Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the a chronic inflammatory disorder of the bowels characterized by periods of acute flareups (active) and mildly symptomatic or asymptomatatic periods (remission). The two main types of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are largely the same but there is distinct differences in the distribution, histopathology and clinical features. Ulcerative colitis, the more common form of IBD, is isolated to the rectum and colon whereas Crohn’s disease which mainly involves the colon and ileum of the small intestine may affect any part of the alimentary tract. Inflammatory bowel disease is a difficult condition to treat and manage and both surgical and medical treatment (the use of medication) is primarily directed at reducing the severity of symptoms during active phases and decreasing the frequency of these flareups.

continue reading Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Medication, Surgery

Dialysis is the procedure of removing waste products, excess water and balancing the electrolyte levels of the blood in the manner that the kidney would do. It is necessary for patients with kidney disorders – either acute disorders where kidney functioning is impaired but will be restored with treatment (short term) and time or in those patients with chronic kidney disease where only a kidney transplant will restore normal functioning (long term). Dialysis is a life-saving technique to filter the blood but cannot restore complete health to the patient. There are two methods for dialysis – hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

continue reading Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Procedure and Complications

One of the most important functions of the kidneys in a healthy individual is to filter and remove harmful waste products from the blood. Furthermore, by regulating the amount of urine excreted, the kidneys can help to maintain the fluid balance of the body. Blood electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate levels are maintained by healthy kidneys, which are also important in controlling blood pressure. However, in circumstances where the kidneys are unable to perform these functions due a person developing end-stage kidney failure, there are usually two options available – kidney transplant or renal dialysis, which come under the term renal replacement therapy.

continue reading Kidney Dialysis Methods, Machine and Indications for its Use

Glaucoma is condition characterized by progressive optic nerve damage and is very often due an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). It cannot be cured but early detection and treatment can help to prevent vision loss and blindness, primarily by reducing the intraocular pressure (IOP). Medication in the form of eye drops or oral drugs are the first line of treatment. If these cannot be used or fail to give the desired results, the various surgical methods may be considered.

continue reading Glaucoma Laser, Filtering Surgery and Aqueous Shunt Devices

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerves due to gradually increasing pressure within the eye, the intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, yet many people are unaware that they have this condition since the vision impairment may be painless as well as insidious. For this reason, a regular eye examination is extremely important, particularly if there is a family history of glaucoma, since early diagnosis and treatment can often help to preserve vision.

continue reading Glaucoma Tests (Diagnosis) and Different Treatments