Abdominal & Urinary Conditions A hernia occurs when body tissue “bulges” through a weak area or hole in a muscle. Often, this happens in the wall of the abdomen. Signs & Symptoms * A bulge in the skin. The bulge may be more easy to see when you cough, lift, or strain, or when you […]
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions With a hiatal hernia, the normal action that closes off the top of the stomach does not work well. Food or stomach acids back up into the esophagus. This is known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Signs & Symptoms Many people have no symptoms with a hiatal hernia. Others have one
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions As you age, your digestive muscles move slower. Your body makes less acid. Other things can hamper the digestive system, too. These include: * Increased use of medicines * Getting less exercise * Changes in eating habits * Dental problems * Loss of muscle tone and elasticity. This could be a
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Abdominal & Urinary Conditions Hemorrhoids are veins in or outside of the anus that may become dilated or swollen. Signs & Symptoms * Bright red blood on or in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet. * Anal or rectal tenderness. Anal itching. * Uncomfortable, painful bowel movements, especially with straining. * A
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It involves the esophagus and the stomach. The esophagus passes behind the breastbone alongside the heart. The irritation that takes place there feels like a burning feeling in the heart. Indigestion is a general term for discomfort in the abdomen that comes after
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Abdominal & Urinary Conditions The gallbladder stores bile. This substance helps digest fats. Gallstones form when bile hardens into pieces of stone-like material. These deposit in the gallbladder or bile ducts (which carry bile to the small intestine). The stones can range in size from less than a pinhead to 3 inches across. Signs &
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions Flatulence is passing gas through the anus. For the average adult, this happens about 6 to 20 times a day. Signs & Symptoms * Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen or anal area. * Passing gas. A foul odor occurs sometimes. Causes Gas is caused by swallowing air and digesting
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions Self-care treats most cases. Botulism, chemical food poisoning, and severe bacterial food poisoning need immediate care. Botulism Cause Toxin from bacteria usually from eating improperly canned foods. Also found in honey and oils infused with garlic. Grows only in little or no oxygen. Signs & Symptoms Blurred vision. Double vision. A
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions Diarrhea occurs when body wastes are discharged from the bowel more often and in a more liquid state than usual. Signs & Symptoms * Frequent watery, loose stools. * Cramping or pain in the abdomen. Causes Common causes are infections that affect the digestive system, food allergies, overuse of laxatives or
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions Diverticulosis in Colon Sometimes small pouches bulge outward through weak spots in the colon. This is called diverticulosis. The pockets (called diverticula) can fill with intestinal waste. With diverticulitis, these pockets and areas around them get inflamed or infected. Signs & Symptoms For Diverticulosis Often this has no symptoms. Some persons
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