Pseudomembranous colitis is inflammation (swelling, irritation) of the large intestine. In many cases, it occurs after taking antibiotics. The use of antibiotics can cause the bacteria to overgrow and infect the lining of the intestine, leading to inflammation. Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones, make the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile more likely.…
Intestinal ischemic syndrome occurs when blood flow to the intestine or gastrointestinal system decreases due to the blockage of blood vessels. The three main abdominal blood vessels that can become obstructed include the abdominal aorta, the superior mesenteric artery, and the inferior mesenteric artery. Usually, two or three of these arteries need to narrow…
Pinworms, also known as nematodes, are tiny white or light gray worms that cause intestinal parasitism. They are commonly found in children and can be treated with over-the-counter antiparasitic medications. What is a Pinworm? Pinworms are intestinal nematodes, parasitic worms that live in the intestines and rectum of infected individuals. The worms are small…
Angiodysplasia is the most common vascular anomaly of the digestive system, responsible for about 6% of lower gastrointestinal bleeding cases and up to 8% of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is caused by the formation of arteriovenous malformations between previously healthy blood vessels, most commonly in the cecum and ascending colon. Its prevalence is 1-2% and…
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located horizontally in the abdomen behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly to nearby organs and is rarely detected in its early stages. However, for…
Just inside the anus, there are a number of small glands. If one of these glands becomes blocked, an abscess (an infected cavity) can form. About 50% of these abscesses develop into a fistula. A fistula is a small tunnel that connects the infected gland inside the anus to an opening in the skin around…
Any type of abnormal cellular changes is called dysplasia. Anal dysplasia is a term used to describe conditions that precede anal squamous cell carcinoma. Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with these changes. What is anal dysplasia? Dysplasia refers to any kind of abnormal changes in body cells. Anal dysplasia, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN),…
What is anal pain? Anal pain refers to discomfort that occurs within or around the anus and rectum (the last part of the large intestine ending at the anus). This pain is often accompanied by rectal bleeding. Many individuals may feel embarrassed to discuss anal pain with their doctor, but it is a common symptom…
What is Autoimmune Hepatitis? Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare but serious liver disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy liver cells, mistaking them for infected cells. This leads to inflammation in the liver, which, if left untreated, can progress to cirrhosis (scarring) and eventually liver failure. Severe liver damage may…
For individuals without gastrointestinal disorders, gut health is rarely a priority. In fact, many overlook the health of their gastrointestinal system, especially when overshadowed by more pressing health issues concerning the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. However, the importance of gut health cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the health of all other systems…