Liver definition and facts The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. The liver has two large sections, called the right and the left lobes. The liver is an essential organ that has many functions in the body, including making proteins and blood clotting factors, manufacturing triglycerides...
An ulcerative colitis flare-up can last a few days or a few weeks Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. If you have UC, you may experience repeated cycles of flare-ups (symptomatic periods) and remissions (asymptomatic periods). A flare-up can...
What Is a bleeding hemorrhoid? Bleeding hemorrhoids are veins in and around the anus that swell and become irritated. Home care treatment consists of fiber supplements, laxatives, sitz bath, and over-the-counter creams and rectal suppositories. For more severe cases, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy or surgery to remove may be used. Some people see blood in...
What is the appendix? The appendix is a small organ located in the lower right of your abdomen. Symptoms of a burst appendix include pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. Untreated appendicitis can lead to a ruptured, or burst, appendix. If your appendix ruptures, the infection will leak into your abdominal cavity and...
What are piles? In most cases, you can manage symptoms from piles at home. Sometimes you need surgery to repair piles. Piles are another name for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are bumps caused by swollen veins in and around the anus. They got the nickname piles from the Latin word “pila,” which means ball. Piles can look...
How do you stop stomach cramps? Most stomach cramps are mild and resolve on their own with the help of self care measures. Try following these home care steps to alleviate stomach cramps Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water or other clear fluids. Avoid solid food for the first few hours. If cramps have...
What is rectal prolapse? Rectal prolapse in kids often gets better on its own without treatment and good self-care. If it doesn't improve, medications such as laxitives or stool-softeners can help. Alternative therapies such as biofeedback and surgery are other options. Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum slides down and protrudes out of...
What is malabsorption? Malabsorption is when your body has trouble digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Common symptoms include bloating, weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, abdominal discomfort, bad smelling stools, rashes, swollen feet and hands, and nausea and vomiting. Malabsorption refers to poor absorption of nutrients by the intestines. When you are experiencing malabsorption, your body...
What is a gastrostomy tube or G-tube? A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is a feeding tube that is placed into the abdomen to provide nutrition or medication to the patients who are unable to feed themselves. A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) feeds nutrition or medication into the abdomen. A G-tube is placed through a small cut in...
What is food poisoning? Many cases of food poisoning never get an official diagnosis from the doctor. If you need to visit your doctor for food poisoning, they will diagnose you based on your symptoms. Food poisoning is a common illness that happens if you eat contaminated food. There are about 48 million cases of...