Category: Gastrointestinal

Liver function tests are blood tests that help assess the health and functionality of the liver by measuring the levels of various enzymes and substances. Key indicators include Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), and bilirubin. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Definition: ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. […]

Acute Liver Impairment Definition: Acute liver impairment, or acute liver failure, is a rapid deterioration of liver function that occurs within days to weeks. It is characterised by jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy in individuals without preexisting liver disease. Causes: Symptoms: Diagnosis: Treatment: Acute Biliary Impairment Definition: Acute biliary impairment involves the sudden onset of conditions […]

Definition: (The Yellow Pigment Behind Jaundice) Bilirubin is a yellow compound that is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. When they reach the end of their functional life, they are broken down by the spleen and liver. It is processed […]

Definition: The liver is a reddish-brown, wedge-shaped organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The human liver weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) and comprises ~2% of total the body weight. It’s the largest gland in the human body. It performs numerous essential functions, including metabolism, detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of […]

Acute and Chronic Liver Disease: Detailed Overview The liver is a vital organ responsible for various functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. Liver disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the liver’s function and structure. These can be classified into acute and chronic liver diseases based on their duration and progression. Acute […]

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. When these ulcers occur in the stomach, they are called gastric ulcers, and when they occur in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), they are called duodenal ulcers These ulcers form […]

Definition: Oesophageal varices are enlarged veins in the lower part of the oesophagus. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, a condition known as portal hypertension. This increased pressure forces blood to flow through smaller veins that are not equipped to handle such volume, causing them to swell and potentially rupture, […]

A GI bleed, refers to internal bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which includes the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum. This bleeding can be either mild or severe, and its location and severity determine the symptoms and treatment approach. Classification: Causes: Upper GI Bleed: Lower GI Bleed: Symptoms: Upper […]

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind your stomach that plays a crucial role in digestion. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine, as well as hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. Functions of the Pancreas: The pancreas has both […]

Definition:Paralytic ileus is a condition characterised by a temporary cessation of normal bowel motility and peristalsis without any mechanical obstruction. It results in the accumulation of gas and intestinal contents, leading to abdominal distension, pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Causes: Paralytic ileus can result from various factors, including: Effects: Complications: Diagnosis: Diagnosis is primarily clinical, […]