What is erosive gastritis? Gastritis is a well known and common condition where the stomach wall is inflamed. It can be broadly classified as erosive or non-erosive. The term ‘erosive gastritis’ refers to a condition where there is minimal inflammation of the stomach wall but instead the wall wears away. This >> Read More ...
The stomach is an important organ of digestion, lying between the esophagus (food pipe or gullet) and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Like any other part of the body, a host of diseases can affect the stomach. This may result in disruptions in its functioning and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, >> Read More ...
Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are two different conditions that affect the pancreas. One type of pancreatitis known as chronic pancreatitis can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Despite the similarity of symptoms in both pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer it is important to understand how these two conditions >> Read More ...
Flatulence is a normal process whereby gas within the bowels (small and/or large intestines) are released into the environment. It may be a source of amusement and embarrassment but flatulence is a normal and natural process. However, there are times when flatulence can become a problem. People who experience constant >> Read More ...
As with any hollow organ, a blockage may occur in the stomach which can affect its normal functioning. These blockages may be due to growths, thickening of the inlet or outlet, or pressure from outside the stomach which causes a narrowing. Blockages can lead to complications like dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. >> Read More ...
Gas in the bowels (intestines) move along its course until it can be expelled through the anus as flatus. This gas can build up to cause stretching of the bowel walls which may create a sensation of fullness or bloating. Most of the time this is temporary and the gas moves along quickly to be passed out. However, sometimes >> Read More ...
There are many valves throughout the body that control movement of substances either in one direction only or at times as and when required. Two valves have the same effect in the stomach. It prevents backward flow and allows substances to move in and out of the stomach as >> Read More ...
The term bowel habit simply refers to the pattern of bowel movements that is normal for a person. It varies among people. Bowel habit does not remain constant throughout life. It changes with diet, lifestyle and even age. Similarly various diseases and medication may also alter bowel habit. Provided that bowel movements >> Read More ...
The Colon The colon is the part of the large intestine, lying between the cecum and the rectum (Picture 1). It is the muscular tube, which starts in the lower right abdomen as the continuation of the small intestine, runs up as the ascending colon toward the liver, turns left and runs below the rib cage as the >> Read More ...
Bowel habit varies among individuals. Some people may pass stool more often than others. However, the are defined limits to how often a person should have a bowel movement in order for it to be considered normal. This simply means a specific bowel movement frequency that does not fall into the category of diarrhea or >> Read More ...
