AMRI Hospitals’ Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences is a premier centre in eastern India with latest technology based high end treatment facilities. The department provides a wide array of multidisciplinary and multi-modality services, all under one roof to manage any kind of liver and gastro-intestinal disorders and its complications. We have a team of eastern regions’ most talented and renowned Gastroenterologists, high precision instruments along with video navigation tools for minimally invasive as well as robotic surgeries for accurate diagnosis and perfection and round the clock emergency services to provide comprehensive care for faster recovery and excellent rehabilitation.
Highlights
Doctors with milestone achievements - The best surgical and medical Gastroenterologists in eastern India are available in AMRI Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, who are expertsin complex gastro surgeries and treatments including laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.
Comprehensive clinical care –AMRI team of experts include hepatologists, gastro-intestinal & minimal access surgeons as well as interventional radiologists to provide coordinated as well as integrated treatment for complex cases.
Technology at its best – Most advanced technology based high precision instruments are used for diagnosis and procedures to ensure accuracy, precision and speedy recovery. Our cutting edge facilities include high-end endoscopy & radiology instruments, video navigating tools, capsule endoscopy, Image intensifier in ICU and Operation Theatre to name a few.
Wide array of treatment options – We treat a wide spectrum of diseases and rare disorders that include all types of gastro-intestinal, hepatic, biliary,pancreatic and, colorectal complexities.
Optimum care - Our Centre for Gastroenterology ensures optimum care round the clock. Besides our team of experienced doctors, supported by high end equipment, we also have highly skilled technicians, nurses and nutritionists who ensure successful management of all GI related complexities ensuring maximum patient comfort and safety.
Shigellosis
Shigellosis is an infection caused by bacteria known as Shigella. This disease develops fever and diarrhea. Signs and symptoms start showing up within one or two days after the infection sets in. Usually it lasts seven days and can be tackled without antibiotics.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of Shigellosis may include:
Cause
Infection develops when someone accidentally swallows shigella bacteria. This is likely to happen in the following situations:
Diagnosis
Fever and diarrhea are common symptoms of a number of diseases. To rule out possibilities of any other infection and confirm Shigellosis, stool test is the only way-out that can identify presence of Shigella bacteria.
Treatment
Usually a Shigella infection automatically gets over after within a week. Taking rest and replacing lost fluids and salt is the common treatment a patient may need to tackle this disease. But if the general health of the patient is not good or the infection is severe, doctors may recommend hospitalization to provide intravenous hydration and antibiotics for quick remedies.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is an extremely contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting in usually in infants and children under 5 years old. Sometimes it also affects adults.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of this intestinal disease include:
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Cause
Rotavirus in the stool of the infected baby spread through touch while nursing the child. If the virus goes to mouth of the caregiver of the child while changing baby’s diaper or touching the toys of the sick baby that person may quickly get affected.
Diagnosis
Rotavirus is diagnosed by a stool PCR test in a lab.
Treatment
Rotavirus has no cure. Medications based on symptoms can improve the condition. Usually this virus automatically goes away within seven to ten days. During this period giving enough fluid and bland food in smaller quantity is the only solution. Avoiding dehydration is the main challenge in this disease. Maintaining hygiene and disinfecting measures are equally important to avoid contamination. Rotavirus vaccination also does not ensure full proof against the disease but it definitely makes the symptoms less severe.
Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum. The rectum is a muscular tube that's connected to the end of your colon. Stool passes through the rectum on its way out of the body.
Proctitis can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding and discharge, as well as the continuous feeling that you need to have a bowel movement. Proctitis symptoms can be short-lived, or they can become chronic.
Proctitis is common in people who have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). Sexually transmitted infections are another frequent cause. Proctitis also can be a side effect of radiation therapy for certain cancers.
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment for proctitis depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation.
For proctitis caused by infection
For proctitis caused by radiation therapy
For proctitis caused by inflammatory bowel disease
Pouchitis is a disease that develops inflammation in the lining of a pouch created during conducting a surgery to treat ulcerative colitis or some other diseases.
Symptoms
Signs of Pouchitis usually includes:
Cause
This disease do not develop naturally. It occurs after a surgery related to ulcerative colitis and some other surgical procedures.
