Ascites refers to the collection within the abdominal cavity. In Greek, the word askos means bag or sac. The collected fluid is called the ascitic fluid. It can be caused by many disorders but the most common cause is portal hypertension due to cirrhosis which results in increased pressure in the veins that bring blood […]
Digestive System
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency or α1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that may cause lung disease and liver disease. The signs and symptoms of the condition and the age at which they appear vary among individuals. It is an autosomal-codominant condition with more than 120 alleles identified. Out of them, PiZZ is responsible for nearly […]
Cirrhosis of Liver- Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Cirrhosis of liver condition characterized by hepatic cell necrosis, resulting in the collapse of hepatic architecture and nodular regeneration along with regenerative attempts leading to the formation of nodules. It is a progressive condition and develops over many years, slowly. Eventually, unabated, it could end the liver function. Cirrhosis is caused by many different diseases, […]
Viral Hepatitis – Presentation and Treatment
Viral hepatitis can be caused by any one of the Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E and Delta virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, rubella virus and virus of yellow fever. Hepatitis A Virus This is an RNA virus transmitted by feco-oral route. Incubation period is 2-6 weeks. It leads to acute […]
Clinical Examination Of Abdomen
Like all other examinations, the examination of the abdomen begins with the history of the patient. A patient of abdominal disorder may present with numerous symptoms which must be asked whilst taking the history and noted on examination. History The history begins by asking the patient about the main complaints. Then we move on to […]
Digital Clubbing or Nail Clubbing – Causes and Grading
Digital clubbing or nail clubbing or finger clubbing is bulbous enlargement of soft parts of the terminal phalanges with both transverse and longitudinal curving of the nails. The swelling of the terminal phalanges in clubbing occurs due to interstitial edema and dilation of the arterioles and capillaries. Digital clubbing is also called fingernail clubbing or […]
Jaundice and Its Causes
Jaundice is a symptom complex that is characterized by the yellow coloration of tissues and body fluids due to an increase in bile pigment bilirubin and related products. For understanding the causes of jaundice, first, we need to learn about the metabolism of bilirubin. Jaundice is also known as icterus. Bilirubin Metabolism Breakdown Hemoglobin released […]