What is a duodenal diverticulum? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story A duodenal diverticulum (the plural of which is diverticula) is a pouch attached to the duodenum, the second part of the small intestine just past the stomach. There are two types of duodenal diverticula. The common type which is present in some individuals, is...
Swallowing problems (dysphagia) definition and facts People with more severe GERD may have food regurgitate from the stomach into the esophagus or mouth, particularly when activities increase pressure in the abdomen, for example, with coughing and bending. Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. Swallowing is a complex action involving the muscles and nerves within the pharynx and...
What is cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan)? Share Your Story Cholescintigraphy is a test done by nuclear medicine physicians to diagnose obstruction of the bile ducts (for example, by a gallstone or a tumor), disease of the gallbladder, and bile leaks. It sometimes is referred to as a HIDA scan or a gallbladder scan. How is cholescintigraphy...
Colon polyp facts Colon polyps can turn into colon cancer. Colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and are very common. Colon polyps are important because they may be, or may become malignant (cancerous). They also are important because based on their size, number, and microscopic anatomy (histology); they...
Abdominal adhesions facts* Picture of an abdominal scar after surgery *Abdominal adhesions facts Medically Edited by: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs, causing them to stick together. Symptoms caused by abdominal adhesions vary; however, most adhesions do not cause symptoms....
What is heartburn? What is acid reflux? Are they the same thing? Share Your Story Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus irritating the tissue. Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a symptom of acid reflux, so named because the esophagus lies just behind the heart, and that is where the burning...
GER (gastroesophageal reflux), GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) definitions and facts Signs and symptoms of GER or GERD in infants and children overlap. Infants and children with GER have obvious reflux of breastmilk and/or formula following feeding. GER (gastroesophageal reflux) in infants and children is a relatively common disorder where there is reflux of stomach acid...
What is hepatitis B? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Hepatitis B infection is transmitted through sexual contact, contact with contaminated blood (for example, through shared needles used for illicit, intravenous drugs), and from mother to child. Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). To avoid confusion, the term...
Appendicitis definition and facts Appendicitis – Infection, and Inflammation of the Appendix The most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis in adults and children are abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The appendix is a small, worm-like, tubular appendage attached to the cecum of the colon. Appendicitis is caused by the blockage of the...
What is the pancreas? Illustration of the pancreas The pancreas is an organ approximately six inches long that is located in the abdomen behind the stomach and in front of the spine and aorta. The pancreas is divided into three regions: the head, the body, and the tail. The head of the pancreas is located...