large intestine http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for large intestine Copyright 2008 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:40:12 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/large+intestine Gastric Surgery - Miracle Cure For Obesity? http://www.artwoo.com/article/gastric-surgery-miracle-cure-for-obesity http://www.artwoo.com/article/gastric-surgery-miracle-cure-for-obesity#comments Fri, 09 Jun 2006 12:32:07 +0000 roux en y gastric bypassroux en ygastric bypass surgeryfewer caloriesweight loss surgerysurgical weight lossstomach http://www.artwoo.com/article/gastric-surgery-miracle-cure-for-obesity
Whether you're considering weight-loss surgery and want to understand what's ahead, adapting to a new lifestyle following the procedure, or looking for non-surgical weight-loss tips, all the information is here.

Opting for weight-loss surgery is not an easy choice. To decide whether it's right for you, consider the facts of the procedure and the post-operative road you'll need to travel.

The challenges of dieting, exercise and even medications can seem daunting when trying to keep weight off. As a result, many have turned to weight-loss surgery as the best long-term option. But before making that difficult decision, questions need to be answered.

Which type of weight-loss surgery is right for you? What's involved in the procedure? Are there any risks associated with weight-loss surgery? In normal digestion, food passes through the and enters the small intestine, where most of the nutrients and calories are absorbed. It then passes into the large intestine (colon), and the remaining waste is eventually excreted.

makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. You will feel full more quickly than when your stomach was its original size, which reduces the amount of food you eat and thus the calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in being absorbed. This leads to weight loss.

The most common gastric bypass surgery is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum).

This procedure can be done by making a large incision in the abdomen (an open procedure) or by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery (laparoscopic approach).

Male gender is a predictor of morbidity and age a predictor of mortality for patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Open gastric bypass surgery requires up to a 5-day stay. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery requires a hospital stay of 2-3 days. The most common surgery for obesity is Gastric Surgery. Find out more about Gastric Surgery at http://Gastric Surgery.ewhy.info ]]> What You Should Know About Stomach Gas http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-stomach-gas http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-stomach-gas#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2006 09:50:04 +0000 stomach gaslarge intestinesmall intestineroughage dietpost nasal dripsugar lactoseflatulence http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-about-stomach-gas stomach gas problems, such as belching, , bloating and "gas pains" often elicits some degree of amusement, all of us have gas in our intestinal tract and must expel it in some way.

Some individuals are very sensitive to the effects of gas collections in the stomach and intestinal tract and may develop significant discomfort.

If such complaints are troublesome and persistent and do not respond to simple measures, such as change in diet, a visit to your doctor could be helpful.

The gas brought back by belching comes entirely from swallowed air. We all swallow some air when eating food and drinking liquids. Most of the gas mixes with the stomach content and either enters into the or is belched back.

The air that enters the small intestine is either absorbed or it may continue through to the and is then passed rectally. Individuals may swallow more air (and thus increase stomach gas) if they have a post-nasal drip, chew gum, have poorly fitting dentures, suck on hard candies or smoke tobacco. Drinking carbonated beverages (soda or beer) or eating rapidly can also increase stomach gas.

The food we choose to eat can influence the amount of gas passed rectally. Although most of our food intake is absorbed in the small intestine, some foods, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, baked beans, and bran are incompletely digested.

They are then broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, causing the formation of gas. A high is important to promote bowel regularity, but excessive roughage or fiber may lead to bloating and increased flatulence.

When increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, do so gradually, allowing your intestinal tract time to adjust.Milk sugar (lactose) requires an intestinal enzyme (lactase) for digestion. When individuals lack this enzyme the lactose in milk and other dairy products enters the large intestine where the lactose is broken down by bacteria, producing gas.

Although milk is an excellent source of protein and calcium, many adults experience abdominal bloating, gas and diarrhea after consuming milk sugar. Persons from Asia and Africa are often extremely intolerant to the smallest quantity of dairy products.

Everyone passes some rectal gas, although the volume of gas is different each day. Much of the flatus comes from the nitrogen found in the air one swallows. The remainder of the flatus volume is the result of carbohydrates which are not absorbed in the small intestine and are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine.

Therefore, the amount of flatus represents a combination of swallowed air and poorly absorbed carbohydrates. The unpleasant order of flatus is due to other gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which is produced by the bacteria.

Individuals with a long history of occasional gaseousness and abdominal discomfort need not seek medical attention. A change in the location of abdominal pain, significant increase in the frequency or severity of symptoms, or onset of new symptoms in individuals over the age of 40 are some of the reasons to see your doctor. Learn all you wanted to know about stomach gas http://www.stomach-gas.info ]]> Several Types Of Obesity Surgery Available http://www.artwoo.com/article/several-types-of-obesity-surgery-available http://www.artwoo.com/article/several-types-of-obesity-surgery-available#comments Tue, 16 May 2006 18:32:05 +0000 obesity surgerystomach staplingstomach pouchdigestive juicesbiliopancreatic diversionduodenal switchsmall intestine http://www.artwoo.com/article/several-types-of-obesity-surgery-available obesity surgery available to those wishing to undergo the procedure. All of which have some level of permanence, meaning that you won't be able to fully reverse the obesity surgery once you go through with it.

The most commonly known form of obesity surgery is gastric bypass, also known as . This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach from itself via a stapling device. The remains of the are attached to a portion of the lower intestine.

Another well known procedure is the lap band. This is a less invasive form. The doctor places a ring with an inflatable section around the upper portion of the stomach. The ring has a tube attached to it that ends with a port that the doctor can easily access to inflate the ring and gradually reduce the stomachs capacity.

, is a more involved surgery which consists of removing two thirds of the stomach and attaching the end of the stomach to a lower portion of the . The part of the intestine which was bypassed is still attached to the duodenum and its end attached to the small intestine where food is now routed to carry to the area.

The Long Limb Gastric Bypass is similar to the above except that doctors will attach the portion of small intestine containing digestive juices further down in the intestinal tract so that the food and digestive juices have even less time to mix.

There is a form of Gastric Bypass known as the Fobi modification. A normal gastric bypass procedure is modified by the placement of a firm ring of material around the new stomach pouch.