Diagnosis
Pouchitis can be diagnosed from symptoms but to confirm the disease, doctors may order imaging tests like CT scan or MRI. Endoscopy is another confirmatory test for this IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
Treatment
Various medications are used to treat Pouchitis. Diet planning with less vegetables and more protein supplement helps improve the condition.
Peritonitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the peritoneum a silky membrane that line abdominal wall and also covers the organs within the abdomen. It is an infectious disease that may often turn to be life-threatening. Peritonitis are of two types: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Secondary Peritonitis.
Symptoms
Here are the common symptoms of Peritonitis:
Cause
The following conditions may develop Peritonitis:
Diagnosis
Peritonitis is diagnosed by checking symptoms, medical history and physical examination. To confirm the disease doctors prescribe the following tests:
Treatment
Medications are used to treat Peritonitis.
Mesenteric ischemia develops when blocked arteries restrict or cutoff blood flow to the small intestine. This condition can damage the intestine permanently. Mesenteric ischemia is of two types acute and chronic.
Symptoms
Symptoms for acute Mesenteric Ischemia include:
Symptoms of chronic Mesenteric Ischemia are:
Cause
Mesenteric Ischemia, both acute and chronic occurs due blockage in the artery that decreases blood flow to the intestine. Usually, blood clot in the main mesenteric artery develops acute Mesenteric Ischemia. Often the clot originally forms in the heart. But in chronic Mesenteric Ischemia most of the times build up plaques narrow the arteries and restricts blood circulation in the intestine.
Diagnosis
To determine Mesenteric Ischemia in a patient, doctors might prescribe the following test:
Treatment
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia requires immediate surgery. In case of chronic Mesenteric Ischemia a balloon is used to inflate the narrowed artery through a procedure.
GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disease. In this condition contents of stomach often flow backward up through the food pipe and causes irritation in the lining of this pipe known as esophagus. Acid reflux, heartburn and Acid indigestion are the other names commonly used for this disease.
Symptoms
Signs of GERD include;
Cause
GERD occurs in the following conditions:
The function of lower esophageal sphincter or LES is to relax and open up helping swallowing food. But if it opens up when you are not having food it initiates this backwash.
Being pregnant that usually increases risk for GERD. .
Diagnosis
Primarily, GERD is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms.
But to confirm GERD, doctors may prescribe the following diagnostic tests:
Treatment
To GERD, medical professionals usually recommend lifestyle changes, which include avoiding certain foods, focusing on eating smaller meals, and taking meals a couple of hours before going to bed.
Medication and home remedies also work effectively in managing GERD.
If nothing works then only in few rare cases surgical processes are recommended.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which one or more tumors form in your pancreas or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). These tumors, called gastrinomas, secrete large amounts of the hormone gastrin, which causes your stomach to produce too much acid.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may occur at any time in life, but people usually find out they're affected between ages 20 and 60. Medications to reduce stomach acid and heal the ulcers are the usual treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Symptoms
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is yet unknown. The syndrome begins when there are one or more tumor (gastrinomas) formation in the pancreas or duodenum or at other sites adjacent to the pancreas.
Anyone can get his disease. But, some people get it due to inherited condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Children of adults with MEN1 are at a greater risk of developing the disease. It is more common in male population often those between 30 and 50 years old.
The tumors that occur with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are made up of cells that secrete large amounts of the hormone gastrin. Increased gastrin makes the stomach produce far too much acid. The excess acid leads to peptic ulcers and can become cancerous (malignant).
Diagnosis
Treatment
Surgery is the main treatment for gastrinoma and it's usually the only treatment that can cure it. But surgery isn't always possible. Some gastrinomas may have already started to spread when they are diagnosed. The patient might have treatment to control the symptoms if the surgery is not possible.
In Zollinger-Ellison syndrome excess acid production can be effectively controlled by medications.
In some cases, doctors advise other treatments to control tumor growth, which comprises the following:
Fatty Liver disease indicates excessive accumulation of fat in one’s Liver. Major risk factors include obesity and type 2 diabetes, though it's also associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
It usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. Treatment involves controlling the risk factors. Although a benign condition, but in some patients, it can progress to cirrhosis of Liver or Liver failure.
Types
Fatty liver disease is categorized as Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or hepatic steatosis and the other type is called Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Heavy drinking causes the latter.
