What is atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atropine belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from the belladonna alkaloid plant. Atropine works by blocking the actions of a chemical called acetylcholine. Atropine has numerous uses in clinical medicine and is available...
What is Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is a unique oral drug that is used for treating ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Is Carafate (sucralfate) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Carafate (sucralfate)? Yes What are the uses for Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer...
Which is worse: diverticulitis or diverticulosis? Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticula in the colon are inflamed and infected. Diverticulitis is the condition that develops if your diverticulosis gets worse and you develop additional symptoms. Diverticulosis is a condition in your gastrointestinal GI tract, usually located in your colon. Diverticulosis is relatively harmless, but...
Diarrhea or loose stools are often caused by a virus, bacteria or food allergies. Things that naturally stop diarrhea include the BRAT diet, probiotics, oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stomach flu causes many men, women and children to curl up in bed, too weak to move. Diarrhea or loose stools are...
What is distal pancreatectomy? A distal pancreatectomy involves surgical resection of the body and tail of the pancreas. A pancreatosplenectomy (pancreaticosplenectomy) or spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy is performed to surgically treat the pancreatic disease of the tail and body. A distal pancreatectomy involves surgical resection of the body and tail of the pancreas with or without...
Diarrhea or loose stools may be caused by an infection, parasites, certain medications, intestinal disease, food intolerance, hormone disorders, bowel cancer or lactose intolerance. You can stop diarrhea fast with one of two different kinds of over-the-counter medication, Imodium (loperamide) or Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate). The following two over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may be taken...
If you're concerned that your green poop is not normal, some signs to watch out for are green poop that smells worse than usual, lasts for several days, or doesn't improve after more than 48 hours when you've taken problem foods out of your diet. Often, poop is green simply because you ate a green...
What is the gallbladder? Gallstones are made of material in the bile that crystallizes. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located below the liver on the right side of the belly. The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile, a substance secreted by the liver that is required for digestion. The bile contents...
Proctologists work closely with gastrointestinal (GI) specialists, also known as Gastroenterologist, who provide complete care for disorders that affect the digestive system. A proctologist is a surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lower digestive tract, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. Currently, proctologists are referred to as, “colorectal surgeons” or...
What is licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Licorice is a plant used for flavoring food, beverages, and tobacco. The root issued as a natural, herbal supplement for medicinal purposes. Chemicals in licorice may reduce inflammation, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the body’s ability to heal ulcers. Check...