Gastro-Intestinal Diseases's Articles Archives

Ogilvie Syndrome (Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction)

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Definition

Ogilvie syndrome (not Oglivie) is a condition where there is a sudden blockage of the colon despite there being no mechanical reason for the obstruction. This means that there is no mass or narrowing causing the obstruction. In fact, the colon is actually widened (dilatation) abnormally. Ogilvie syndrome is also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. It is appears to arise as a consequence of dysfunction of the nerves controlling motility. It should not be confused with a similar condition which is known as Hirschsprung disease where these nerves are absent from birth. In Ogilvie syndrome some of the nerves are dysfunctional but the normal number of nerves are present.


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Esophageal Spasm (Abnormal Esophagus Contractions)

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Esophageal Spasm Definition

Esophageal spasm are abnormal contractions of the muscular walls of the esophagus (gullet) that is often painful and leads to difficulty with swallowing. The condition is often missed because the abnormal esophageal contractions are not persistent but rather occur in episodes which may pass before medical attention is sought. The cause of esophageal spasm is unknown but it has been associated with various medical conditions. Medication and surgery may be needed to treat esophageal spasms.


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Shigellosis (Shigella Infection)

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What is shigellosis?

Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by the Shigella species of bacteria. It is an acute infection which lasts for about 7 days in adults but may persist for longer and be more severe in infants and children. Death is more likely in children younger than 5 years. Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and a fever are the main symptoms similar to other forms of gastroenteritis and enteritis. Bloody diarrhea is a common distinguishing feature in shigellosis compared to similar bacterial infections like salmonellosis.


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Reflux Laryngitis (Voice Box Larynx Acid Irritation)

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What is reflux laryngitis?

Reflux laryngitis is irritation and inflammation of the larynx due to stomach acid. It is a consequence of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) where the acidic stomach contents spill into the esophagus (food pipe) and rise as high up as the throat. Initially it may cause some irritation of the larynx but over time, the recurrent exposure to acid can significantly damage the vocal cords and other structures in the larynx. GERD is a common condition but not every case will involve the larynx and throat – a condition known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). If GERD is well managed, it is unlikely that laryngeal and pharyngeal (throat) complications will ever arise.


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Boerhaave Syndrome (Spontaneous Esophagus Rupture)

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Boerhaave Syndrome Definition

Boerhaave syndrome (BS) is a spectrum of medical conditions where there is spontaneous rupture of the esophagus. This means that tears form through the wall of the esophagus, which is known as an esophageal perforation. Boerhaave syndrome is named after its discoverer, Dr. Hermann Boerhaave, a physician. Often the esophageal perforations occur as a complication associated with medical interventions. However, it is forceful vomiting which increases pressure within the esophagus that leads to the actual tear.


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