Main forms of IBD: Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis (UC) The main difference between the two is the location and nature of the inflammatory changes in the gut. Crohn's can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus (skip lesions), although a majority of the cases start in the terminal ileum. Ulcerative colitis, in contrast, is restricted to the colon, and spares the anus. Microscopically, ulcerative colitis is restricted to the mucosa (epithelial lining of the gut), ...

See also:

Inflammatory bowel disease, Inflammatory bowel disease - Forms, Inflammatory bowel disease - Diagnosis, Inflammatory bowel disease - Treatment, Inflammatory bowel disease - Diet, Inflammatory bowel disease - Prognosis, Inflammatory bowel disease - Recent findings

Read more here: » Inflammatory bowel disease: Encyclopedia II - Inflammatory bowel disease - Forms

There are three major forms of scleroderma: diffuse, limited (CREST syndrome) and morphea/linear. Diffuse and limited scleroderma are both a systemic disease, whereas the linear/morphea form is localized to the skin. (Some physicians consider CREST and limited scleroderma one and the same, others treat them as two separate forms of scleroderma.) Scleroderma - Diffuse scleroderma. Diffuse scleroderma is the most severe form - it has a rapid onset, involves more widespread skin hardening, will generally cause much internal organ damage (specifically the lungs and gastrointestinal tract), an ...

See also:

Scleroderma, Scleroderma - Signs and symptoms, Scleroderma - Types, Scleroderma - Diffuse scleroderma, Scleroderma - Limited scleroderma/CREST syndrome, Scleroderma - Morphea/linear scleroderma, Scleroderma - Therapy, Scleroderma - Pathophysiology, Scleroderma - Epidemiology, Scleroderma - Patients' advocacy

Read more here: » Scleroderma: Encyclopedia II - Scleroderma - Types

Potassium is the most important intracellular cation and participates in many cellular processes, including transmission of action potentials in nerve cells. Its main dietary sources are vegetables (tomato and potato), fruits (orange and banana) and meat. Elimination is through the gastrointestinal tract and the kidney. The renal elimination of potassium is passive (through the glomeruli), and resorption is active in the proximal tubule and the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. In the distal tubule, there is active excretion of potassium in the distal tubule and the coll ...

See also:

Hyperkalemia, Hyperkalemia - Signs and symptoms, Hyperkalemia - Diagnosis, Hyperkalemia - Differential diagnosis, Hyperkalemia - Ineffective elimination from the body, Hyperkalemia - Excessive release from cells, Hyperkalemia - Excessive intake, Hyperkalemia - Pathophysiology, Hyperkalemia - Treatment, Hyperkalemia - Reference

Read more here: » Hyperkalemia: Encyclopedia II - Hyperkalemia - Pathophysiology

Following oral administration, DXM is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, where it enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. The first-pass through the hepatic portal vein results in some of the drug being metabolized into an active metabolite of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, the 3-hydroxy derivative of dextromethorphan. The therapeutic activity of dextromethorphan is believed to be caused by both the drug and this metabolite. Dextromethorphan is predominantly metabolized by the liver, by various hepatic enzy ...

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Dextromethorphan, Dextromethorphan - Chemistry, Dextromethorphan - Indications, Dextromethorphan - Pharmacodynamics, Dextromethorphan - Clinical pharmacology, Dextromethorphan - History

Read more here: » Dextromethorphan: Encyclopedia II - Dextromethorphan - Clinical pharmacology

Serotonin is found extensively in the human gastrointestinal tract, or gut, as well as in the blood stream. In the body, serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan by various enzymes as shown in the reaction below. Serotonin taken orally does not pass into the serotonergic pathways of the central nervous system (CNS). This is due to the blood-brain barrier's preventing serotonin in the blood stream from affecting serotonin levels in the brain. However, the amino acid tryptophan and its metabolite 5-hy ...

See also:

Serotonin, Serotonin - Biochemistry, Serotonin - Neurotransmission, Serotonin - Pharmacology, Serotonin - Modulating levels of 5-HT, Serotonin - Antidepressants, Serotonin - Antiemetics, Serotonin - Deficiency, Serotonin - Serotonin syndrome, Serotonin - See Also

Read more here: » Serotonin: Encyclopedia II - Serotonin - Biochemistry

Serotonin is found extensively in the human gastrointestinal tract, or gut, as well as in the blood stream. In the body, serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan by various enzymes as shown in the reaction below. Serotonin taken orally does not pass into the serotonergic pathways of the central nervous system (CNS). This is due to the blood-brain barrier's preventing serotonin in the blood stream from affecting serotonin levels in the brain. However, the amino acid tryptophan and its metabolite 5-hy ...

