Acute Hepatic Porphyria (AHP)
Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a group of rare genetic conditions that can cause severe, sudden (acute) symptoms. These symptoms can happen in various parts of the body and often require a hospital visit. There are four types of AHP which include: acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and ALAD-deficient porphyria. It is estimated […]
Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (bile and pancreatic juice) through ducts from the liver and pancreas into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) describes the situation when the sphincter does not relax at the appropriate time (due to […]
Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)
Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID) is a genetic disorder that affects a person’s ability to digest certain sugars. People with this condition cannot break down the sugars sucrose and maltose, and other compounds made from simple sugar molecules (carbohydrates), which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Sucrose (a sugar found in fruits, and also […]
Malabsorption
Malabsorption refers to decreased intestinal absorption of carbohydrate, protein, fat, minerals or vitamins. There are many symptoms associated with malabsorption. Weight loss, diarrhea, greasy stools (due to high fat content), abdominal bloating and gas are suggestive of malabsorption. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies resulting from malabsorption may cause glossitis (sore tongue), cheilosis (a fissuring and dry […]
Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease What You Need to Know Did you know more than 2 million Americans have celiac disease but most of them don’t know it? What is celiac disease? Celiac disease damages the small intestine. People with celiac disease can’t eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and in some products such […]
Clostridioides Difficile Infection (CDI)
Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) or C. difficile is the major cause of infectious colitis and diarrhea in healthcare settings around the world. Infectious colitis is redness, swelling, and inflammation of the colon. (It was formerly known as Clostridium difficile; however, was renamed as after it was reclassified in 2016.) How does Clostridioides Difficile Infections Spread? […]
Radiation Induced Injury to the Colon and Rectum
At a Glance Radiation therapy can injure the colon and/or rectum. Diarrhea, urgency, incontinence, and rectal bleeding are common symptoms. Symptoms may occur weeks or years later. Several treatments are available. Experiencing symptoms of diarrhea, urgency, incontinence, and rectal bleeding can be a significant source of stress that calls for consultation with a physician. Those […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic irritation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common disorders. The disorders can develop in any age group but are usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30. What is Crohn’s disease? The digestive system Crohn’s disease is an […]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS affects up to 5-10% of individuals worldwide and affects children and adults of both genders. Although IBS does not shorten a person’s life span, it is associated with a large health care and economic burden. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which people have reoccurring issues with abdominal discomfort or pain that […]