Other types of obesity surgery are vertical banded arthroplasty (rarely used anymore), Jejuno-Ileal Bypass, and Gastric Pacing. Read more http://www.obesity-surgery.biz./sitemap.html">http://www.obesity-surgery.biz./sitemap.html and http://www.obesity-surgery.biz./obesity-surgery-biz-index.htm">http://www.obesity-surgery.biz./obesity-surgery-biz-index.htm or visit our http://www.obesity-surgery.biz.. ]]> What Can You Do About Irritable Bowel Flatulence http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-you-do-about-irritable-bowel-flatulence http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-you-do-about-irritable-bowel-flatulence#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:15:02 +0000 irritable bowel symptomsintestinal bacteriaexcessive flatulencedigestion processirritable bowel syndromevaries from personlarge intestine http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-you-do-about-irritable-bowel-flatulence excessive flatulence. It mainly occurs due to the over-production of gas by the present in the or colon. Sometimes, flatulence is associated with some specific conditions such as . People who suffer from irritable bowel flatulence may also experience other symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and abnormal bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation.

In the , the food that is not digested in the small intestine, primarily sugars and polysaccharides (e.g. starch, cellulose), is digested by the bacteria present in the large intestine. In this process, bacteria produce different gases such as hydrogen, methane, etc. Lactose, sorbitol and fructose are the main sugars that are poorly digested.

The amount of gas produced by the bacteria to person. Some people have more bacteria in their colon, which results in more production of gas. Some people have particular bacteria that produce more gas. In some people, digestion of food in the small intestines is not complete, which can also effect the levels of gas produced.

Continue reading to discover natural methods to relieve and sign up for our free newsletter.

Conditions such as lactose intolerance, and celiac disease may also result in poor digestion. Since more undigested food reaches to the bacteria in the colon, it results in more gas. Some people suffer the spreading of gas-producing bacteria from large intestine into the small intestine. Therefore, the food reaches the bacteria before its complete digestion or absorption by the small intestine, and this increased volume of undigested foods which is available to the bacteria produces more gas also.



Excessive flatulence can also be associated with eating of particular type of food. For example, eating beans can lead to excessive flatulence.

The unused gas distends the intestine. The intestinal muscles contract and push the gas further along the intestine until the gas is finally expelled. People who have constipation as the main symptom in irritable bowel syndrome experience more flatulence and generally pass more gas than those who don't.

For those with a hypersensitive intestinal tract, like those with IBS, the build up of gas can trigger other IBS symptoms.

There are a number of options available to a person with excessive flatulence, which include the identification of the foods that seem to cause the problems, and reducing the volume eaten of these foods. They can often be reintroduced slowly at a later stage.

While evaluating the problem of excessive flatulence in a person, the physician may ask the patient to count the number of times he/she passes gas for several days.

It helps in confirming the presence of excessive flatulence since the count correlates well with the total amount (volume) of gas passed. It is normal to pass gas about 20 times a day. However, it is not always easy to measure the amount of passed gas. If an individual passes gas less than 20 times a day but complains of excessive gas, the problem might be something other than excessive gas. For example, the lack of ability to control the passing of gas or the foul odor of the gas might be the main problem.

Such problems are also socially embarrassing and may prompt individuals to consult a physician. These problems are not correlated to excessive gas production or Irritable Bowel Flatulence and have different treatments. Sign up for Susan Reynolds' free IBS newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Irritable Bowel Flatulence at http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/?source=is ]]> Hydrotherapy: Basic Facts http://www.artwoo.com/article/hydrotherapy-basic-facts http://www.artwoo.com/article/hydrotherapy-basic-facts#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:27:08 +0000 colon hydrotherapycolon cleansingsymptoms of irritable bowel syndromeirritable bowel syndromecardiovascular diseasescolonic irrigationcrucial http://www.artwoo.com/article/hydrotherapy-basic-facts symptoms of that results from a clogged colon and leads to more complications like malignancy or .

But no need to get panicked, there are millions of Americans who suffer from the same disorder as you and there are many effective and workable solutions to this problem. Detoxification of organs like kidney and colon is the focal point in these treatments and the process starts right with the cleansing of colon which is the most vital organ in the waste management of our bodies.

So far as is concerned, you will come across various methods that have their respective benefits and shortcomings. has remained a trusted method for years for several reasons; let us examine them below.

Do you know what the greatest virtue of Colon Hydrotherapy is? It is the simplicity of the procedure. It is a process where filtered warm water is used to cleanse the colon. The water is gently pushed into colon through the anus via a plastic disposable tube.

Also known as '' and 'colenemas', the hydrotherapy is so easy that you can get it done at home through suitable home applications, certified by FDA. It is generally recommended that the procedure be administered by a licensed professional especially when the intestine is in really bad shape. When performed by a professional, the process ensures maximum safety and optimum results. When it is performed in clinic the whole procedure takes approximately 90 minutes to finish.

However there are many people who would rather stay away from hydrotherapy in spite of its many benefits. They have their reasons; first of all it is claimed to be costly that takes approximately $25 and $100 per treatment. Those who are against colon hydrotherapy also hold that it cleanses the large intestine only.

Let us see what experts say in answer. They hold that when hydrotherapy is carried on in conjunction with oxygen colon cleanser, it can effectively eliminate in the long run the impacted toxins from both the small and large intestine. Then there can be no better way than hydrotherapy to rapidly get rid of the impacted materials from the large intestine by the flush of water.

A last piece of information: You may probably need a series of colon hydrotherapy, instead of just one. While the first few sittings are meant to force out the gas, it is only after a few session that old encrusted feculent matters start to come out. As your colon has taken years to reach this miserable condition, you should also be patient enough to let the hydrotherapy take its time to eliminate the clogged up fecal matters. Patience is the key to get great results from a course of colon hydrotherapy. Rastus Filby has experience with colon hydrotherapy. Get more info at http://colon-hydrotherapy-advice.info. Also check out http://colonic-hydrotherapy-help.info and http://your-clean-colon.info for colon cleanse advice. ]]> Overview Of IBS http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-of-ibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-of-ibs#comments Fri, 01 Sep 2006 22:27:10 +0000 ibslower stomach painirritable bowel syndromelarge intestinesufferinglarge intestinescause people http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-of-ibs IBS, isn't just a problem. It's a way of life. IBS refers to a condition that is characterized by the not operating in the way that it should. Not really a disease, IBS is a disorder. The interesting thing to note is that patients who suffer from IBS exhibit no abnormalities in their intestine nor have they sustained intestinal damage. That is the real mystery of the disorder.