See also:

Serotonin, Serotonin - Biochemistry, Serotonin - Neurotransmission, Serotonin - Pharmacology, Serotonin - Modulating levels of 5-HT, Serotonin - Antidepressants, Serotonin - Antiemetics, Serotonin - Deficiency, Serotonin - Serotonin syndrome

Read more here: » Serotonin: Encyclopedia II - Serotonin - Biochemistry

Oxytocin is destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore administered by injection or as nasal spray. Oxytocin given intravenously does not enter the brain in significant quantities - it is excluded from the brain by the blood-brain barrier. Drugs administered by nasal spray are thought to have better access to the CNS. Injected oxytocin analogues (trade names Pitocin, Syntocinon) are used to induce labour and support labour in case of non-progression of the parturition. It has largely replaced ergotamine as the principal agent to increase uterine tone ...

See also:

Oxytocin, Oxytocin - Synthesis storage and release, Oxytocin - Structure, Oxytocin - Receptor, Oxytocin - Actions, Oxytocin - Uses, Oxytocin - Evolution

Read more here: » Oxytocin: Encyclopedia II - Oxytocin - Uses

Some routes can be used for topical as well as systemic purposes, depending on the circumstances. For example, inhalation of asthma drugs is targeted at the airways (topical effect), whereas inhalation of volatile anesthetics is targeted at the brain (systemic effect). On the other hand, identical drugs can produce different results depending on the route of administration. For example, some drugs are not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract and their action after enteral administration is theref ...

See also:

Route of administration, Route of administration - Classification, Route of administration - Topical, Route of administration - Enteral, Route of administration - Parenteral by injection or infusion, Route of administration - Parenteral other than injection or infusion, Route of administration - Other, Route of administration - Uses, Route of administration - Notes

Read more here: » Route of administration: Encyclopedia II - Route of administration - Uses

Since indomethacin inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2, it inhibits the production of prostaglandins in the stomach and intestines which maintain the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Indomethacin, therefore, like other nonselective COX inhibitors, can cause ulcers. The ulcers can result in serious bleeding and/or perforation requirering hospitilization of the patient. Some even die from these complications. To reduce the possibility of peptic ulcers, indomethacin should be prescribed at the lowest dosage needed to achieve a therapeutic ...

See also:

Indomethacin, Indomethacin - Chemical properties, Indomethacin - Indications, Indomethacin - Contraindications, Indomethacin - Mechanism of action, Indomethacin - Adverse effects, Indomethacin - Necessary Examinations during Longterm Treatment, Indomethacin - Animal Toxicity and Human Overdose, Indomethacin - Usual Dosage Forms, Indomethacin - History

Read more here: » Indomethacin: Encyclopedia II - Indomethacin - Adverse effects

Horse colic - Obstruction colic. An obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract of a horse can cause colic. There are three main causes of obstruction colic. The obstruction is usually an impaction of food material. The most common site for food impaction is a part of the large bowel known as the pelvic flexure where the intestine takes a 180 degree turn and narrows. Impaction generally responds well to medical treatment, but more severe cases may not recover without surgery. If left unt ...

See also:

Horse colic, Horse colic - Types of Colic, Horse colic - Obstruction colic, Horse colic - Spasmodic colic, Horse colic - Colic caused by parasites, Horse colic - Displacement colic, Horse colic - Abdominal pain with other causes, Horse colic - Recognizing the symptoms of Colic, Horse colic - A list of symptoms generally associated with colic, Horse colic - Simple management steps that can help prevent colic, Horse colic - What to do if a horse colics, Horse colic - Suggested Reading

Read more here: » Horse colic: Encyclopedia II - Horse colic - Types of Colic

Amebiasis (or amoebiasis) is the name of the infection caused by E. histolytica. Infections that sometimes last for years may be accompanied by no symptoms (in the majority of cases), vague gastrointestinal distress, dysentery (with blood and mucus). Most infections occur in the digestive tract but other tissues may be invaded. Complications include ulcerative and abscess pain, usually involving t ...

