Health Care

An anal fissure is a rectal tear: a tear in the anal canal that causes rectal pain and rectal bleeding. Anal fissure can occur at any age, but are most common in infants: Up to eighty percent of babies develop an anal fissure before their first birthday. Causes of Anal Fissure A rectal tear is usually caused by constipation. Bowel movements involving hard, large stools damage the anal canal, causing a longitudinal rectal tear. An anal fissure runs along the length of the anal canal. Severe diarrhea or anal canal inflammation can also cause anal fissure: Both conditions irritate and dry the anal canal, increasing the risk of a rectal tear. In elderly individuals, reduced blood flow to the rectal area is one of the causes of anal fissure. Physical trauma and childbirth can also cause rectal tears. Abuse of laxatives is associated with a high risk of anal fissure. While anal intercourse is one of the least common causes of anal fissure, it can also result in a rectal tear. A

Anorectal problems range from mild cases of hemorrhoids to serious conditions such as fecal incontinence and inflammation of the rectum. People are often embarrassed to discuss anorectal problems with their health professional. As anorectal problems can be serious, overcoming this embarrassment can be important. The Anus and Rectum The anus is located at the end of the digestive system, and is approximately an inch and a half in length. The portion of the digestive system terminating in the anus is called the rectum. Stool is stored in the rectum before being voided through the anus. To keep stool stored until voided from the rectum, the anus includes the anal sphincter, a ring of muscle which, when tightened, seals the anus. Anorectal Problems Some anorectal problems are well known, although popular thought about anorectal problems such as hemorrhoids is often clouded with myths and inaccuracies. Anorectal problems can cause worrisome symptoms, such as rectal pain and bleedi

Gastroenteritis is a generic term for inflammation of the stomach and the large and small intestine. Gastroenteritis is characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps and vomiting. What Causes Gastroenteritis? The three main causes of gastroenteritis are viral infections, the consumption of bacteria-contaminated food or water and side effects of certain medications or other medical conditions. Gastroenteritis Symptoms Symptoms of gastroenteritis include: diarrhea : the main symptom and common to all types of gastroenteritis abdominal cramps : often severe and stabbing abdominal pain dehydration : severe dehydration in infants under the age of one may require hospitalization vomiting : often accompanied by nausea low-grade fever : usually only applies to viral gastroenteritis muscle spasms : pain ranges in severity from mild muscle ache to sharper stomach pains loss of appetite : sometimes combined with nausea. What is the Treatment for Gastroenteritis? As the sympto

Gastric or stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers both fall into the general category of peptic ulcers. Peptic Ulcers and the   H. pylori   Bacterium Peptic ulcers are sores or breaks in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the stomach or duodenum. Ulcers can vary in size, with the average ulcer between a quarter and half an inch in diameter. The most common cause of peptic ulcer is the bacterium  H. pylori  ( Helicobacter pylori ). What is Pepsin? Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced by the gastric glands, which, along with hydrochloric acid, plays an important role in the breakdown of proteins, fats and starch. If the stomach or duodenal lining is irritated by medications or by H. pylori , pepsin and hydrochloric acid may erode the lining of the stomach and duodenumthe first part of the small intestine into which food passes after leaving the stomach. What is   H. pylori ? Helicobacter pylori  is a bacterium often found on the lining of the gastrointest

Rapid and delayed gastric emptying are functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) that occur when undigested foods, primarily sugars and carbohydrates, move too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Some people suffer from both rapid and delayed gastric emptying disorders. Symptoms for both types disorders range from mild to severe and treatment depends on the underlying symptoms. Diagnosis for Gastric Emptying Disorders Diagnosis may involve a barium x-ray, a  radioisotope gastric-emptying scan  and blood tests. A  gastric manometry test  may also be performed to measure muscle activity in the stomach. Rapid Gastric Emptying (Dumping Syndrome) Rapid or early gastric emptying (dumping syndrome) occurs when undigested food or fluid passes too quickly from the stomach into the lower section of the small intestine (jejunum), the part of the gastrointestinal tract involved with digestion. Rapid gastric dumping usually occurs immediately after eating. But as its

Stomach problems are an all too common facet of modern day living. Most of us at some time during our lifetime experience the discomfort of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, that are associated with a wide range of common stomach disorders. Stomach problems range from mild stomach upset and indigestion to more troublesome conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, not to mention the odd bout of debilitating gastroenteritis. With irregular eating schedules, travel, work stresses and the escalation of food disorders, it's no surprise that our stomachs pay the price. Now, fascinating research has shown that some people are more susceptible than others to stomach problems; that our driven contemporary lifestyles may aggravate existing problems and, in some cases, may even trigger the onset of certain stomach disorders. We overeat, we eat too quickly, we consume too much alcohol, we smoke, we become over-stressed, and our stomachs begin to rebel! Other stud

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common condition that can affect the lower limbs at any time of day. Uncomfortable sensations in the legs force individuals to stand and move about for relief. Symptoms can occur at any time, but RLS is often worse in the evening and nighttime. Restless leg syndrome can make it difficult to sleep well, so sufferers often report fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms Many people find it difficult to describe restless leg syndrome symptoms. Irritating sensations include tingling, aching and burning deep inside the legs. The urge to move the legs becomes irresistible, making it difficult to stay still. Restless leg syndrome symptoms can affect anyone — even children — although older women seem to be most commonly affected. A high percentage of people diagnosed with RLS also suffer from periodic limb movement disorder — up to 80 percent, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2010). People w