For this reason, no clear-cut cause for IBS has ever been established. There are some observations and theories on the subject. One thing that experts do note is the fact that IBS appears to include both sensitivity and muscle spasms in the large intestine. Because of this, gas and stool move quickly through the small and . Patients from IBS may notice that this condition escalates when they are suffering from great amounts of stress. When life is going smoothly, and patients are at ease, the symptoms often fade tremendously.

Patients suffering from IBS have to endure a variety of symptoms. Among these are bloating, diarrhea, sometimes constipation, , and cramping. The pain that comes along with IBS isn't a constant pain. It can disappear for days or weeks even. The pain often goes away after a patient has a bowel movement.

If you are suffering from IBS, the muscles and nerves that reside in your large intestine have strong responses to outside factors such as stress. Certain foods that don't bother most people can spark stomach muscle contractions that lead to diarrhea when the food is sped through your digestive track.

An extremely common disorder, IBS affects about one in every five Americans over the age of twenty. Because of the embarrassing nature of the disorder, many people do not seek medical attention for this problem.

Depending on the severity of your disorder, it can range from annoying to life-altering. In severe cases, it can to be unable to leave the house, maintain a job, or lead an active life. For this reason, it's important to seek medical attention, garner a diagnosis, and discuss treatment options.

IBS differs from other irritable bowel disorders, especially in the fact that there are no abnormalities in the intestines and no apparent cause for the episodes. A doctor makes the diagnosis mostly by evaluating your symptoms and ruling out all other possibilities. Your doctor will more than likely order a series of tests to ensure that you do not suffer from another type of irritable bowel disorder or even a more serious condition.

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffers from IBS, take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. With around 20% of the population suffering from this disorder, it is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your doctor about methods of coping with this disorder. Don't let IBS control your life. Many patients lead normal, rich, complete lives. Susan Reynolds has an interest in IBS. For further information on IBS please visit http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/ibs.html or http://natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/blog/2006/08/26/overview-of-ibs/ .. ]]> Coping With An Ileostomy Due To Crohns Disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/coping-with-an-ileostomy-due-to-crohns-disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/coping-with-an-ileostomy-due-to-crohns-disease#comments Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:27:13 +0000 small intestinelarge intestinecrohns diseasepouchesstomaabdomenwafer http://www.artwoo.com/article/coping-with-an-ileostomy-due-to-crohns-disease small intestine (the ileum) through an opening surgically created in the known as a .

An ileostomy is a procedure given to those who require their colon () and rectum to be removed, because the disease and injury that has infected the large intestine has rendered it incapable of safely processing waste.

Since the small intestine is no longer attached to the colon to pass waste on, the stoma created connects the ileum to the outside surface skin of the abdomen. A special bag known as an appliance is securely attached to the opening and collects waste from the small intestine. Most ilesostomies are located on the right side of the abdomen just above the groin.

Living with an ileostomy

An ileostomy is an operation that usually improves symptoms of Crohn's disease. However, living with an ileostomy can be a struggle at first. The following are some tips on how you can cope and make the most of your new lifestyle.

The Pouch -- All , regardless if they are open or closed ended, are designed of lightweight plastic and are attached by an adhesive to the skin. The wafer should fit snuggly to avoid leakage.

Due to the way modern ileostomy pouches are designed, they usually remain inconspicuous under regular clothing. This is because pouches lie flat to the body. Pouches can be worn inside or outside of underwear, so you can wear it in the way that is most comfortable for you. Just make sure that you don't apply pressure to the stoma by wearing tight clothing or belts over it.

Activities -- As soon as you have your doctor's permission and are feeling up to it, you can engage in all of the activities and sports you enjoyed prior to surgery. This includes swimming, jogging, skiing, tennis, etc. However, you will want to avoid rough contact sports (IE football) and heavy lifting.

Work -- to give yourself peace of mind when you return to work, make sure you keep an extra pouch and a change of clothing on you at all times.

New Diet -- Even though you can eat virtually any food after you have your ileostomy, it's a good idea to continue avoiding foods that had a serious impact on your Crohn's condition and maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, you should lower your intact of tough and high-fiber foods such as raw vegetables. These types of food are hard for your small intestine to digest and this could lead to blockage.

Emotional Repercussions - At first, living with an ileosotomy can be hard to deal with. Many people feel embarrassed about their ileostomy and are afraid to start new relationships, or open up emotionally to others. The best way to make these feelings of shame and insecurity pass is to share your feelings and educate others about your condition. You'd be surprised at how understanding people are who love and care about you.

If you have a hard time talking to your family, friends, spouse, or partner, at first, consider joining a support group and talk with other people who live with ostomoies.

Keep in mind, an ileostomy does not stop a person from engaging in sexual activity, sports, traveling, or most activities. The only thing holding a person back from doing the things they enjoy are their thoughts and attitude. If you are looking for more help for Chron's Disease symptoms please visit http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com and sign up for a free newsletter. ]]> How Your Dog's Digestion Works http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-your-dogs-digestion-works http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-your-dogs-digestion-works#comments Sat, 25 Nov 2006 00:27:08 +0000 small intestineprotein digestionsmall and large intestinesdigestive enzymeslarge intestineflat molarswater and electrolytes http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-your-dogs-digestion-works
To keep your canine's gastrointestinal system functioning at its finest, a healthy, well-balanced diet is of the essence. The quality of the diet can be measured in its ease of digestion. Large, malodorous stool is a reliable indicator that something is amiss in the digestive tract -- and the food going into it would be the most likely perpetrator.

Your canine's digestive system is an impressive, powerful function of the mouth, stomach, s, aided by the liver and pancreas.

Digestion begins in the mouth, where saliva lubricates the food and passes it down the esophagus. The canine's teeth -- sharp, jagged, blade-shaped molars -- are designed for gripping, tearing and shredding, and are specifically suited for its digestive capabilities. Other mammals have , characteristic of grinding. The canine's jaws, however, are incapable of moving sideways, and instead are hinged. This allows them to open widely and ingest large chunks of meat whole.

Swallowed food passes down the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach of a canine is very acidic with a pH registering as low as 1. Food is well mixed and broken down before contents leave the stomach as chyme.

Chyme is the fluid that passes easily into the , where the pancreas and liver provide additional . These enzymes continue and also provide carbohydrate and fat digestion. Nutrients are absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream.

By the time any food reaches the large intestine, most of the nutrients have been processed and absorbed. It is here that are assimilated and bacteria can break down undigested fiber. The wastes are then excreted.

