What is the Thyroid? The thyroid is a gland in the neck that wraps around the front of the trachea. The thyroid produces a hormone that regulates cellular function in most of the body. Thyroid Diseases Different disease processes may involve the thyroid. These include abnormal hormone production, nodules, and cancer. Thyroid function may be…
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What Are the Parathyroid Glands? The parathyroid glands are 4 separate glands that produce a hormone that regulates calcium levels. Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the body produces too much parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid hormone pulls calcium out of the body and elevates the levels in the blood. This leads to lower levels in…
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Many disorders can cause inflammation of the pancreas. The most common causes are gallstones and alcohol use. After pancreatitis resolves, some people continue to have recurrent pancreatitis without an identifiable cause. This may be due to scarring that has occurred in the ducts from previous attacks or from the sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Many patients…
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Inguinal (Groin) Hernia An inguinal hernia is a defect (space) in the groin in which the inner lining of the abdomen in its contents bulges through. This may cause pain. The blood supply can get choked off, resulting in death and perforation of the intestinal contents, which may be life-threatening. What Causes a Hernia? The…
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Normal swallowing causing pressure waves to move down the esophagus to propel food and water into the stomach. In contraction, esophageal motility disorders may include simultaneous contraction, loss of contraction, and abnormally high or low contractions. These disorders can cause difficulty swallowing with sticking sensation, heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation. Achalasia This is the most…
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What is the Gallbladder? The gallbladder is a small organ that looks like a partially inflated balloon. It is located just underneath the right side of the liver. The gallbladder collects and concentrates bile that is produced in the liver that functions with the digestion of fats. What Problems Can Occur with the Gallbladder? Gallstones…
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