fullcortex.net

In Barrett’s syndrome, also called Barrett’s esophagus, the normal lining of the lower esophagus is replaced with tissue more like that in the intestine. Experts believe that this is caused by reflux (back up) of stomach contents into the esophagus, which damages the normal lining. If the lining undergoes a transformation called dysplasia, the risk of cancer is increased. The treatment for uncomplicated Barrett’s esophagus is the same as for and includes: Continue reading →

Appendicitis may cause a variety of symptoms that tend to change during the course of the illness. The most prominent early symptom is a poorly localized pain around the navel or upper abdomen. It is usually associated with a loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. As the inflammation in the appendix spreads to involve adjacent tissue, the pain typically becomes more severe and sharp, is localized in the lower right abdomen, and is made worse by moving. There may be an urge to pass gas or stool. If the appendix ruptures, the pain extends throughout the abdomen and is even more intense due to peritonitis. Continue reading →

Alpha1-antitrypsin is a protein in the blood that is produced by the liver. It acts to prevent the enzyme trypsin from breaking down proteins. Some people inherit a condition, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, in which this enzyme blocker is not produced in normal amounts.

People who have a deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin are at increased risk of developing emphysema (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD) and liver disease, such as cirrhosis. This deficiency also is a common cause of liver disease in infants

A fistula is an abnormal, tubular connection between two organs or between an internal organ and the outside surface of the body. An anal fistula is commonly a passage between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It’s usually the result of an anorectal abscess that drains through the skin. The cause of such an abscess may be an infection that began within the anal canal or rectum, or even from a more distant location in the small or large intestine as a result of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Treatment may include surgical drainage of the abscess and antibiotics. If the problem is a complication of IBD, treatment of the underlying condition usually is necessary to resolve the problem and prevent recurrence.

Achalasia is an uncommon problem that involves the esophagus. The symptoms relate to difficulty in swallowing both liquids and solids due to faulty esophageal contractions (peristalsis) and failure of the valve (sphincter) at the lower end of the esophagus to relax and allow esophageal contents to enter the stomach. This may cause discomfort in the chest. Continue reading →

An adhesion is an abnormal fibrous band between adjacent parts or structures of the body. Within the abdominal cavity, adhesions commonly occur between loops of intestine or between the intestine and pelvic organs, the area of the appendix or the gallbladder. They may form following abdominal surgery such as an appendectomy, hysterectomy, removal of the gallbladder or of a bowel tumor. Continue reading →