Understandably, large amounts of vegetation, grains and fiber are difficult for canines to process. With their short and simple digestive tracts, they are incapable of fermenting and absorbing these foods like an herbivore would. High-grain, high-fiber diets, then, only result in a much larger stool volume. The canine has a short digestive tract that helps to easily digest animal flesh and fat. The food spends a much longer time in the stomach, which produces a higher amount of hydrochloric acid, and aids in the breakdown of animal proteins, bones and fat.

Digestive issues are one health concern your canine need never suffer, as the solution is right at your fingertips, and completely within your discretion. Let us help you make your canine's diet your number one priority, beginning today . . . . Extend the life of your dog by up to 134% andamp; save up to $10,000. Your dog deserves http://www.thedogfoodconspiracy.com/dog-food-secrets.php and it's your responsibility, learn more with our http://www.thedogfoodconspiracy.com tips now. ]]> How Does The Gastric Bypass Promote Weight Loss? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-does-the-gastric-bypass-promote-weight-loss http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-does-the-gastric-bypass-promote-weight-loss#comments Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:27:24 +0000 gastric bypasssmall intestinelarge intestinecalorieslong term weight lossduodenummorbid obesity http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-does-the-gastric-bypass-promote-weight-loss morbid obesity, dieting and exercise will often produce a short-term weight loss and can bring some marked health benefits. Any weight loss is however short-lived and the vast majority of people (between 80% and 95%) will regain their weight, and often put on further weight, relatively quickly. It is no surprise therefore that many morbidly obese individuals turn in the end to the as a lasting solution to their problem. But just how does the gastric bypass promote long-term weight loss?

To understand the mechanics of the gastric bypass we need to start by considering the normal digestive process.

When we eat, food passes initially into the stomach where it is broken down by a strong acid solution. Once the digestive process has been completed in the stomach, food moves into the , which is the first part of the , and bile and pancreatic juice is added to the mix to continue the process of digestion. It is here in the duodenum that iron and calcium are absorbed into the body.

Food then continues on down the small intestine, which is almost 20 feet in length, passing first through the jejunum and then through the ileum and it is here that the body extracts the bulk of the and nutrients contained in the food that we eat. Finally, any food particles that cannot be digested are passed into the where they are stored until they are passed out of the body.

We gain weight because the food that we eat contains more calories than we need to support the level of activity within the body and so the body, having burnt up the calories that it needs, stores any left-over calories as fat which is dispersed throughout the body.

Gastric bypass works by altering the body's digestive process in one of two ways.

One form of gastric bypass (referred to as restrictive surgery) physically restricts the quantity of food that we can eat and so not only stops us from consuming more calories than the body needs but reduces our intake to fewer calories than are necessary and so forces the body to start burning off the reserves that it has laid down as fat.

The second form of gastric bypass (referred to as malabsorptive surgery) does not restrict the quantity of food that we can eat but creates a new passage for that food so that a substantial proportion of the small intestine is bypassed and the body is able to extract only a small number of calories. Once again this forces the body to dig into its fat reserves.

In many cases gastric bypass operations are in fact a combination of these two forms and will both restrict the intake of food and reduce adsorption by re-routing the food past much of the small intestine.

There are many variations of the gastric bypass and each has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. Some forms will be more suited to one individual than to another and in other cases it will be very much a matter of personal preference in consultation with your surgeon.

The gastric bypass is a powerful solution to the problem of obesity but it comes at a price and is not without both risk and complication. It is also important to understand that the gastric bypass is not in itself a magic cure for obesity and that you will need to learn to work with your new digestive system by adopting a whole new set of eating habits and a dramatic change to your lifestyle if you are to maintain the weight lost as a result of surgery.

Once the initial and virtually automatic weight loss has been achieved following the gastric bypass it is quite easy to abuse your new digestive system and to start putting the weight back on again. For more information about the gastric bypass please visit http://GastricBypassFacts.info ]]> Do I Have Crohn's Disease? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-i-have-crohns-disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-i-have-crohns-disease#comments Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:20:01 +0000 crohn s diseaseseveral different typeslarge intestineterminal ileitiscolitissmall intestinessmall intestine http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-i-have-crohns-disease
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary in intensity from mild to severe to even life altering. Your health can suffer greatly if you are experiencing intestinal disorder. Some Crohn's sufferers find themselves giving up some of their basic daily activities just in case of an episode of Crohn's disease eruption.

Crohn's disease is an inflammation or ulceration of the digestive tract and is most often seen in the lowest portion of the known as the ileum. Crohn's disease can also be seen in the or colon.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, poor appetite, fever, night sweats, rectal pain and rectal bleeding. These Crohn's disease symptoms can vary in severity and can show themselves all together or a few at a time. Regardless any of these symptoms can make you feel horribly and can invade your plans for the day.

There are of Crohn's disease which include Crohn's , Crohn's enteritis, Crohn's terminal iletis, Crohn's entero-colitis and ileo-colitis.

The two most common types of Crohn's disease are Crohn's and Crohn's ileo-colitis.

Crohn's terminal ileitis is an inflammation that invades, as its names suggests, only the very end of the . Most commonly with terminal ileitis, symptoms experienced are often seen as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Crohn's ileo-colitis is one of the other most common types of Crohn's disease seen today. With ileo-colitis, the colon and small intestine become horribly inflamed and show up as abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.

If you see these symptoms then it is important to see your healthcare provider to determine if you have a definitive diagnosis of Crohn's disease. To determine if you have Crohn's disease, your healthcare provider will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. Your physician may also order imaging test such as a barium x-ray to look at the intestine and the colon. It is also rather common for physicians to order a colonoscopy to determine a definitive diagnosis of Crohn's disease. This allows your physician to look directly into the colon to see exactly what is going on.

Unfortunately at this time, Crohn's disease cannot be cured. However, there are many medications on today's market that can help manage the disease. Medications can reduce the inflammation and infection often seen in conjunction with the worsening symptoms of Crohn's disease.

Remember, if you are suffering from health issues involving your intestinal function, it is important to seek medical care so that you can receive the proper treatment. Crohn's disease is a serious health issue and one that deserves your attention. For more important information on health topics sure to visit http://www.the-health-hub.com where you will find information and resources on personal health such as Crohn's Disease, conditions and diseases, diet and nutrition, fitness and many other articles that you can view at http://the-health-hub.com ]]> What Is Constipation? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-constipation http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-constipation#comments Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:20:00 +0000 causes of constipationlarge intestinenormal bowel movementstoolsfruits and vegetablesurgeinsufficient exercise http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-constipation normal bowel movement than usual.