See also:

Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba histolytica - Nature of Disease, Entamoeba histolytica - Diagnosis of Human Illness, Entamoeba histolytica - Transmission, Entamoeba histolytica - Relative Frequency of Disease, Entamoeba histolytica - Treatment, Entamoeba histolytica - Herbal Treatments, Entamoeba histolytica - Complications, Entamoeba histolytica - At Risk Populations, Entamoeba histolytica - Food Analysis, Entamoeba histolytica - Selected Outbreaks

Read more here: » Entamoeba histolytica: Encyclopedia II - Entamoeba histolytica - Nature of Disease

Bodybuilding supplements - Glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid used in the immune system and muscle cells. A deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system and wasting of muscle tissue. Many bodybuilders supplement with glutamine. It plays a vital role in protein synthesis.Sold as a micronized, instantly soluble powder. Glutamine helps rebuild muscle tissue and increases their ability to recover and rebuild. Research has shown glutamine helps the body increase HGH production, and has benefits for the Gastrointestinal Tract. Others argue that gluatamine also causes a la ...

See also:

Bodybuilding supplements, Bodybuilding supplements - Food, Bodybuilding supplements - Protein, Bodybuilding supplements - Meal Replacement, Bodybuilding supplements - Hormones, Bodybuilding supplements - Anabolic steroids, Bodybuilding supplements - Prohormones, Bodybuilding supplements - Human Growth Hormone, Bodybuilding supplements - Amino acids, Bodybuilding supplements - Glutamine, Bodybuilding supplements - BCAAs, Bodybuilding supplements - Other, Bodybuilding supplements - Creatine, Bodybuilding supplements - Insulin, Bodybuilding supplements - Natural Testosterone Boosters, Bodybuilding supplements - Nitric Oxide

Read more here: » Bodybuilding supplements: Encyclopedia II - Bodybuilding supplements - Amino acids

Intestinal Infections: These may only occur as part of respiratory infections, where gastrointestinal symptoms have on occasion been described. Extraintestinal Infections: L. pneumophila is specifically considered as a pathogen of the respiratory tract, where it is a cause of atypical pneumonia, also known as Legionnaires' disease. Other infections have also been reported, including haemodialysis fistulae, pericarditis and wound and skin infections. Bacteraemia is often associated with Legionnaires' disease. One species Legionella Longbeachae is cont ...

See also:

Legionellosis, Legionellosis - Symptoms, Legionellosis - Infections, Legionellosis - Diagnosis, Legionellosis - Who gets legionellosis?, Legionellosis - Treatment, Legionellosis - How is legionellosis spread?, Legionellosis - Where is the Legionella bacterium found?, Legionellosis - Prevention, Legionellosis - World's more important outbreaks, Legionellosis - Images

Read more here: » Legionellosis: Encyclopedia II - Legionellosis - Infections

In the course of the search for a specific inhibitor of the negative effects of prostaglandins which spared the positive effects, it was discovered that prostaglandins could indeed be separated into two general classes which could loosely be regarded as "good prostaglandins" and "bad prostaglandins", according to the structure of a particular enzyme involved in their synthesis, cyclooxygenase. Prostaglandins whose synthesis involves the cyclooxygenase-I enzyme, or COX-1, are responsible for maintenance and protection of the gastrointestinal tract, while prostaglandins whose synthesis involves the cyclooxygenase-II enzyme, ...

See also:

COX-2 inhibitor, COX-2 inhibitor - Research history, COX-2 inhibitor - Side-effects and withdrawal of Vioxx, COX-2 inhibitor - Early COX-2 inhibiting drugs, COX-2 inhibitor - Comparative studies, COX-2 inhibitor - Combinations of drugs, COX-2 inhibitor - Risks and side effects, COX-2 inhibitor - Considerations for prescription

Read more here: » COX-2 inhibitor: Encyclopedia II - COX-2 inhibitor - Research history

Ingested methylmercury is readily and completely absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. It is mostly found complexed with free cysteine and with proteins and peptides containing that amino acid. The methylmercuric-cysteinyl complex is recognized by amino acid transporting proteins in the body as methionine, another essential amino acid.(Kerper, Ballatori & Clarkson 1992, pp. R761–R765) Because of this mimicry, it is transported freely throughout the body including across the blood-brain barrier and across the placenta, where it is absorbed by the developing fetus. Because of this mimicry and its strong binding t ...

