting one out of eight persons in the United States.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease
that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in
the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where
inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the
colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the
colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing
diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the
digestive tract, is characterized by abdominal pain and
diarrhea. Like Crohn's disease, another common IBD,
ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and sometimes can
lead to life-threatening complications. Ulcerative
colitis usually affects only the innermost lining of
your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It occurs only
through continuous stretches of your colon, unlike
Crohn's disease, which occurs in patches anywhere in the
digestive tract and often spreads deep into the layers
of affected tissues. There's no known cure for
ulcerative colitis, but therapies are available that may
dramatically reduce the signs and symptoms of ulcerative
colitis and even bring about a long-term remission.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
The preceding information is intended only to provide
general information and not as a definitive basis for
diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is
very important that you consult your doctor about your
specific condition.
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