As with any hollow organ, a blockage may occur in the stomach which can affect its normal functioning. These blockages may be due to growths, thickening of the inlet or outlet, or pressure from outside the stomach which causes a narrowing. Blockages can lead to complications like dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. >> Read More ...
Most people find spicy food enticing, if not on a regular basis, then at least occasionally. These foods are also described as being hot but this is not related to the temperature. Instead it refers to foods that cause a burning sensation of the lips and mouth when consumed. However, eating spicy food is not entirely >> Read More ...
Flatulence is a normal process whereby gas within the bowels (small and/or large intestines) are released into the environment. It may be a source of amusement and embarrassment but flatulence is a normal and natural process. However, there are times when flatulence can become a problem. People who experience constant >> Read More ...
The stomach is an important organ of digestion, lying between the esophagus (food pipe or gullet) and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Like any other part of the body, a host of diseases can affect the stomach. This may result in disruptions in its functioning and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, >> Read More ...
The colon is the last part of the large intestine where stool is formed and stored until it is passed out with a bowel movement. As with any organ, the colon can become diseased and its functioning disrupted. This may sometimes be referred to as an irritated colon, although this is not a specific medical term. The >> Read More ...
The rectum lies towards the end of the colon where it plays an important role is temporarily holding feces before a bowel movement. Like any part of the bowels, the rectum may become blocked. As a result the movement of stool is hampered and a person may experience this blockage as constipation. Without intervention, a >> Read More ...
There is continuous movement throughout the gut. It starts from the moment we swallow food and continues all the way through until we pass out stool. The speed of this movement changes in different parts of the gut and sometimes it can be upset. The movement speeds up or slows down and as a result it causes symptoms like >> Read More ...
Most of us think of an agitated emotional state or mental strain when we hear of stress. This is known as psychological stress. However, the body can also undergo physical stress like with a severe disease, major surgery and extensive inury. This is known as physiological stress. It is now known that psychological stress >> Read More ...
Most of the time diarrhea is acute. This means that it arises suddenly, is often intense and resolves quickly within a few days. Sometimes no treatment is necessary for it to ease and eventually stop. However, when diarrhea continues for longer than a few days and persists up to a week or more then it becomes a cause for >> Read More ...
Belching, also referred to as burping, is a way of releasing gas that enters or is produced within the upper part of the digestive tract. This includes the esophagus (food pipe), stomach and sometimes the initial portions of the small intestine. Belching is a natural act, despite it being considered socially awkward to >> Read More ...