Symptoms
NAFLD symptoms include:
NASH advance symptoms include:
Causes
It is not yet identified that why some people accumulate fat in the liver while others do not. Similarly, there is limited understanding of why some fatty livers develop inflammation that progresses to cirrhosis. Causes of both NAFLD and NASH are related to the following:
Risk Factors
A wide range of diseases and conditions can increase the risk of NAFLD, including:
Complications
Diagnosis
In order to detect fatty liver several blood tests like liver function test, liver enzymes, lipid profile, viral hepatitis to name a few and imaging tests like USG, CT Scan or MRI can be advised.
Treatment
Basically life style changes are required to control Fatty Liver. The first line of treatment is usually weight loss through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise. Losing weight addresses the conditions that contribute to NAFLD. For those who have cirrhosis due to NASH, liver transplantation may be an option.
Prevention
Elevated liver enzymes
Elevated liver enzymes can ooccur due to some factors like liver diseases, certain medical conditions, medications and infections. Inflamed cells of liver release abnormally higher amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream. This reflects as elevated liver enzymes in blood tests.
Most commonly found elevated liver enzymes are – ALT, ALP. GGT. Elevated liver enzymes might be discovered during routine blood test. In most cases, liver enzyme levels are only mildly and temporarily elevated and don't signal a serious liver problem.
Symptoms
Causes
A number of diseases and conditions can contribute to elevated liver enzymes. More common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:
Diagnosis
Blood tests like Liver Function Test usually determine the elevated levels of enzymes.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing one’s liver enzymes to be elevated. The treatment will focus on managing the underlying condition causing the increased levels of AST or ALT levels due to Fatty liver disease, Metabolic syndrome, Hepatitis and other conditions.
Liver Hemangioma is a non cancerous (benign) mass in the liver made up of a tangle of blood vessels. These liver masses are common. In most cases liver hemangiomas are found during an imaging study done for some other reasons. People having a liver hemangioma rarely experience any symptom and hardly need treatment. There's no evidence that an untreated liver hemangioma can lead to liver cancer.
Symptoms
When a liver hemangioma develops signs and symptoms, they may include:
Causes
The causes of a liver hemangiomais not known. For some persons it could be congenital. In most people, a liver hemangioma will not grow in size and never cause any symptoms. But some people may experience discomfort and require treatment.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Although in most cases of Hemangioma do not require treatment but for other cases treatment options include the following :
Pancreatitis
This condition is inflammation of pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that is located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help control the processing of blood sugar.
Pancreatitis is of two types – acute and chronic. Acute Pancreatitis may start suddenly and become life threatening. Chronic Pancreatitis can develop over many years. It has many causes, including gallstones and, heavy alcohol use. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Treatment usually requires hospitalisation.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the type of Pancreatitis.
Acute Pancreatitis symptoms include –
Chronic Pancreatitis symptoms include –
Causes
Conditions that can lead to acute pancreatitis include:
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Initial treatment at the hospital includes medication, IV Fluid and other procedures like fluid extraction from the Pancreas.
Small bowel prolapse
Small Bowel Prolapse, also called enterocele occurs when the small intestine (small bowel) descends into the lower pelvic cavity and pushes the top part of the vagina, creating a bulge. The word "prolapse" means to slip or fall out of place.
Childbirth, aging and other processes that put pressure on the pelvic floor may weaken the muscles and ligaments that support pelvic organs, causing the risk of small bowel prolapsed. To manage small bowel prolapse, self-care measures and other nonsurgical options are often effective. In severe cases surgery may be required.
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Diagnostic options besides the Pelvic examination by the doctor include - Cystoscopy and imaging tests like USG, MRI or CT Scan.
Treatment
Prevention
Primary Bilary Cholangitis or Bile duct disease is a chronic condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are slowly destroyed. When bile ducts become damaged, bile can accumulate in the liver, causing damage to liver cells. Chronic inflammation in the liver can lead to bile duct damage, irreversible.
Symptoms
Causes
It's not clear what causes primary biliary cholangitis. Many experts consider it an autoimmune disorder.. Researchers believe this autoimmune response may be triggered by environmental and genetic factors. Infections, toxins and environmental factors may have an influence.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment basically includes medication and life style remedies.
