What triggers heartburn? In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the LES does not close properly allowing the stomach contents to leak back or reflux into the food pipe and irritate it. Heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest due to backflow or reflux of the acidic stomach contents into the food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is...
GERD (acid reflux) facts When you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus and passes through a muscular ring known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This structure opens to allow food to pass into the stomach. It is supposed to remain closed to keep stomach contents where they belong. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is...
What is a minimally invasive esophagectomy? A minimally invasive esophagectomy is a surgery that involves removing the entire esophagus or a part of it. The esophagus is a tubular organ that connects the throat to the stomach. A minimally invasive esophagectomy is a surgery that involves removing the entire esophagus or a part of it. ...
What is the spleen and what are its functions? A splenectomy is the total or partial surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an important part of the body's defense (immune) system that is situated under the left rib cage near the stomach. The spleen contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps...
What does a chromoendoscopy mean? This Chromoendoscopy helps visualize the inner surface of the bowel (epithelia) during endoscopy. A chromoendoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a chemical substance (called a stain or pigment) is sprayed inside the gut to highlight specific areas or distinguish among the different types of cell layers. This helps visualize...
What are anticholinergic and antispasmodic drugs? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Anticholinergic and antispasmodic drugs include a broad class of medications that are used to treat various medical conditions that involve contraction and relaxation of muscles. Examples of these conditions include overactive bladder, muscle spasms, breathing problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, movement disorders, and...
What is hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, phenobarbital, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Belladonna/phenobarbital is an oral medication which combines naturally occurring belladonna alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine [Transderm-Scop], and hyoscyamine) with phenobarbital. It is used for treating abdominal discomfort that is thought to be due to muscular spasm of the intestinal muscles. Belladonna alkaloids block...
What is alosetron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works in a similar fashion as granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran) and dolasetron (Anzemet) that are used for preventing nausea and vomiting. The discomfort and...
What should I know about bilirubin and blood test? Picture of blood test result showing Bilirubin, AST, ALT levels. by iStock Bilirubin is a reddish yellow pigment made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normal levels vary slightly from lab to lab; they range from about 0.2 – 1.2 mg/dL. Signs and symptoms...
Rectal bleeding definition and facts Readers Comments 44 Share Your Story Picture of Colon Anatomy and Sources of Rectal Bleeding Rectal bleeding is the passage of blood through the anus. The bleeding may result in bright red blood in the stool as well as maroon colored or black stool. The bleeding also may be occult...