It is accompanied by straining, incomplete evacuation and passage of hard .

Who gets Constipation? It is particularly common among the elderly and younger children.

How do you get Constipation?

There are a few :

1. Insufficient fibre(fruits,vegetables) to form bulk in the stools.

2. Insufficient fluid in the diet(at least 8 glasses of water).

3. Insufficient time to go to toilet when there is the to pass motion.

4. to help the intestine to move especially after meals, common in sedentary jobs and older people

5. Stress cause the constriction of the anal sphincter preventing the stools from passing.

6. Depression on the other hand depress the movement of the intestines.

7. Drugs like cough mixture containing codeine,antispasmodic, antacids may also reduce the motility of the intestine.

8. Pregnancy in the later stage cause the womb to press against the intestine.

9. People with low thyroid hormone slows down the movement of the intestines.

10. People with piles or pelvic space occupying swelling which may press against the intestine or rectum.

How to avoid Constipation?

Avoidance of constipation include:

1. Increase in daily fibre intake to at least 15gm (eg. 1 bowl of bran cereal for breakfast), ).

Fibre increases the bulk of the stool allowing easy passage of stools through the .

2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (2 litres). Water reduces the hardness of stools.

3. Regular exercises at least 2-3 times a day especially after meals. Exercise will enhance intestinal movement.

4. Allow a distraction free period of 15 min a day for bowel movement. The strongest intestinal movement occurs after breakfast.

5. Do not ignore or suppress the urge to pass bowel movement. This may impair the sensation to detect initiation of bowel movement leading to constipation.

How to treat Constipation?

1. Follow the advice above.

2. Consult your family doctor to exclude any abdominal swelling which may be blocking the passage of stools.

A colonoscopy may be needed to check the large intestines for tumours or early cancer. Your piles may be removed during the colonoscopy if found to be obstructing passage of stools.

3. Try Yogurt or fermented milk with lactobacillus as a method to stimulate more production of bulk in stools.

4. Try not to take laxatives unless it is deemed necessary by your doctor. Most doctors preferred not to use medicine in combating constipation.

5. Learn to relax the anal sphincter by doing some pelvic exercises Kenneth Kee email: kwk481@gmail.com website: http://www.kennethkee.com http://kennethkee.blogspot.com http://dotkee.110mb.com http://mirage800.110mb.com http://success.myweb.io http://mirage.myweb.io Profile: A newbie to world of internet marketing. At the age of 59 years, I am struggling to learn the in and outs of online marketing. I am a educator,part-time healthcare worker,computer hardware hobbyist,now ebook writer and internet marketer. I am also a full time lifelong learner. Graduated in 1972, did my Masters in 1991 and doctorate in 1993. ]]> Colonoscopy Procedure: Precautions To Take After And Before Procedure http://www.artwoo.com/article/colonoscopy-procedure-precautions-to-take-after-and-before-procedure http://www.artwoo.com/article/colonoscopy-procedure-precautions-to-take-after-and-before-procedure#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:25:01 +0000 colonoscopy procedurelarge intestineinsulin dosebleeding bowelheart diseasescolon cancercolonoscope http://www.artwoo.com/article/colonoscopy-procedure-precautions-to-take-after-and-before-procedure large intestine) for the sake of estimating the rectal bleeding, bowel disorders and tumors which are spotted on x-ray sheets. It is also used to check for the rectal and in the people above 50 years of age.

In the , a is used by the physician to view the inner layer of colon. A colonoscope is a long and flexible instrument of =BD inches of diameter which is introduced in the body through rectum and then it advances to the large intestine.

A little quantity of tissues is removed from the body if it is required for the biopsy and polyps are removed after they are identified. A number of times colonoscopy procedure allows correct analysis and cure and there is no need of any major operation or surgery.

Before the Colonoscopy Procedure

Make the physician aware of the conditions if you are a lung or heart patient, or are allergic from certain kind of medications or if you are pregnant. Also tell him if you are on antibiotics before any surgical procedure or if you are having an artificially attached heart valve.

Take care of the following things if you are going through any kind of medication:

* A diabetic patient should regulate the on the test day with the help of his physician. Remember to bring your medicines with you so that you can continue with it after the procedure.

* Get some alternate for blood-thinning prescribed from your physician if you are going through the medication of thinning the blood.

* Make sure that you have not taken aspirin within a week or other anti-inflammatory medicine before the procedure.

* The bulk-forming or iron containing products can make it difficult to view the colon. So, don't take any of such things for a week before the procedure.

* On the days tests are conducted, take the medicines for thyroid or and blood pressure with water only.

During the Colonoscopy Procedure

The patient needs to wear the gown provided by the hospital and a tranquilizer and pain-relief pill is given to him. Then the patient is asked to lie on his left with knees drawn upwards. After that a colonoscope is introduced in the body, from rectum to large intestine. This procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. But there is nothing to be afraid of and the whole process is quite improvised with professional assistance.

After the Colonoscopy Procedure

The patient is kept under observation for about 30 minutes after the colonoscopy procedure. The impression of pain or gas might be felt but not for a long time. The patient is advised to continue with the normal meals and avoid the medication for blood-thinning for at least two weeks after the procedure. It is also advised to stop the use of aspirin to reduce the danger of bleeding in case polyps are removed from the body. There may be rectal bleeding if biopsy is done. But there is no need to worry as it is quite normal. Are You Ready For a Toxic-Free Colon? You are about to know what your colon must know about colon cleansers. Discover the truth by visiting http://www.coloncleansingonline.com, a popular website that offers straightforward facts and advices on the best colon cleansing methods. ]]> Causes Of Ibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/causes-of-ibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/causes-of-ibs#comments Sat, 19 Aug 2006 12:27:08 +0000 ibs patientsibs patientirritable bowel syndromehypochondriacssmall intestineintriguingconstipation http://www.artwoo.com/article/causes-of-ibs Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that affects millions of Americans each day. A condition that causes abdominal pains, diarrhea, , bloating, or a combination of those symptoms, IBS is a disorder that is illusive in nature.

The reason that IBS is so is the fact that it has no known cause. There are theories about the causes of the disorder, but if a doctor was to examine an 's intestine, the results of that examination might shock you. The intestine would appear to be normal in every way with no apparent damage.

