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Wilson’s disease is a rare condition characterized by accumulation of copper in organs of the body, especially the liver, brain, eyes and kidneys. The deposition of copper in the liver may lead to a chronic form of hepatitis and to cirrhosis. Eye involvement may lead to a brownish or greenish ring of discoloration of the iris (Kayser-Fleischer ring). Continue reading →

Question :

I’ve been taking first prescription and now over-the-counter acid medications for over three years (Tagamet, Pepcid, etc.). While I do experience relief, they have not ended the problem of acid reflux. Also, I experience difficulty (gagging, unable to swallow) when I first attempt to eat. What are the problems with continued use of these products? I also am dependent on sinus and allergy medications to sleep at night. I have been extremely depressed lately and unable to do any of my normal activities. Please help. Continue reading →

Having blood in your stool for any duration is cause for concern unless it has been investigated and found to be due to a minor problem. Many conditions can cause bleeding from the colon, rectum or anus that is only noticed from time to time, and some may be serious.

The potential causes of bleeding cover a wide range of conditions. Continue reading →

An ulcer is an open sore or excavation due to loss of tissue on the surface. A peptic ulcer is due to digestion of superficial tissue by the action of acid and digestive enzymes secreted by the stomach. A peptic ulcer may occur in the esophagus, stomach, or the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Continue reading →

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, the large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive juices into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and insulin into the bloodstream.

In acute pancreatitis, some of the digestive juices with their potent enzymes escape from the ducts and into the tissue of the gland itself. These enzymes cause severe, acute damage to the gland and surrounding tissues and can even lead to bleeding in the gland (hemorrhagic pancreatitis). Continue reading →

The pancreas is a large gland that lies in the upper abdomen, behind the lower part of the stomach.

It serves two major functions. One is to produce the hormones insulin and glucagon, which help regulate metabolism. The other is to produce pancreatic juice, a secretion delivered into the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), where it aids digestion. Continue reading →

Question:

Can you explain the difference between parenteral feeding and feeding through a large vein? I am not sure of technical medical terms. One is a plastic tube directly into the stomach. The other is a semi-permanent IV in a large vein.

Answer: Continue reading →

Question:

My 40 year-old husband was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis yesterday. Two months ago, he successfully completed a stop-smoking program (after smoking for 20 years). The first symptoms of colitis appeared within a few weeks after he quit. The doctor says his condition is moderate, but has placed him on a sulfa drug and prednisone. I am concerned about the need and side effects of prednisone in his case. Are there any studies linking nicotine and ulcerative colitis where they discuss treatment options for patients who got their first symptoms after quitting smoking?

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