Medical dictionary

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 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 colorectal cancer surgery? Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is cancer of the large intestine (colon). The large intestine makes up the end of the digestive tract, and cancer usually starts as a cluster of cells called polyps. Not all polyps are cancerous, and therefore it is important to closely monitor them and have them removed before they become cancerous. Colo

What is Conn’s syndrome? Primary hyperaldosteronism/aldosteronism, which is sometimes known as Conn’s syndrome, is a condition where the adrenal gland produces and releases too much aldosterone hormone into the bloodstream. Aldosterone is the hormone that regulates blood pressure and the water-salt metabolism.    Most cases are caused by a benign tumour growing

What is constipation?The term “constipation” refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. Constipation is usually defined as when a patient makes less than three bowel movements a week. These bowel movements may be difficult, even painful, and the individual may strain themselves trying to go.Occasional constipation is common, and can be related to change of routine, going on

What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Almost everyone will get infected by a coronavirus at least once in their life, and most of the time t

What is Crohn’s disease?Crohn’s disease is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, but is most commonly found at the end of the small intestine, where this meets the colon (large intestine). It is characterised by inflammation, which is often severe and can be debilitating, and may extend through the whole width of the