Celiac disease is a digestive auto immune disorder which occurs due to an adverse immune reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains as barley, wheat or rye. Another name of Celiac disease is Gluten-sensitive Enteropathy. When a Gluten sensitive person eats food such as Roti made of wheat he suffers from symptoms like indigestion or diarrhea. Prolonged suffering from this complication can damage one’s small intestine. Celiac Disease is a complex multi-system disorder that can affect other organs too.
It may start from childhood and one may suffer from this issue for many years until it is finally diagnosed. The best way to control the symptoms is to eat Gluten - free food all through the life.
Signs and Symptoms
For some people there is no symptom. But in most cases people experience the following symptoms ;
How to detect?
Before starting a gluten-free diet one should ensure that he is really a Celiac disease patient. The following two blood tests can help
When the test results indicate Celiac disease an Endoscopy will be done to assess the damage in one’s small intestine.
Treatment
The only way to control Celiac disease is to strictly avoid all food containing Gluten. This effort should be life long.
A dietitian’s guidance is essential to know about a healthy gluten-free diet. Even a trace of gluten in the food can be harmful.
Gluten in a disguised form in foods, medications and other products require to be discarded.
Discarding gluten altogether from the diet will reduce inflammation in the patient’s small intestine and this will lead to healing.
Cirrhosis is a late – stage liver disease. In this disease healthy liver tissues get replaced with scar tissues and the liver becomes permanently damaged which cannot be reversed. Most of the times in Cirrhosis, the liver does not show any sign at the early stage. It is detected while doing a routine blood test or a check-up for some other complication.
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
To confirm cirrhosis, doctors may prescribe the following tests that includes:
Blood Tests.
The specific blood tests will help detecting the condition of the liver. Existence of as excess bilirubin, or certain enzymes will indicate malfunctioning of liver or liver damage. To assess kidney function, Level of creatinine will help assessing kidney functioning. Blood tests will also reveal if the patient is suffering from the hepatitis viruses. The international normalized ratio (INR) will provide condition of blood's ability to clot.
From these tests the underlying cause of Cirrhosis will be assessed and at the same time the severity of the disease will be detected also.
Imaging tests.Usually, Magnetic Resonance Elastographyor MRE is recommended. This is a non-invasive advanced imaging test used for assessing how far the liver has become hardened or stiffened. In addition to this, various other imaging tests, like MRI, CT scan or ultrasound, are often prescribed.
Biopsy. Sometimes a biopsy is conducted both for diagnosis and also for identifying the severity, and the underlying cause of cirrhosis.
Treatment
The line of treatment for cirrhosis largely depends on the underlying cause and also on the extent of the liver damage. Treatment process mainly focuses on slowing down the progression of the scar tissues in the liver. It also provides solutions to prevent, control and tackle symptoms and complications.
If the cirrhosis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, a treatment plan to stop alcohol dependency will be started. In case of non-alcoholic patients possible cause of fatty liver over weight and blood sugar control will minimize the symptoms. If hepatitis is detected, medications to control that disease will automatically will delay the progression of the cirrhosis also.
If the patient suffers from other complications like accumulation of excess fluid in the body or develops varices or portal hypertension or any other side infections the doctors will treat them separately to improve the patient’s condition and try to keep him or her away from the risk of cancer.
However, in case of severe liver damage, hospitalization may become absolute necessary.
Constipation is a condition in which a patient faces difficulties in bowels movements. Usually, less than three bowel movements in a span of 7 days are common among people suffering with this symptom.
Symptoms
Cause
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment of constipation involves change in food and life style with additional support of laxatives and medicines. If other options do not improve the condition and there is a blockage in the rectum a surgery is the only solution.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease commonly called IBD. In this disease inflammation occurs in the lining of digestive tract and develops abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other serious conditions. Crohn's disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract in different patients.
Symptoms
Crohn’s disease has no permanent cure. But treatment can control it. Usually it has flare up and remission stages. Remission period can last for one year also but comes back again. The symptoms may include the following issues:
Causes
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not identified but it is believed hereditary factor, autoimmune disease and smoking increases the risk of getting it.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually suspect Crohn’s disease from the chronic symptoms. But to determine this disease the following tests are ordered:
Treatment
Crohn’s disease is usually treated with antibiotics, biologics, and anti-diarrheal medicines. Doctors also use other medicines like corticosteroids and immune modulators. Bowel rest is another process to provide rest to the intestine. In this period food is totally stopped supplemented by intravenous nutrition. Sometimes surgery is also prescribed to treat other complications caused by this disease.