See also:

Methylmercury, Methylmercury - Sources of methylmercury, Methylmercury - Environmental sources, Methylmercury - Dietary sources, Methylmercury - Biological impact

Read more here: » Methylmercury: Encyclopedia II - Methylmercury - Biological impact

See also von Willebrand factor for the normal function of that coagulation factor vWF is mainly active in conditions of high blood flow and shear stress. Deficiency of vWF therefore shows primarily in organs with extensive small vessels, such as the skin, the gastrointestinal tract and the uterus. In angiodysplasia, a form of telangiectasia of the colon, shear stress is much higher than in average capillaries, and the risk of bleeding is increased concomitantly. The individuals ABO blood group can influence presentation and pathology of vWD. Those individuals with blood group O have a ...

See also:

Von Willebrand disease, Von Willebrand disease - Symptoms, Von Willebrand disease - Diagnosis, Von Willebrand disease - Classification and types, Von Willebrand disease - Classification, Von Willebrand disease - Type 1, Von Willebrand disease - Type 2, Von Willebrand disease - Type 3, Von Willebrand disease - Acquired von Willebrands Disease, Von Willebrand disease - Pathophysiology, Von Willebrand disease - Genetics, Von Willebrand disease - Epidemiology, Von Willebrand disease - Therapy, Von Willebrand disease - History, Von Willebrand disease - Sources

Read more here: » Von Willebrand disease: Encyclopedia II - Von Willebrand disease - Pathophysiology

Compared to amphotericin B caspofungin seems to have a relatively low incidence of side-effects. In clinical studies and post-marketing reports the side-effects seen in 1% or more of the patients were as follows: Gastrointestinal system : nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea CNS : headache Whole body : fever, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, infused vein complications (e.g. induration), unspecified pain, flu-like-syndrome, myalgia, chills, and paresthesia Bronchial tract : d ...

See also:

Caspofungin, Caspofungin - Indications, Caspofungin - Off-Label Use, Caspofungin - Clinical Efficacy, Caspofungin - Contraindications, Caspofungin - Warnings, Caspofungin - Pregnancy and Lactation, Caspofungin - Geriatric Patients, Caspofungin - Pediatric Patients, Caspofungin - Side-Effects, Caspofungin - Drug interactions, Caspofungin - Duration of Treatment, Caspofungin - Dosage, Caspofungin - Dosage Forms, Caspofungin - External References

Read more here: » Caspofungin: Encyclopedia II - Caspofungin - Side-Effects

Definition and meaning of fibropapillomatosis:

fibropapillomatosis - a fibroepithelial tumor, probably caused by a herpes-type virus, found in juvenile, subadult, and adult sea turtles, causing them to be emaciated, weak, depressed, and anemic. Affected turtles may have flotation problems resulting from fibrous tumors in the lungs. Fibrous tumors are also found in visceral sites, such as liver, lung, kidney and gastrointestinal tract.

(Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) )

Also see these pages: Oceanography, Oceanography Sitemap, Coral Reef, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change,

Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Bowel disease. It has been claimed that up to fifty percent of children with autism experience persistent gastrointestinal tract problems, ranging from mild to moderate degrees of inflammation in both the upper and lower intestinal tract. This has been described as a syndrome, autistic enterocolitis, by Dr. Andrew Wakefield; this diagnostic terminology, however, has been questioned by medical experts. Constipation, often with overflow, or encopresis, is often ass ...

See also:

Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Comorbid conditions, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Bowel disease, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Depression and anxiety disorders, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Fragile X syndrome, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Hyperactivity and attention abnormalities, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Mental retardation, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Neuroinflammation and immune disorders, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Nonverbal learning disorder, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Seizures, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Sensory problems, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Tuberous sclerosis, Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Treatment concerns

Read more here: » Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders: Encyclopedia II - Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders - Comorbid conditions

Intestinal Infections: These may only occur as part of respiratory infections, where gastrointestinal symptoms have on occasion been described. Extraintestinal Infections: L. pneumophila is specifically considered as a pathogen of the respiratory tract, where it is a cause of atypical pneumonia, also known as Legionnaires' disease. Other infections have also been reported, including haemodialysis fistulae, pericarditis and wound and skin infections. Bacteraemia is often associated with Legionnaires' disease. One species Legionella Longbeachae is contracted via inhaling infected compost or soil. An ...