If this is true, what causes IBS? Finally, as technology and research evolves, more theories are developing on possible causes of IBS. In the past, many were deemed "". Was the disease really in their head?

One of the theories of the cause of IBS has to do with stress. Patients who suffer from IBS notice that their symptoms are greatly agitated when anxiety levels are the highest. This is mainly due to the fact that stress can bring on the muscle spasms that often either trap gas and fecal matter in your system or rush food through your system. The results are either constipation or diarrhea. In many cases, severe abdominal pains accompany this constipation or diarrhea.

Other possible causes have been suggested. Some of these are immune system malfunction and sensitive reactive colon. These were two of the more common theories, but many doctors are beginning to think otherwise as research continues.

It is possible that irritable bowel syndrome can be due to a large amount of bacteria in the . This could explain the change in bowel movements, gas, pain, etc. Since there are so few bacteria in your small intestine, a rapid increase in bacteria could really impact on your system.

Another possible cause of IBS is intolerance of foods. Depending on the individual, certain foods which would be harmless to the average person can cause an IBS episode. If an IBS patient can identify these "trigger" foods, they can remove those foods from the diet, cutting down the IBS symptoms. The good news is that doctors often say that, after taking a break from those foods, they can later be reincorporated into your meal plans.

The bottom line, unfortunately, is there is no known cause for IBS. Doctors have theories, and many medical professionals believe some of the above mentioned things can contribute to IBS symptoms. The truth is that the real root of IBS is a mystery. As research continues, we can hope to eventually find a definitive answer. Until then, if you are suffering from the disorder, you can be comforted by the fact that your doctor can help you devise the best treatment plan to help you cope with this disorder. Many patients suffering from the disorder have learned to control their symptoms and resume their full, active pre-IBS lives. It is also important to seek a proper diagnosis to ensure that you aren't suffering from another type of similar IBD. Susan Reynolds has an interest in Health related topics. For further information on IBS please visit http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/ibs.html or on http://natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/blog/2006/08/04/causes-of-ibs/ ]]> Causes Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome And What You Need To Know http://www.artwoo.com/article/causes-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-what-you-need-to-know http://www.artwoo.com/article/causes-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-what-you-need-to-know#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:30:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromemuscle contractionswatery stoolslarge intestinespastic colonfunctional disorderbowel wall http://www.artwoo.com/article/causes-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-what-you-need-to-know irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. It is known as a , which means that the way the bowel words is affected. However, there are yet to be found any physical abnormalities that can explain the symptoms.

One theory that has been proposed is that people who have IBS have a , or colon, that is quite sensitive and reactive to both stress and certain foods. It is thought that the immune system may also be involved.

Symptoms of IBS seem to be caused by contractions of the muscle in the some researchers think. These contractions are thought to be stronger and more frequent in people that have IBS. The contractions seem to worsen after eating certain foods and in stressful situations. If a person is intolerant to certain foods such as dairy products, tea and coffee, it may trigger symptoms.

IBS may often develop after a bout of gastroenteritis which is an inflammation not only of the stomach but also of the bowel linings. This often causes diarrhea and sickness. An infection with a bacteria or virus may be the culprit here as well as food poisoning.

These are some other causes of IBS which you may want to think about:

Normal movement, or motility, may be absent in the colon of someone who has IBS. The motility can be spasmodic, also called a or it can even temporarily stop working. Spasms are strong and sudden that may come and go periodically.

The lining of the colon which is also known as the epithelium is affected by both the immune and nervous systems. It regulates the flow of fluids both in and out of the large intestine or colon. In a person who has IBS, the epithelium seems to work properly.

However, when the contents inside of the large intestine move too quickly, the colon is not able to absorb the fluids. This results in . In other people, the movement inside of the colon is much too slow.

This causes any extra fluid to be absorbed, and thus the person suffers from constipation.

With a person who is suffering from IBS, their colon may respond very strongly to certain foods or to stress that would normally not bother other people.

Recent research has found that serotonin and normal gastrointestinal functioning are linked together. Serotonin is a chemical, or neurotransmitter, that delivers messages from one body part to another. Approximately 95% of the serotonin in a person's body is found in the GI tract, and the other 5% is located in the brain. Cells which line the inside of the intestines work as transporters and work at carrying the serotonin out of the gastrointestinal tract. People who suffer with IBS do not have as much receptor activity as normal people, and this causes a build-up of serotonin in the GI tract. As a result, people with IBS suffer from problems with bowel movement, sensation and motility since they have more sensitive pain receptors located in their GI tract.

Researchers also have reported that IBS may be linked to a bacterial infection in the GI tract. Studies have been documented that people who have had a bout of gastroenteritis may sometimes develop IBS.

These are the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome. If you think that you may be suffering from this disease, it would be wise to consult your physician. Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to bottom line information on IBS at http://www.ibs-information.com ]]> Understanding The Autoimmune Disorder Crohn's Disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-autoimmune-disorder-crohns-disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-autoimmune-disorder-crohns-disease#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 20:27:06 +0000 crohn s diseasecrohns diseaseanal discomfortflare upsulcerative colitisautoimmune disordersibd http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-autoimmune-disorder-crohns-disease IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract.

It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract.

The incidence of Crohn's disease in North America is 6:100 000, and is thought to be similar in Europe, but lower in Asia and Africa Unlike the other major inflammatory bowel disease, , there is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease.

Many medical treatments are however available for Crohn's disease with a goal of keeping the disease in remission.

Many patients with Crohn's disease have symptoms for years prior to the diagnosis. Because of the patchy nature of the gastrointestinal disease and the depth of tissue involvement, initial symptoms can be more vague than with ulcerative colitis.

Common initial symptoms of Crohn's disease include the following; Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and peri .

Typically, Crohn's disease only affects areas of the large intestine. Because Crohn's disease is most commonly associated with the large intestine, the most common symptoms are diahrea or constipation, and abdominal pain and cramping.

Like all , Crohn's disease is a pretty serious condition, and there isn't really any cure for it. There are some new treatments available, but nothing that will cure it outright.

Some people seem to get occassionaly from their Chorn's disease, but more or less live normal lives. Others suffer from chronic flare ups their entire lives, which can sometimes lead to more serious complications.