Diarrhea is usually caused by a virus, or sometimes, contaminated food. Sometimes it can be a sign of another disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.The symptoms include frequent, loose, watery stools and stomach pain.
Most cases it heals on its own. Some infections may need antibiotics. Severe cases can cause enough dehydration to require intravenous fluids.
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Diarrhea can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. If there is any sign of serious dehydration medical help is immediately required.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Fistula is a painful condition that abnormally connects two organs in the body. In this disease an organ or blood vessel may get connected with another structure.
Types
Fistula can be classified into four types that include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of fistula varies depending on what type of fistula it is.
Here are some common signs:
Causes
Usually, fistula occurs after a surgery or an injury. Often it appears as a result of inflammation due to an infection also. Cohn’s disease or Tuberculosis may develop this condition.
Diagnosis
Doctors can diagnose Fistula by physical examination. If required they may prescribe anoscopy, ultrasound or MRI. In specific cases patients need to undergo examination in the OT anaesthesia.
Treatment
Treatment of Fistula depends on type and severity. However it may include the following options:
Gallstones are stony deposits that form out of a digestive fluid in one’s gallbladder. Gallbladder stores and releases a digestive fluid produced by liver called bile. It is released into the small intestine to aid digestion. The bile also carries wastes like bilirubin or Cholesterol. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ just under the liver. Gallstones can vary in size and number and may or may not cause symptoms.
When gallstones cause pain and other symptoms gallbladder removal surgery is required. Gallstones in many cases don't show up any symptom and treatment is not called for.
Symptoms
Causes
Types of gallstones
Cholesterol gallstones –The most common type and looks yellow in color. These are formed mainly out of excess cholesterol deposit.
Pigment gallstones – These are formed out of excess bilirubin and are dark brown or black in colour.
Risk Factors
Complications
The following complications can cause severe pain, vomiting, fever and immediate hospitalization.
Diagnosis
Abdominal ultrasound -The most common method to detect gallstones.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) - This procedure is advised to identify very small stones which may not be visible clearly in an abdominal ultrasound.
Imaging test options - Oral cholecystography, HIDA scan, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Gallstones detected using ERCP can be removed during the procedure.
Blood tests – Certain blood tests can find out infection, jaundice, pancreatitis or other complications arising out of gallstones effect.
Treatment
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - This is the most common surgical procedure for removal of gallstones and gallbladder.
Open cholecystectomy - Sometimes open surgery is required.
ERCP - If gallstones are in one’s bile ducts it can be removed during the procedure.
Medications - Medications for dissolving gallstones aren't commonly used and are reserved for people who can't undergo surgery. It may take very prolonged treatment to dissolve gallstones in this way and may recur when the medications are stopped.
Prevention
Hepatitis is a serious viral disease that usually develops from contaminated food or water. This disease causes inflammation of liver that affects normal functions of this vital organ. There are 5 types of hepatitis classified as A, B, C, D and E. The most common forms are A, B, and C.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:
Fever, loss of appetite, jaundice and severe illness
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Fever, Jaundice, joint pain, stomach trouble, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and fatigue
Often, chronic hepatitis B does not show any symptoms.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C include
Bleeding easily, bruising easily, Jaundice, loss of appetite, fatigue, itchy skin fluid build-up in the abdomen, swollen feet, weight loss, drowsiness and confusion.
Causes
Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus. It occurs when someone comes in close contact with an affected person or gets infected through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It spreads from one person to another in different ways such as sex, using common needle, or accidental needle prick or from mother to an unborn child.
Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus. This is transmitted from one person to another only through blood contact.
Diagnosis
To diagnose hepatitis A, B, and C doctors take help of the following processes:
Treatment
Hernia occurs when a fatty tissue oran organ bulges out through an abnormal opening in the surrounding tissue layer or muscle that holds it in the right place.
Most of the times, hernias occur in the abdomen, usually between the chest and hips. But it can occur in other areas like upper thigh or groin areas.
Hernia is not life threatening disease but often it requires surgery to prevent the patient from other serious complications.
Types
There are different types of hernias. The common ones are listed below.
Inguinal hernia
This type of hernia occurs when the intestines comes out through a weakened tissue in the inguinal canal or lower abdominal wall.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm wall of the chest cavity. itoccurs after a certain age.
Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias appear when the intestines comes up through the abdominal wall. This usually happens to babies. In this type, a lump is noticed near the belly button.
Ventral hernia
A ventral hernia is detected when tissue bulges out through a weakened opening in the muscles of abdomen. In ventral hernia, the lump size decreases in size when the patient is lying down.
Symptoms
Common symptom of a hernia:
Cause
Usually, muscle weakness and strain or a combination of both cause this disease.
Here are some common causes of muscle weakness or strain that may develop hernia:
Diagnosis
Doctors follow the below mentioned measures to detect a hernia.
Treatment
Surgical repair is the only way to treat Hernia. The decision of going for a surgery depends on the size of a hernia and also on the severity of symptoms.
A higher level of bilirubin build up causes Jaundice. It makes the skin and the whites of the eyes yellowish. It also appears in new-born babies which usually goes away naturally after a few days. In adults it indicates some problem with the lever.
Symptoms
Cause
Diagnosis
Initially, the doctor will ask the patient a few questions to verify the symptoms and medical history as well. The patient will also undergo a physical exam. If jaundice is suspected the doctor will order a bilirubin test. A CBC (complete blood count) test will reveal a higher level of bilirubin that indicates jaundice.
If needed in addition to this other tests will be prescribed to check the condition of the patient’s liver.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Jaundice In adults. Doctors treat the underlying cause that is responsible for this health condition. If someone has acute viral hepatitis, jaundice will automatically subside once the liver starts to heal. In case a blocked bile duct is the cause of jaundice in a patient the doctors may suggest a surgery to open it.
Lactose intolerance is a typical health condition that makes people unable to consume milk or milk products. People suffering from this cannot digest the sugar in milk. Very low level of lactase in human body is responsible for this. Lactose intolerance is not a harmful disease but consumption of dairy products make people with this health issue extremely uncomfortable.
Symptoms
The symptoms usually begin between 30 minutes to two hours of having the foods containing lactose. The common signs include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating and gas.
Causes
Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine fails to produce required level of an enzyme called lactase which helps digesting milk sugar.
Lactase breaks milk sugar into two sugar particles glucose and galactose. The intestinal lining absorbs them into the bloodstream.
People with very low level of lactase misses this process and as a result lactose in their food directly moves into the colon. Normal bacteria existing in the colon interact with undigested lactose, which creates reactions and lactose intolerance symptoms.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose lactose intolerance in a patient based on symptoms and responses to avoiding dairy foods from the regular diet. But to confirm it, the following tests are prescribed.
Hydrogen Breathe Test. In this process the patient is asked to drink a liquid with high levels of lactose. After that hydrogen count in the breath is tracked at regular intervals. Breathing out hydrogen at a higher level indicates the patient is unable to digest and absorb lactose.
Lactose Tolerance Test. In this process also a patient is asked to drink a liquid with high level of lactose. After two hours a blood test is conducted that measures the level of glucose in the bloodstream. If glucose level doesn't show a rise, it indicates the patient is not able to digest and absorb the lactose in the drink.
Treatment
Most of the times people with lactose intolerance manage their entire life span comfortably by avoiding dairy products or leading life on low-lactose diet. Otherwise, restoring lactase levels and controlling the symptoms is the only solution. But it takes considerable time to overcome this health problem.
Microscopic Colitis is a chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine, commonly called colon. It causes watery diarrhea and cramping. This disease is painful but less dangerous when compared to other bowel diseases.
Symptoms
The recurring symptoms include:
Causes
The causes of this disease is not exactly identified. But several factors may be responsible in developing Microscopic Colitis. These are listed below:
Diagnosis
Microscopic colitis is a particular type of infection that can be identified by examining the colon tissues under a microscope. The common test to determine this disease include:
Treatment
Sometimes Microscopic colitis subsides on its own. If not, doctors will ask the patient to avoid certain foods like dairy products, caffeine and other fatty foods. Smoking and medications that may develop this disease needs to be stopped.
If it does not work, doctors are likely to treat it with medications to stop diarrhea, control swelling and other symptoms.
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that is developed on the lining of stomach, or the upper portion of small intestine. A peptic ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. Similarly, a peptic ulcer that affects the duodenum or the upper part of the small intestine is called a duodenal ulcer.
