A hemoccult test or fecal occult blood test might be indicated if you notice a change in your stool color or blood in your stool. The test detects abnormal gastrointestinal bleeding and can aid in the early diagnosis of colon cancer. But the exact...
Physicians frequently order fecal tests for occult blood for their patients. The test can help determine if the patient has colorectal cancer or bleeding throughout their gastrointestinal tract. It is called an occult blood test because it can...
When exclusive breastfeeding isn't possible, many parents turn to commercial milk-based infant formulas to fulfill their baby's nutritional needs. Although many babies thrive on these formulas, allergies, intolerances or medical conditions can...
Used as a screening tool for colon and rectal cancer, a hemoccult test is most accurate when you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. There are certain foods you should avoid while participating in a hemoccult test for the benefit of...
Blood appears in the stool for various reasons, including infection, cancer, digestive disorders and open wounds, such as hemorrhoids and ulcers. Blood may be visible to the human eye in some cases, suggesting the blood is from the lower...
Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach's lining. The Better Health Channel website states that the principal cause of gastritis is infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, although other factors -- alcohol consumption, certain...
A stool test can check for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract -- the tissues extending from your mouth, into your throat, stomach, intestines, colon and rectum. It can test for the presence of infectious particles like bacteria and viruses,...
Colorectal cancer occurs in the large intestine or rectum--the area where stool is stored until passed from the body. The American Cancer Society reports that nearly 147,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in...
Gastritis is the medical term used to refer to inflammation of the stomach lining. It is a condition with a variety of causes, but regardless of its origin, the symptoms tend to be similar. You may feel nauseous or less hungry than usual. Some...
According to Emedtv.com, a colonoscopy is a test that enables the direct visualization of the lining of the colon and rectum. A flexible lighted fiberoptic tube is usually inserted into the colon. A colonoscopy is used to help diagnose...
Discussing the gravity of fecal matter may not be the most appealing topic, but it is a necessary one as "floaters" may indicate serious health complications. A high fat diet will not necessarily result in floating dejection, according...
It is really a medical professional who should first spot colorectal concerns in your body. Signs that are noticed during screenings are usually growths called polyps or other early indications of precancerous or cancerous conditions. These can...
When undergoing any medical test or procedure, you are given instructions from your doctor on how to prepare for the test. The Fecal Occult Blood Test, also known as the Stool Occult test, is used to screen for colon cancer in its early stages by...
Children can become ill from viruses, parasites and bacteria. Bacterial illnesses cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, and kids miss out on school and other activities. The bacteria grows in food and on surfaces. The next time your child...
Malabsorption syndrome is a condition in which the body is unable to adequately digest and absorb the nutrients derived from foods. The stomach secretes acids that break down food into digestible components, while the small intestine is the...
Tumors in the colon include benign or cancerous growths in the large intestine. These masses can cause different symptoms in patients. Many patients with colorectal masses do not develop any symptoms during the first stages of the disease,...
Colon cancer, which is cancer of the longest part of the large intestine, and rectal cancer, which is cancer of the end of the large intestine, are typically combined into the term colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. With...
It's always a surprise to open your baby's diaper and see what he produced today. Once your baby starts eating solid food, the remnants of yesterday's dinner are usually plainly visible. Baby stools are usually not, like adult stool, perfectly...
Blood in the stool is alarming. It's often due to an injury or disorder of the digestive tract. Appearance of blood in the stool can range from bright red to black and can originate from any part of the digestive tract, according to the University...
Lactose intolerance occurs when a child's body doesn't produce enough of the enzymes needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk products. Infants, children and adolescents can suffer from the condition to varying degrees and dietary changes...
Your pediatrician may have advised you to avoid feeding your infant honey, either in raw form or in home-baked goods. You may be wondering why it is fine for you to consume honey but it is not okay for your infant to have it. Honey may contain...
Acute lactose intolerance is a temporary digestive disorder in which your body has trouble digesting lactose, the type of sugar present in milk and other dairy products. To properly digest lactose, your small intestine needs to produce the enzyme...
Yes, gastritis describes different diseases, not just one disease. It could refer to various conditions that are all related to the inflammation of the stomach lining as a result of bacterial infection. Gastritis can be caused by prolonged use of...
Colon cancer is a potentially curable disease if caught early. Cure rates are up to 95 percent and 85 percent for stage I and stage II disease respectively. The American Cancer Society, ACS, recommends screening for colon cancer at age 50 years...
The digestive process transforms food into microscopic particles that nourish the body. Humans utilize two types of digestion -- mechanical, such as chewing, and chemical, using enzymes. Digestive juices hold these enzymes and are released by the...
Proteins are the building blocks of every cell in the body. Your cellular structures, hormones, enzymes and blood components all are made up of various types and arrangements of proteins, which are vital for growth, development and normal body...
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in young children, according to KidsHealth. Although its prevalence has decreased due to food fortification, iron deficiency anemia remains the most common nutritional deficiency in the world,...
Patients who suffer from symptoms that indicate a suspected case of colon, or bowel, cancer may need to undergo a series of tests. The tests may include blood tests, the use of scopes to view the inside of the colon, x-rays and CT scans, as listed...
Pregnancy introduces many changes to nearly every system in the female body, including the digestive system. Dark stools can occur during pregnancy and may be accompanied by constipation depending on the cause of the dark stools. Discuss symptoms...
Roundworms are popular parasites in the animal world and can have debilitating effects on humans. Learn more about roundworms in this medical video.