The medications you take if you are having a flare up are basically immunosuppressant sorts of drugs and of course steroids, neither of which aren't really all that pleasant to take. They both have a lot of side effects, and the immunosupressants boost your chances of getting some kind of opportunistic infection. Crohn's disease is a progressive disease of the gastro-intestinal tract that is considered an autoimmune disorder. http://1crohnsdisease.info ]]> The Relationships Between Diet And Colon Cancer http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-relationships-between-diet-and-colon-cancer http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-relationships-between-diet-and-colon-cancer#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 23:29:57 +0000 colon and rectal cancercolon cancercolon cellscontacthigh fiber dietinflammatory bowel diseaselarge intestine http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-relationships-between-diet-and-colon-cancer large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body).

Being age 50 or older is actually the number one risk factor for . But other things impact colon cancer development, too. For example, studies indicate that all of these factors can contribute to colon cancer: alcohol, smoking, , obesity.

A diet high in animal fat and low in dietary fiber, which is the typical American diet today, has been linked to colon cancer. A review of the relationships between diet, exercise, and colon cancer suggests that diets high in vegetables and regular physical activity are the most significant factors in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Strong evidence shows that physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 50 percent. Some scientists hypothesize that fiber (from vegetables) might bind to potential carcinogens and cause them to be excreted before they can cause harm; other suggest that, in enhancing the movement of material through the GI tract, exercise or high-fiber diet reduces the time that carcinogens have to come in with . Other scientists suggest that high levels help protect the GI tract and delay the development of stomach, colon, and rectal cancer. Alternatively, the breakdown products of fiber produced by colonic bacteria, including acids that lower colon pH, might make carcinogens inactive.

Although these logical reasons point to a beneficial effect of fiber, a major study of women fails to support the protective effect of dietary fiber against colorectal cancer. However, a recent study of 400,000 men and women across nine European countries shows as much as a 40 percent reduction in risk. http://www.procoloncancer.com ]]> Allergy Effects On The Liver And Colon http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-effects-on-the-liver-and-colon http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-effects-on-the-liver-and-colon#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:30:02 +0000 digestion of fatsantibodies and antigensmast cellsallergy conditionsascending colonpancreatic enzymesblood proteins http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-effects-on-the-liver-and-colon
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Amongst other things, it is a detoxifying agent and a blood reservoir. It breaks down waste matter in the blood and manufactures ; converting sugar and carbohydrates into glycogen, which it then stores for the manufacture of glucose when needed. It collects vitamins and minerals from food and stores them for future use. The liver also manufactures bile, which is stored in the gall bladder, and released, when necessary, into the duodenum to aid in the .

During digestion, bile flows from the gall bladder and liver into the small intestine, thus helping to keep it alkaline and aiding the to digest fats more easily. Eventually the bile fluids circulate back to the liver, from the colon, carrying toxins with them. These must be neutralized by the liver and, finally, eliminated by the kidneys.

The allergic reaction creates turmoil in the body when react, causing to break up and histamine to be released in large quantities. These adverse chemical reactions result in the body becoming overloaded with toxins which eventually find their way to the colon for elimination. Unfortunately, the constipation, which is so often present in , causes these toxins to remain in the colon. This results in the bile fluids continuously overloading the liver with recirculated toxins from the colon and eventually, the liver may become incapable of coping fully with its detoxifying duties. When this happens, the liver degenerates, the system becomes poisoned and the individual, who has never been well because of masked allergies, now becomes seriously ill.

The effects, therefore, of allergies, particularly several masked allergies, on the liver, over a period of time, can be extremely serious and cause further severe illness.

The colon:

The colon is the main part of the large intestine and consists of the , the transverse colon, the descending colon and the sigmoid colon. II is a muscular tube which carries food residue (chyme) from the cecum (the first part of the large intestine) to the rectum (the last part). The first half of the colon, from the cecum to the middle of the transverse colon, is responsible for the creation of wavelike motions known as peristaltic waves, which push the contents of the colon to the rectum for eventual evacuation.

Besides the formation of peristaltic waves, the first half of the colon also extracts from the chyme, any available nutritional material, including water, that the small intestine was unable to collect. For this purpose, it mulches the chyme and transfers liquid and nutrients through its walls into the bloodstream. This is done through the blood vessels lining the walls of the colon, which then transfer the nutrients back to the liver for processing.

Constipation, which often accompanies food allergies, causes the accumulation of fecal matter in the colon which proceeds to putrify and ferment. Combine this with the additional wastes caused by the body's continuing allergic responses, and an overloaded toxic situation occurs in the colon, with devastating effects. The colon is faced with the extraction of remaining nutrients from fermenting, toxin-laden rubbish. As a result, polluted nutrients pass back into the bloodstream to aggravate further the allergy condition. Author sites: http://www.e-self-help.com , http://www.herbalremedieslk.com , http://shabi-home-remedies.blogspot.com ]]> Could Bacterial Overgrowth Be The Cause Of Your Ibs? http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-bacterial-overgrowth-be-the-cause-of-your-ibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-bacterial-overgrowth-be-the-cause-of-your-ibs#comments Sat, 17 Feb 2007 02:27:17 +0000 small intestinefat malabsorptionbacteriairritable bowel syndromemucus in stoolsbacterial overgrowthchronic stress http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-bacterial-overgrowth-be-the-cause-of-your-ibs Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

What is SIBO? It is an overgrowth of bacteria that naturally occurs in the . The small intestine contains a small amount of bacteria that is essential to the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. However, when too much bacteria exists, problems such as occur. In addition, it also stops carbohydrates from being absorbed, leaving them to rot in the intestines causing a number of unpleasant and often foul-smelling symptoms including bloating, pain, gas, and diarrhea.

can lead to nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and digestive enzymes that barely function. It is a common condition that usually goes undetected for years, even when symptoms are present. Why? Most people who have chronic digestive problems and have bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation are typically diagnosed with . Doctors rarely consider bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine as the problem.

What causes bacterial overgrowth? There are many different factors that can lead to SIBO. Some of the following conditions that could cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine include:

• Reduction of motility in the small intestine -- condition caused by too much dietary sugar and . This condition can also occur from diabetes, scleroderma and hypothyroidism.

• Structural abnormalities within the small intestine -- abnormalities may be caused by small intestinal diverticula, gastric bypass surgery, and intestinal obstruction. etc.

• Hypochlorhydria -- As people age, they produce less stomach acid. Stomach acid helps to eliminate bacteria in the small intestine. Thus, if there is a decline, the acid won't be able to eliminate enough of the bacteria.

