Medical dictionary

What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a pathology characterised by permanent intolerance to gluten. This substance is present in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Gluten damages the lining of the small intestine, causing it not to absorb the necessary components of the food, i.e nutrients. It occurs in genetically predisposed individuals who suffer from atrophy of the villi of the small intest

A colectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the colon, which is also known as the large intestine. The colon is an essential part of the digestive system, responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from food that has already been digested in the small intestine, as well as forming and storing stool until it is ready to be expelled from the body. Depending o

What is colic? Colic is often associated with infants, but it can occur in adults too. Infant colic occurs in some babies during their first months. Colic is defined by a baby crying with no obvious cause, with the crying lasting for more than three hours a day, for at least three days a week for at least one week. There are different types of adult co

What is colitis?Colitis refers to the inner lining of the colon becoming inflamed. Colitis can be a symptom of a condition that affects other parts of the body, which causes fevers, chills, fatigue and dehydration. There are many types of colitis that are usually classified by the cause of each one. The two most common types of colitis include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,

What is colon cancer? Colon cancer is the proliferation of malignant cells in the colon, which, along with the rectum, is in charge of storing faeces which are then expelled through the anus. This type of bowel-affecting cancer can develop due to polyps being being present and manifesting themelves in the bowel.  There are four main stages of colon cancer, and, of course, the earliest p

What is colon hydrotherapy? Colon hydrotherapy, or a colon cleanse, is a bowel cleansing treatment to improve intestinal transit and to activate the circulatory system. The aim is to eliminate accumulated waste and toxins, thus alleviating pressure in the abdominal area and combating intestinal problems. Why is it performed? This technique is primarily used as an intestinal cleansing

What is a colonoscopy?A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy that is used to examine the colon and small intestine in order to detect any abnormalities (inflammation, ulcers, polyps, etc.). The procedure can take anywhere from twenty to sixty minutes, depending on what is found during the procedure.  What does a colonoscopy involve?It is performed using a thin, flexible tube (end

What is colorectal cancer?Colorectal cancer, which is also known as bowel cancer, is thought to be the third leading cause of death in developed countries, and it is more common in men than in women. The colon and rectum are the last sections of the digestive system where nutrients are broken down, digested and absorbed, and waste is formed before being expelled. The cells of these orga

What is a colostomy? A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening, or stoma, in the abdominal wall to allow waste to exit the body bypassing a diseased or damaged part of the colon. This procedure is often necessary for patients with conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, traumatic injury to the colon, congenital defects, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn&r