What are duodenal ulcers? A duodenal ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, that lies immediately distal (after) the stomach. The broad term for ulceration in the stomach or duodenal lining is peptic ulcer disease. Most of the causes of stomach ulcers are also >> Read More ...
Normal Urge to Defecate The need to have a bowel movement is first marked by an urging. This sensation compels a person to find suitable toilet facilities so that defecation can occur. There are a number of reasons why this sensation occurs including : Stretching of the wall of the colon as waste and water accumulates in >> Read More ...
What Are Intestinal Worms (Helminths)? Human intestinal worms are parasites that live in the human intestine, eat bowel content or suck blood from the intestinal wall. Intestinal worms may cause severe infection,s predominantly in children in tropical and subtropical areas. It is more common in developing nations >> Read More ...
A burning sensation in the anus or during and after a bowel movement is not an uncommon experience and every person may experience it at some point in time. Often it is related to eating spicy foods or during and after a bout of gastroenteritis. At other times burning is sign of proctitis, which in inflammation of the anus >> Read More ...
What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, usually centrally located and sometimes extending as high as the throat. It can vary in intensity from a mild discomfort or ache to severe burning chest pain. Heartburn is often associated with other symptoms like nausea, sometimes vomiting. belching, >> Read More ...
What is stomach pressure? The term ‘stomach pressure’ is not a specific symptom. Instead it is a common term to describe a symptom where a person feels a pushing out sensation, abdominal fullness or bloating in the stomach. Since the term ‘stomach’ and ‘abdomen’ are often used >> Read More ...
What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach, small and large intestine. The most common cause of gastroenteritis is due to the action of microbes or toxins, which irritate the lining in these areas of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and affect nutrient absorption, trigger the process of >> Read More ...
It may seem like an amusing occurrence but watery flatus is not a laughing matter. Not only may be it embarrassing since it is often audible to those around you but it can even lead to mishaps where you may soil your underwear. Watery flatus, or wet farts as it is commonly referred to, usually indicates large amount of >> Read More ...
Mucus is a substance that is widely produced through most parts of the body and particularly within cavities where it mainly serves as a lubricant. It is a translucent, jelly-like substance and produced in every part of the gut. It is therefore not uncommon for mucus that is produced by mucous glands that line the small >> Read More ...
What is Steatorrhea? Steatorrhea or steatorrhoea (UK) is the presence of fat in the stool. While small amounts of fat in the stool may go by unnoticed, larger quantities can change the color, consistency, buoyancy and even size of the stool. Steatorrhea may present as stool that floats (‘floater’), stool that >> Read More ...