See also:

Legionellosis, Legionellosis - Symptoms, Legionellosis - Infections, Legionellosis - Diagnosis, Legionellosis - Who gets legionellosis?, Legionellosis - Treatment, Legionellosis - How is legionellosis spread?, Legionellosis - Where is the Legionella bacterium found?, Legionellosis - Prevention, Legionellosis - Frequency of Cleaning, Legionellosis - Wisconsin Protocol, Legionellosis - Design - Best Practices Guide for Cooling Towers, Legionellosis - Design - Best Practices Guide for Potable Water Systems, Legionellosis - World's more important outbreaks, Legionellosis - Philadelphia 1976, Legionellosis - Netherlands 1999, Legionellosis - Spain 2001, Legionellosis - Norway 2001, Legionellosis - United Kingdom 2002, Legionellosis - Norway 2005, Legionellosis - Toronto 2005, Legionellosis - Images

Read more here: » Legionellosis: Encyclopedia II - Legionellosis - Infections

Diet Planning

Since diet, along with daily habits, is crucial to the health of an individual, it must be made clear at the outset that there is no standard ideal diet for all people in general. The various factors that need to be kept in mind while working out the ideal diet for each person, which will be distinctly different based on the person’s specific constitutional characteristics, are as listed below:

·      The natural qualities of each food.

·      How those natural qualities can get altered.

·      The effects of combining foods – proper and unacceptable combinations.

·      The quantity of food intake.

·      Individual differences in food intake.

·      The places & climate where the food is grown, prepared and consumed.

·      The effects of the seasons and time of day.

·      Avoidance of artificial flavors, chemicals, preservatives and colours.

Diet Composition

One other factor that has remained a matter of great debate worldwide over the ages has been the vegetarianism vs. non-vegetarianism controversy. Initially it was common belief that non-vegetarian diet is superior in that it is full of energetic ingredients and thus provides more strength and stamina. But now it has been scientifically established that vegetarian diet is more natural and useful to human nature.

Non-vegetarian diet contains cholesterol saturated fatty acids that are the root cause of diseases as coronary heart problems, cerebro-vascular accidents (strokes), eye disorders & high blood pressure. With only about 60% of its contents useful for human body, the rest 40% contains harmful toxins. In addition, such diet is usually heavy for the stomach and produces acidity, which in turn can cause problems in the gastrointestinal system.

Another significantly important difference between the two is that fruits & vegetables (cereals & grains, legumes, seedy fruits, citrus fruits, carrot, cabbage, celery, green leafy vegetables, apples, melons, peaches, pears etc.) are rich in dietary fibers that reduces incidence of coronary heart diseases, cancer of intestinal tract, piles, obesity, diabetes, constipation, hiatus hernia, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dental caries and gallstones.

Also many disease causing organisms are transmitted through and thrive in animal protein – serious ailments as Encephalopathy and Mad Cow diseases are caused by Bovine Spongi. Similarly the Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria can be passed on through consumed eggs, causing diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis and typhoid.

Given that the body of non-vegetarian animals contains 10 times more amount of hydrochloric acid than that of vegetarian ones, and that the human body should not be having such a high concentration of hydrochloric acid, it is reasonable to assume that the fact human body is basically meant for a vegetarian diet.

(See also: Diet Planning, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

In its most basic use, the endoscope is used to inspect the lining of the digestive tract. Often inspection alone suffices to diagnose a patient's problem, but biopsy is a very valuable adjunct to endoscopy. Small biopsies can be made with a pincer (biopsy forceps) that is passed through the scope and allows sampling of 1 to 3 mm pieces of tissue under direct vision. The intestinal mucosa heals quickly from such biopsies. Problems that are amenable to diagnosis by endoscopy include those diseases where there is a visible abnorm ...

See also:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - Procedure, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - Indications, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - Diagnostic use, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - Therapeutic use

Read more here: » Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Encyclopedia II - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - Diagnostic use