What are the symptoms and manifestations of proctitis?

Proctitis is inflammation limited to the distal 12–15 cm of the rectum. It may be acute or chronic, infectious, inflammatory, ischemic, or radiation-induced. Because the rectum stores stool just before defecation, even limited mucosal irritation produces prominent local symptoms that patients notice immediately. Core rectal symptoms Tenesmus: a persistent, often painful urge to defecate despite an empty rectum; may interrupt sleep. Urgency: sudden, compelling need to reach a toilet; accidents occur if access is delayed. Frequent, small-volume stools: 5–10 passages daily, each <50 g, sometimes only mucus or blood. Rectal bleeding: bright red streaks on toilet paper, coating stool, or... Learn more

What are the symptoms and manifestations of acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is a sudden inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, most often infectious but sometimes toxin-mediated. It peaks within hours to a few days, resolves within a week in immunocompetent hosts, and ranges from mild discomfort to rapidly dehydrating illness. Recognizing its varied faces guides fluid replacement, diet adjustment, and decisions on medical review. Cardinal gastrointestinal symptoms Nausea: an uneasy urge to vomit, sometimes accompanied by hypersalivation. Vomiting: initially gastric contents, later bile-stained fluid; repeated cycles every 30–60 min suggest viral or food-borne toxin origin. Diarrhea: watery, occasionally rice-water or bloody; frequency >3 times per day, volume >200... Learn more

What are the symptoms and manifestations of upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to hemorrhage originating from any site between the mouth and the ligament of Treitz. It ranges from trivial ooze noticed only on laboratory testing to catastrophic, life-threatening exsanguination. Rapid recognition of its varied presentations allows timely resuscitation and definitive hemostasis. Key visual clues• Hematemesis: vomiting fresh red blood or clots indicates active, usually arterial, bleeding; when gastric acid mixes with blood for minutes the appearance becomes “coffee-ground.”• Melena: black, tarry, foul-smelling stool that sticks to the toilet bowl; at least 50 mL of blood in the upper tract is needed to produce this change.• Nasogastric aspiration:... Learn more

What are the symptoms and manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain linked to altered bowel habits, without detectable structural or biochemical abnormalities. Symptoms fluctuate over years, often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, and can significantly impair quality of life while sparing life expectancy. Cardinal features Abdominal pain or discomfort: crampy, aching, or sharp, usually located in the lower abdomen; episodes last minutes to hours and are relieved by defecation. Change in bowel frequency: patients may experience >3 loose stools daily or <3 stools weekly; the pattern can alternate within the same individual. Change in stool form:... Learn more

What are the symptoms and manifestations of Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease that can involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, but most commonly affects the terminal ileum and adjacent right colon. The clinical picture is highly variable, ranging from subtle, intermittent discomfort to severe, life-threatening complications. Recognizing the key symptoms early can shorten the delay to diagnosis and reduce long-term damage. Core intestinal symptoms Diarrhea: usually semiliquid, without visible blood in limited ileal disease; overt bloody diarrhea is more common when the colon is involved. Abdominal pain: typically crampy or colicky, localized to the right lower quadrant; pain... Learn more