HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks and destroys a person’s T cells, which help fight off infection and disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2006, 1.1 million people were living...
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once a person with HIV has a certain number of cancers or their T cells (also...
Metastatic colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon or the rectum, which has spread to other organs in the body. Fewer than 20 percent of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer survive more than five years following the...
Breast-feeding is recognized as beneficial in building a bond between mother and child and has been shown to promote a strong immune system for the infant. However, babies can acquire diseases and allergies through the mother's milk that can...
The lining of the large intestine produces mucus, which serves as a lubricant for stool to pass to the anus. Mucus can be present in stool, but when the production is increased enough that you are able to see it in your child's bowel movements,...
Crohn's disease, which is also known as inflammatory bowel disease, can be mild or quite severe. Crohn's disease causes an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. This can lead to the development of sores or ulcers. The American...
Herpes is a common disease affecting the mouth and genital area. Herpes of the mouth, lips and face is caused by herpes simplex 1, a virus that can be transmitted through the saliva. According to Medline Plus, by adulthood, 30 to 90 percent of...
Having fewer than three bowel movements per week is called constipation. Constipation may cause straining, a bloated feeling and discomfort in the abdominal area. It may be caused by factors such as low dietary fiber, medications and dehydration....
MayoClinic.com defines rectal bleeding as bleeding that can begin from the lower colon to the last few inches of the large intestine, or rectum. Rectal bleeding may be discovered as blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl....
Rectal pressure during exercise can cause considerable discomfort and pain, and can interfere with the type and duration of workout. Feelings of pressure in the rectum may indicate a digestive problem, or may result after childbirth or a pelvic...
Mucus is jelly-like fluid produced naturally by mucus membranes in the body. Mucus produced in the intestines moistens the insides of the intestine and allow for the smooth and unhindered passage of fecal matter. Mucus in the intestine also...
Small amounts of mucus in the stool are often normal. MayoClinic.com describes the lining of the intestines and colon as coated in a jelly-like substance that acts as a lubricant. When the intestines get irritated by any number of things the...
The body contains a number of mucus membranes located in various areas of the body. Mucus helps to protect the body by trapping foreign objects and preventing them from invading the body cells. Mucus also lines the organs and keeps them moist and...
Colon cancer forms in the tissues of the largest part of the large intestine (the colon). Cancers of the colon usually occur in cells that make mucus and are called adenocarcinomas. Rectal cancer forms in the last several inches of the large...
Irritable bowel syndrome, also called spastic colon or spastic colitis, affects approximately 20 percent of the population, according to the National Institutes of Health. IBS, as it is known, is usually diagnosed by age 35, and the disease...
Indian frankincense, also known by its Latin name Boswellia serrata, has roles in alternative medicine because of its anti-inflammatory activity. Although frankincense is not indicated for herpes, it might be helpful for a complication that...
The National Institutes of Health defines constipation as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. People with constipation typically report dry, hard, compact stools that are difficult to eliminate. Short-term effects of...
The word parasite conjures up disgusting visions of enormous tapeworms or some tropical fly larvae emerging from a boil. The stuff of horror movies, parasites are actually common pests that can produce either serious disease or cause minor...
When your doctor places you on a cholesterol-lowering medication, it is only natural to believe you are on your way to improving your health. There is one catch in this plan, though, and this is the possible side effects accompanying the drug your...
Watching ovulation periods is necessary for women who are having difficulties conceiving. Certain symptoms such as a high temperature and vaginal fluids are indications of ovulation. These signs are also beneficial for women using the rhythm...
Rectal prolapse most often occurs in elderly people and children ages 6-years-old and younger. A rectal prolapse involves the rectum tissues descending to protrude through the anus. If your child has a rectal prolapse, there are several different...
Dysentery is a disease that includes bloody diarrhea with mucus, abdominal pain, spasms in the rectal area when needing to use the bathroom, fever and dehydration. In fact, the fluid and electrolyte loss can cause such a severe dehydration, that...
