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Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease

Crohn's also known as regional enteritis, presents as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) resulting in chronic inflammation from mouth to anus. The disease progresses in "patches" meaning the areas of inflammation aren't continuous. Crohn's affects approximately 0.1-0.3% of the population. The exact cause of the illness is unknown, but several factors such as heredity and immune activation by a bacterium or virus have been proposed in the development of IBD.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as passing three or more loose or watery stools a day. It isn’t something patients like to discuss, much less have because of the accompanying consequences which impede their quality of life (bloating, gassy, and urgency of stool passage).

Celiac disease

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is known by many names such as gluten sensitivity enteropathy, celiac sprue, and nontropical sprue. This chronic illness presents as an auto-immune reaction in which our immune cells attack tissues of the small intestine when we consume gluten thus, resulting in poor nutrient absorption. Worldwide prevalence based on blood tests is 1.4% while 0.7% is based on biopsy. The disease has been associated with heredity, certain genetic mutations predispose patients to develop the illness.

Correlations between stool characteristics and gut health

Correlations between stool characteristics and gut health

The subject of defecation (pooping) is an uncomfortable and embarrassing topic for most patients when asked by a physician. It is advised for patients to open up and share this information as clues may be missed by the physician in establishing a proper diagnosis. In this short article, I will point out what normal/and abnormal stools consist of in terms of color, shape, firmness, and various other characteristics that should be communicated by the patient to aid physicians in making a diagnosis.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Why Consistency Matters

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Why Consistency Matters

Despite the relatively frequent occurrence of [stroke](https://synappsehealth.com/en/articles/i/stroke-overview-causes-and-types-signs-and-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment/), managing its long-term effects remains a challenge, as some may stay with a person for the rest of their life. Financial and time constraints, as well as factors within the patient, such as a lack of motivation, can determine their recovery.

10 most common questions for pediatricians

10 most common questions for pediatricians

Taking care of a child brings parents plenty of satisfaction, but also at least as much uncertainty. It's hard to find reliable, substantive answers to some questions on the internet. Meanwhile, during a visit to the pediatrician, there isn't always time to dispel all of the guardians' doubts. What questions do parents most often seek answers to?

Top 5 questions you should ask your doctor before leaving your appointment

Top 5 questions you should ask your doctor before leaving your appointment

In Poland, a primary care physician spends an average of 10 minutes on each patient. Much of that time is spent meticulously completing medical records, the rest is spent on interviewing, physical examination, and making recommendations. Patients tend to leave their appointments feeling confused, without really understanding what is wrong with them and the kind of treatment they should receive. How can we make the most of our time when visiting the doctor? What questions should we ask?