What is colon pain?

Colon pain is any soreness within the colon of the large intestine. It is a symptom of some underlying disease and may occur along with other symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and abdominal distention. In most instances it is difficult to attribute pain within the abdomen as arising from any specific organ especially if there are no other symptoms. Colon pain is one such instance and should therefore be investigated as abdominal pain as a whole, preferably localizing the pain to a specific abdominal quadrant or region.

continue reading Colon Pain Location (Right, Left Side), Symptoms and Causes

The veins in the leg carry low-oxygen blood laden with wastes and carbon dioxide back to the heart just as do other veins in the body. However, the leg veins are a bit different in structure from veins elsewhere in the body. This is due to the fact that the blood has to return back to the heart against the force of gravity and has a long distance to travel – from feet to the heart. Special valves in the veins of the leg ensure that blood is gradually pushed up bit by bit towards the trunk of the body. Muscles in the feet and legs act as a pump which gradually push up the blood with every step and movement of the leg. The valves ensures that the blood does not flow backwards to the feet in the time in between each leg movement. Sometimes these valves become dysfunctional and the circulation in the legs becomes sluggish. One of these problems with poor blood flow in the lower limb is varicose veins which appears as unsightly bulging veins in the legs.

continue reading Varicose Veins (Bulging Leg Veins) Information and Dangers

The flanks are the abdominal area between the ribs and pelvic bone (ilium) on either side of the body. The right flank is essentially the right lumbar region – one of nine abdominal regions. It includes area of the body running around the sides of the abdomen to the back. The lower part of the flank area is where fat tends to accumulate (midsection) and is commonly referred to as “love handles” or “spare tire”. The flanks are also known by several other common terms including the loins, sides and left and right lumbar regions.

continue reading Right Flank Pain – Meaning, Signs or No Symptoms and Causes

What is a bubbling in the bowels?

Bubbling sounds from the bowels are a result of gas and fluid movement within the intestines. The bowels are not silent as is often thought. There are sounds constantly emanating from most of the gastrointestinal tract particularly from the stomach all the way down to the end of the colon. These bowel noises are considered to be normal and are a sign of activity within the intestines. It is medically referred to as borborygmus or borborygmi (plural). In most cases the bowel sounds are not audible for the majority of the time. Occasionally strong contractions or gas in the bowels may cause louder, audible sounds. This is just a momentary change in bowel activity and occurs as a once off episode. However, persistently loud sounds of any kind from the bowel may indicate a hyperactive bowel which means increased activity within the intestines.

continue reading Bubbling in the Bowels – Causes of the Symptom

Introduction to Self Breast Exam

Regular breast self-examination for women is often recommended by physicians as a means of checking for signs of breast cancer. Mammography is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer, but along with clinical breast examination by your doctor, a self breast exam is important in detecting any signs of abnormality and seeking medical attention. A home breast examination also makes a women more aware of her breasts, particularly the look and feel of the healthy breast, which will further aid in the early detection of any abnormality.

If you have decided to conduct regular self examination of your breasts, it is advisable to first speak to your doctor or gynecologist to learn how to do it properly and what to look for. For women older than 40 years of age, a self breast exam should not replace a clinical examination by a doctor and a mammography, both of which should conducted on a regular basis.

continue reading How To Do A Self Breast Exam – Visual, Standing, Lying Down