Symptoms
A burning pain and discomfort in the upper part of the belly is a common sign of peptic ulcer. Usually it is felt when stomach becomes empty. After taking antacid or having a meal it may subside but again comes back and bother the patient for a considerable period of time.
Causes
In human body digestive tract remains coated with a thin layer of mucous that normally protects it from acidic reactions. But if the body produces more than natural level of acid or the mucus fails to protect the tissues of stomach and small intestine it may develop an ulcer.
Other Common causes include:
Diagnosis
A medical practitioner usually diagnose peptic ulcer by asking the patient about the symptoms. A physical check-up further helps detecting this disease.
But to confirm an ulcer doctors may prescribe X-Rays and endoscopy also.
Treatment
Some peptic ulcers may heal naturally but most of the times treatment cures and stop the chance of further recurrence. Medications also prevent the ulcer from getting infected.
Usually doctors prescribe a combination of antibiotics to kill Helicobacter pylori the main cause of getting a peptic ulcer. In case of peptic ulcer caused by regular using NSAIDs or some other drugs the patient may be advised to stop or cut down such medicines.
Doctor may prescribe various antacids to control excess acid produced in a patient’s body along with other medicines that will heal the ulcer.
Piles develops when the blood vessels get enlarged inside or around anus. This creates a painful condition.
Symptoms
The symptom of piles is discomfort and pain, especially while sitting or during bowel movements. Often itching and bleeding are reported as additional symptoms. Bleeding is common in first degree piles but they remain inside the body. In Second degree piles usually come out of the patient’s body during bowels movement but automatically get inside afterwards. IN third degree piles, it needs to be physically pushed back in. The fourth degree piles permanently hang outside the patient’s body and becomes extremely painful.
Causes of piles
Piles is developedformany reasons that includes:
Diagnosis of piles
Doctors detects this disease usually by asking the patient about the symptoms. They may physically check the patient too. If necessary proctoscope is used to get a better view of the rectum.
Sometimes blood test is prescribed to find out if the patient is suffering from anaemia in case of a lot of bleeding on a regular basis.
However, if the symptoms and test results suggest there can be other causes of the symptoms, the doctor may suggests other tests also to rule out the chances of bowels cancer.
Treatment of piles
Piles, can be extremely uncomfortable which may create serious impact on your daily life. But many times it automatically goes away after a month though most of the times they come back.
There is a wide range of medicines that can relieve a patient from the recurring symptoms of piles.
Procedures
Sometimes the patient may require to have a procedure to solve the problem. In such situations going to a hospital as an out-patient for some hours is the easiest process.
Surgery
If all other treatment fails the doctors may order a surgery. Different types of surgeries used in treatment of piles. Laser surgeries are bloodless and heals very fast.
Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the large intestine's lowest section (rectum) slips outside the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract (anus). While rectal prolapse may cause discomfort, it's rarely a medical emergency.
Rectal prolapse usually occurs in older women, but it can occur in men and women of any age. Risk factors include multiple births and vaginal delivery. Rectal prolapse can create an inability to control bowel movements, causing stool to leak from the rectum.
Early management includes fluids and pelvic floor exercises. Most people require surgery.
Symptoms
In case of a rectal prolapsed one may notice a reddish mass that comes out of the anus, often while straining during a bowel movement. The mass may slip back inside the anus, or it may remain visible.
Other symptoms include:
The inability to control bowel movements
Constipation or diarrhea
Leaking blood or mucus from the rectum
Feeling that the rectum isn't empty after a bowel movement
Causes
The cause for rectal prolapse is still not certain. Though it's a common assumption that rectal prolapse is associated with childbirth, but about one-third of women with the condition never had children.
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish rectal prolapse from hemorrhoids. To help diagnose rectal prolapse and rule out other associated conditions, your doctor may recommend:
Treatment
Treatment for rectal prolapse is usually surgery. Other treatments include various therapies for constipation, including stool softeners, suppositories and other medications. There are a few different surgical methods for treating rectal prolapse.
