A bowel blockage or obstruction refers to a partial or complete blockage of your intestine that prevents solids, fluids and gas from moving through as they normally would. A bowel blockage can happen in either the small or large intestine. In...
Of all hospital admissions in the U.S. every year for abdominal pain, a full 15 percent result from bowel obstructions. That amounts to about 300,000 emergency admissions, and of these, 30,000 patients will die. These alarming statistics from the...
A partial bowel blockage, also called a partial bowel obstruction, is a condition in which your intestines are partially blocked. This blockage can stop or slow the passage of fecal material through your bowels. If you have a pre-existing...
Blockage of the small bowel, or small bowel obstruction, is a blockage in the small intestine that impedes the normal passage of fluid and digested material. The blockage is categorized as partial or complete. Most partial small bowel obstructions...
A hysterectomy is the removal of either part of the uterus or the full uterus, and it may include the surgical removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix and part of the vagina. This procedure results in a cessation of menstrual periods and...
Bowel, or colon cancer, is cancer that develops in the large intestine or the rectum, according to MedlinePlus. Bowel cancer refers to all tumors that originate in the colon. Cancer that spreads to the colon from other organs, like the lymph nodes...
Carbonation involves injecting air bubbles into drinks to create a bubbly, fizzy drink. Carbonation gives a bubbly texture to sodas that you may enjoy drinking. However, the carbonation could have an adverse effect on your body, causing you to...
Under normal circumstances, dietary fiber, found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is an essential part of a healthy diet with many benefits, including promoting bowel regularity. However, certain conditions, such as bowel obstruction,...
Ulmus fulva, also known as slippery elm and red elm, is a traditional herbal remedy for many conditions. People have used the inner bark of slippery elm topically to heal wounds, burns and skin inflammation, and internally to relieve coughing and...
Asbestos is a natural fiber that is known for its strength and durability. It is because of these attributes that it is used in manufacturing, primarily of construction materials. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is...
Lap band surgery is a consideration for someone trying to lose weight, when diet and exercise are not decreasing pounds. To be considered for the procedure, a person's body mass index should be 40 or more or 35 or higher in junction with a serious...
A bowel obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in your small intestine or colon that prevents contents from moving through. An obstruction of the small intestine, or bowel, can cause painful symptoms and serious complications. Walking might...
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a pivotal part of the digestive system. In this organ, nutrients, water and minerals are absorbed and used by the body for daily functions. When the colon gets backed up with waste matter, it is...
Abdominal pain is experienced by both men and women, and can come from an array of different things. Some abdominal pain can be mild and tolerable, or it can be severe enough to send a person to the hospital. This is a very common symptom, and...
The human digestive system consists of a series of hollow organs that function to break down large particles of food into small molecules. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus form the complete digestive...
Detrol LA is the long-acting capsule formulation of tolteradine tartrate. It is an antimuscarinic agent, and it works by blocking the parasympathetic nerve response in order to diminish symptoms of urge incontinence, urinary frequency and...
Nearly half of all adults who have high blood pressure are women, contrary to popular belief, reports the American Heart Association. After the age of 65 and following menopause, women's risk of developing high blood pressure increases. A low-salt...
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a common problem affecting the large intestine. Its symptoms include constipation, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and diarrhea. Although some of the more common causes of pelvic pain are gynecological, IBS...
Your bowels and other abdominal organs have slick, membranous surfaces that prevent them from sticking together when they make contact under normal circumstances. Adhesions may occur when tissues make contact and band together, most often after...
If you want to lose weight but struggle to succeed on your own, talk to your doctor. You can also receive information and motivational help from fitness workers such as personal trainers and nutritionists.
Bananas are a highly recommended food for upset stomach and diarrhea, but may cause stomach pain if you have certain digestive conditions. Bananas are not considered a highly allergic food but may cause cross-reactivity if you have a latex...
Fiber is an indigestible substance in plant foods such as fruits, whole grains, legumes and vegetables, according to MedlinePlus. Eating fiber-rich foods on a regular basis can help regulate your digestive system and reduce the risk of other...
Your chance of experiencing unpleasant side effects from caffeine increases in direct proportion to the amount you consume. A moderate amount of caffeine, or approximately 100 to 200 mg a day, is unlikely to trigger adverse reactions in most...
You probably think bacteria should be avoided whenever possible, but some bacteria are necessary for human health. Many beneficial bacteria live in your intestines and contribute to intestinal and overall health. Fermented foods, called...
Various parasitic worms can invade the human body and feed off their human hosts. The prevalence of human worm infections in different locations around the world remains largely tied to the presence and sophistication of water and sewage...
Diagnosing a stomach ache is one of medicine's most difficult tasks, Dr. Michael J. White writes for the Emergency Medicine website. Identifying the cause of discomfort is so difficult because, in part, of the number of organs in the area,...
Magnesium is an essential mineral for good health. Over 300 biochemical reactions in the body that work to keep your immune system healthy, your heart working properly, and your muscles and nerves functioning normally require magnesium. Magnesium...
Abdominal bloating is not only uncomfortable and unsightly, but can keep you from fitting into your favorite clothes. Everyone has a small amount of intestinal gas and occasional water retention, but if you're experiencing such symptoms...
Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach in morbidly obese patients and reroutes the digestive system to block some calorie absorption, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients often complain of constipation in the first three months...