• Other causes -- stress, prolonged use of steroids, antibiotics, antacids, birth control pills and other medications, immune deficiency, pancreatic enzyme deficiency and a diet insufficient in fiber.

Are IBS and SIBO related?

One study that was conducted by researches at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in California involved 202 participants with IBS. Each participant was tested for bacterial overgrowth with a lactulose breath hydrogen test. A person with bacterial overgrowth produces high levels of methane or hydrogen gas. The lactulose hydrogen test analyses the gas in breath, and is the best test for diagnosing SIBO.

At the end of the study it was found that of the 202 participants, 157 tested positive for SIBO. When the 157 people that were diagnosed with SIBO were treated for the condition, and the extra bacteria within their intestine were eliminated, 48% of them had an improvement in their IBS symptoms.

Although it has been found that bacterial overgrowth and IBS can co-exist, researchers are still determining whether or not IBS symptoms are caused by SIBO. Some theories suggest that the high levels of methane or hydrogen gas that are caused by the overgrowth of bacteria produce IBS symptoms. However, the theories are yet to be proved.

How do you treat SIBO?

Excess bacteria are eliminated through the use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, although antibiotics can control bacteria overgrowth it isn't a cure. Like IBS, SIBO symptoms often return when medication is ceased. Thus, antibiotic treatment is often a continuous process.

If you think you may have SIBO, talk to your doctor about taking a lactulose hydrogen test. If you find that SIBO is related to your IBS causes, or even if it's not, it is a good idea to look into other alternative and complimentary forms of therapy to treat your symptoms such as acupuncture aside from medications. Want to learn more about http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/ibs.html? Then please visit http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com and sign up for a free newsletter. ]]> The Nature Of Crohn's Disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-nature-of-crohns-disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-nature-of-crohns-disease#comments Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:27:05 +0000 crohn s diseaseulcerative colitisinflammatory bowel diseasesuperficial layerssmall intestinewhite blood cellsgastrointestinal tract http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-nature-of-crohns-disease small intestine. Crohn's disease is chronic and causes inflammation of the digestive or . Crohn's belongs to a category of illnesses known as (IBD). One disease related to Crohn's is known as , and also belongs to IBD category of disease. The symptoms of both diseases are very similar and it is often difficult to accurately diagnose. Nearly one in ten of ulcerative colitis and misdiagnosed as indeterminate colitis. The strong, and to some what, identical symptoms of the two diseases both show signs or cause the response of the bodies immune system to be described as abnormal.

in our immune system we have cells and proteins to protect us. attacks often occur on intestinal bacteria or microbes thinking they are foreign and so begin attacking what is in fact cells that occur naturally in our bodies. This process inevitably causes ulcerations and bowel injury. This occurs because the that move in to affected area produce chronic inflammation. These are the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Crohn's disease can affect the gastrointestinal tract and is most commonly found at the beginning of the large intestine and the end of the small intestine. The other disease mentioned earlier, ulcerative colitis, is only seen to occur in the colon, and only affects the of the colon. It usually begins at the anus and moves progressively towards the colon. In Crohn's disease, all layers of the bowel can be involved and the disease can affect different isolated areas within the bowel.

What the exact cause of IBD is still unknown. It seems to appear that the immune system once turned on, knows not how to turn it's self back off. Some studies suggest that foreign particles trigger the immune system defenses, but there is no conclusive evidence to back up this theory. You may be wondering just how safe are you from developing an IBD disorder. Again there is very little known about this but it can be caused by a complex interaction of factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to someone developing Crohn's disease are environmental factors, human genetics, possibly hereditary, and the immune system itself. Many scientists now believe that it is foreign bodies (virus or bacteria) that trigger a response of the immune system to fight, and then lead to the disease it's self when immune system is unable to stop. Janie Jonah http://www.perfectdrugrx.com (c) 2006, PerfectDrugRx. All rights in all media reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright. ]]> Could Your Dog Have Whipworm? How To Detect And http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-your-dog-have-whipworm-how-to-detect-and http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-your-dog-have-whipworm-how-to-detect-and#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 19:50:21 +0000 dog toyswhipwormsbloody stoolcontactwhipwormparasitesadult worms http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-your-dog-have-whipworm-how-to-detect-and parasites see your dog as the perfect host.

One of the lesser-known parasites that pose a danger to dogs is the . , like most parasites, are resilient. In egg form, their hard shells allow them to survive outdoors in the soil for years in the time. In many ways, whipworms are like hookworms, but instead of ending in a hook shape, one end of this worm tapers to a narrow, whip-like point.

Unlike hookworms, whipworms can't enter the body through the skin. The only way for your dog to contract them is by eating the eggs. Whipworms exist throughout North America, and transmission is easy if your dog has any with other dogs. The long-lived eggs can show up in the soil, , discarded bones and water dishes. Once eaten, whipworms then grow to maturity inside your dog's digestive system.

When they reach maturity, the fasten themselves to the large intestine and the cecum, a transitional pouch between the large and small intestine. Here, these nasty little parasites slash and puncture the intestinal walls in order to feed. The female starts to lay her eggs, which the dog excretes through the feces.

Symptoms for whipworm resemble those for other worms, such as hookworm. Many dogs can carry a certain number of whipworms without showing distress, but past a certain point, your dog may begin to exhibit signs such as a dull coat, anemia, rapid weight loss, and a loose and . He may also begin vomiting up a yellow-green substance. In very severe cases, the worms may begin to puncture the intestinal wall, to the degree that the intestine begins to stick to the body wall. In this case, you might see your dog licking and worrying his right flank.

When you take your dog to the vet, it may take some time to diagnose him with whipworm. Whipworms lay eggs only intermittently, and even when they're actively releasing eggs, any diarrhea in your dog can make the eggs hard to find. Typically, vets will perform four stool samples over four days before ruling out whipworm.

If your vet finds whipworm eggs, she'll administer a potent dewormer. But all whipworm dewormers on the market are only effective against worms in their adult form. As a result, you'll probably need to re-treat your dog.

There are no simple and effective ways of removing whipworm eggs from the soil around your house. However, a contaminated environment can infect your dog over and over again. The best way to combat reinfestation is to make sure your dog's quarters are sunny and dry, since whipworm eggs require moisture. Try to place him in an area of fresh new gravel, pavement or soil. Nathan Fischer writes for Poodle-oo, a site for small dog clothes and wedding dresses for dogs. http://www.poodle-oo.com/ ]]>