Short Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that prevents human system absorb enough nutrients from the food intake as there is not enough small intestine.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome include:
Causes
Short Bowel Syndrome occurs in following cases:
Diagnosis
To diagnose Short Bowel Syndrome doctors order blood and stool tests. To confirm they may also prescribe the following tests:
Treatment
Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome may vary depending on what part of the intestine is damaged and if the colon is intact. However, the treatment process include:
SIBO or Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a serious disease of small intestine. Accumulation of a large number of the bacterial population in the small intestine develops this condition. In this infection, pain in the abdomen and diarrhea becomes the primary complain. The bacteria use up the body’s nutrients and lead to malnutrition.
Symptoms
Here are the main symptoms of SIBO:
SIBO symptoms mainly affect the gut. Symptoms may include:
Causes
The causes that increases the chance of getting SIBO are as follows
Diagnosis
Doctors initially check the symptoms and the medical history along with a physical examination. To confirm SIBO the patient may need to go through blood tests, breathe tests and other tests.
Treatment
To treat SIBO, antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria in the small intestine.
A changed diet can help quick relief and fast recovery. Eating balanced and nutritious diet more frequently in small quantity works well. In many cases Gluten products are ordered to avoid.
Toxic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver in reaction to certain substances to which the liver is exposed. It can be caused by alcohol, chemicals, drugs or nutritional supplements. In some cases, toxic hepatitis develops within hours or days of exposure to a toxin.
Symptoms
Mild forms of toxic hepatitis may not cause any symptoms and may be detected only by blood tests. When signs and symptoms of toxic hepatitis occur, they may include:
Causes
Exposure to a toxic substance sometimes lead to inflammation of liver or Toxic hepatitis. The liver normally removes and breaks down most drugs and chemicals from the bloodstream. But breaking down toxins creates byproducts that can damage the liver. Although the liver has a great capacity for regeneration, yet continuous exposure to toxic substances can cause serious, sometimes irreversible harm. Some of these factors include:
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatments for toxic hepatitis may include:
Traveller’s Diarrhea is an intestinal infection of caused by consuming contaminated food or water. As the name of this disease suggests, usually it occurs as a result of visiting a place with poor public hygiene. This is not a serious disease and most of the times it becomes manageable within a couple of days but it is extremely unpleasant.
Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of Traveller’s Diarrhea:
Causes
Traveler’sDiarrhea is caused by agents like parasite, bacteria and viruses. Stress of travelling and eating the types of food one is not used to consume may also create such a condition.
Prevention
Here are the guidelines to prevent Traveler’sDiarrhea:
Treatment
Treatment of Traveller’s Diarrhea include the following steps:
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disease identified as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD. In this disease the digestive track develops ulcer and inflammation. Ulcerative Colitis can be in mild or severe form. Usually it affects the innermost lining of the digestive track or large intestine and the rectum. This condition increases chance of developing colon cancer in future.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include:
Cause
The exact cause that develops Ulcerative Colitis is not yet known. The possible causes are:
Diagnosis
To confirm Ulcerative Colitis Doctors prescribe the endoscopic procedure to conduct tissue biopsy.
But to rule out any other possibilities doctors may order the following tests:
Treatment
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disorder. To treat this condition doctors prescribe medication with a goal to keep the symptoms under control and to make the period of remission longer. In case of severe cases surgery is ordered. The surgery involves removing of colon and rectum both and creating an alternative new pathway for the waste to come out from the system.
Wilson's disease is a rare type of genetic disorder. In This disease, excess copper is generated in the body and gets accumulated in the liver, brain, cologne, kidney, eye and other organs. Usually the signs of Wilson’s disease shows up between the age group of 5 to 35. However it can get detected earlier or later also.
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary from person to person. It depends on which part of the patient’s body is affected by this disease.
Most of the times the signs of this disease areeither related to brain or liver.
The symptoms include:
Cause
Wilson's disease is a hereditary disease. A person gets it only if two defective genes, (one from each parent) comes to his or her body. One abnormal gene, cannot cause the disease. But it can make the person a carrier.
Diagnosis
Detecting Wilson's disease is not easy. Experienced doctors by using the most latest testing techniques can determine it in time. Doctors prescribe blood tests and a 24-hour urine collection test and also some imaging tests of the affected organs. Generic tests and biopsy of liver tissues are other confirmatory tests.
Treatment
Research work regarding treatment is still going on. Usually regenerative medicines are prescribed. Symptomatic treatment is another solution to keep the patient fit for a longer period of time. in case of a liver damage a doctor may suggest a liver transplant. Timely detection and taking timely actions may allow the patient survive a normal life span.