Dr Sameer Zar

Dr Sameer Zar
Gastroenterology
South London


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Dr Sameer Zar

Gastroenterologist in
London

MB BS FRCP PhD


Call

Book online

Dr Sameer Zar areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Dr Sameer Zar is a highly-experienced London-based gastroenterologist. Practising at a number of reputable clinics in the capital including the Royal Marsden Hospital, he specialises in a number of aspects of his field such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, Barrett’s, reflux, dyspepsia, IBS, IBD and liver diseases.

Dr Zar has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and forms an integral part of various national and international professional bodies including the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopynumerous.

 Credentials

GMC: ‍4598859

 Professional experience

• More than 20 years of experience
• Consultant Gastroenterologist, Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust, London (present)
• Consultant Gastroenterologist, Royal Marsden Hospital, London (present)
• Consultant Gastroenterologist, Spire St Anthony's Hospital, London (present)
• Consultant Gastroenterologist, Spire Gatwick Park Hospital, London (present)
• Consultant Gastroenterologist, The Lister Hospital, London (present)

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 Sub-specialties

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy and colonoscopy
• ERCP
• EUS
• EMR and ESD
• Videocapsule

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 Education

• PhD, University of London
• Postgraduate training in General Medicine & Gastroenterology, South West Thames Scheme, London

 Professional membership

• Member, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
• Member, Annals of Gastroenterology
• Member, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Network
• Member, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)

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Languages spoken

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Urdu

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Capsule endoscopy

An endoscopic capsule is a device the size of a pill that contains a camera. It is used to perform examinations of the digestive system and to treat d ...

Colonoscopy

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 abnormalit ...

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic ultrasound is an exploratory procedure that allows visualising the interior walls of various organs and their structures (such as the oesop ...

Endoscopy

What is it? Endoscopy is the use of cameras to relay images from inside the body.  The device used, known as an endoscope, is a long thin flexible ...

ERCP

What is an ERCP? Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure. ERCP combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat problems of the pancreatic or biliary ductal systems. What does an ERCP involve? The procedure is performed in three main steps: You will be lying down on your left side, on the fluoroscope flatbed; You will be given intravenous sedation; An endoscope with a camera on one of its ends will be passed through your mouth and oesophagus to your duodenum. The doctor will be able to see the images projected by the camera on a screen. The endoscope will also inject a contrast medium which will allow for a fluoroscopy to be carried out as well. What is ERCP used for? You may need an ERCP if: You have already done other tests such as an ultrasound or a CT scan and you have a confirmed diagnosis of bile duct stones or pancreatic cancer; You have obstructive jaundice: when the flow of bile is obstructed and cannot reach the duodenum, a pigment known as bilirubin remains in the bloodstream, causing obstructive jaundice; You have pancreatitis, which can be either acute or chronic. In the first case, the symptoms show up suddenly while in the second case the inflammation shows up progressively; pancreatitis becomes more severe, causing the destruction of the pancreas itself; You have kidney stones or gallstones; Benign or malignant pancreatic cancer, which could be caused by a proliferation of exocrine or endocrine cells within the pancreas; You’re suffering from pancreas divisum, that is, an anomaly of the pancreas where the pancreatic duct is divided into two ducts instead of being a single duct; You need to take a pancreatic tissue sample or bile duct cells sample for a biopsy. This is also extremely helpful when it comes to confirming a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer or cancer of the bile ducts. This procedure can also be used as a treatment for: Eliminating bile duct stones; Doing a biliary stent, that is, putting a stent inside the bile duct to treat an obstruction or narrowing; Treating a bile duct stricture; How can I prepare for an ERCP? Here is what you can do to prepare for an ERCP: Talk to your GP in order to have your medical, clinical and family history sorted out in advance; Do a blood test, an ECG and take your blood pressure; If you are on certain medications, you may need to go off of those a few days before the procedure; As a precautionary measure, you may need to get started on antibiotics; Do not eat anything for at least eight hours before the procedure. What does it feel like during an ERCP? Should you be under local anaesthetics, it may feel like you can’t breathe when the endoscope is going down your oral cavity - rest assured though, the air flow won’t be blocked in any way. ...

Gastric reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder where acid from the stomach leaks back into the oesophagus. It usually occurs because of weakness in the lower oesophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between the oesophagus and stomach. It also occurs regularly in healthy people, where it manifests as heartburn or acid indigestion but these are usually short, sporadic episodes compared to long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease. ...

Abdominal pain

What is abdominal pain?     Abdominal pain can be a symptom of many conditions. It is the name given to pain that radiates between the chest and the groin. The most common cause is: constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies or intolerances, or food poisoning. There are different types of abdominal pain, including:  Burning pain: could be caused by gastritis, an ulcer, or reflux. Colic pain: could be due to intestinal issues such as diarrhoea or constipation. For females it could be due to menstrual problems and the pain may be located around the uterus. Stitches: caused by excess gases or abdominal swelling.  Condition prognosis          Condition prognosis depends of the cause of the abdominal pain. The causes may range from simple issues such as excess gas to more complicated conditions such as appendicitis or kidney stones. When a person has abdominal pain, the cause of it must be looked at thoroughly to be able to properly treat it. There are some symptoms which may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as: Having a temperature above 38 ºC Vomiting Blood in the stools Sudden weight loss  Apathy or pallor. What are the symptoms? Different symptoms may indicate what is causing the abdominal pain. It may simply be due to indigestion, however when the pain is strong, it may be due to a more serious issue with the appendix, the gallbladder, the pancreas, or the kidneys among others.   Medical tests Different tests can be carried out to determine the cause of abdominal pain: Colonoscopy  Abdominal ultrasound Endoscopy Abdominal CT scan Blood test. What causes it? There could be many causes for abdominal pain, it is important to find the cause and seek medical attention as soon as possible. The most common causes for abdominal pain include: Irritable bowel syndrome Allergies or intolerances Food poisoning Gastroenteritis Constipation Appendicitis Bowel block Diverticulitis Ulcers.   How can it be prevented? Abdominal pain can be prevented by following a healthy and balanced diet, and eating small meals often. This will help digestion. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise regularly. Stress in known as a cause of cramps and nausea.   What is the treatment?     Treatment will depend on the cause and location of the pain. The specialist will recommend what treatment should be used after careful examination. Treatment to treat mild causes include: Antacids if the pain is due to indigestion or reflux. Antiflatulents to relieve pain caused by gas or diarrhoea. Antibiotics used to treat infections.  What specialist should I see? Generally, the specialist who treats abdominal pain is a gastroenterologist. Digestive system specialists study the digestive tract including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, anus, as well as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This specialty treats common issues and pathological issues. It treat conditions that may affect other parts of the body and other organs.            ...

Anal fissure

What is an anal fissure? An anal fissure (fissures) is a tear or crack in the lining of the anal canal (anus), which causes extreme pain during bowel movements. Anal fissures affect everyone, from men and women to young and old people. It is the most common cause of rectal bleeding in infancy. A fissure tends to occur when passing hard or large stools during a bowel movement. There may also be spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of the anus. What is the cause of an anal fissure? Common causes of an anal fissure include passing large stools, constipation and straining during bowel movements, chronic diarrhoea, inflammation of the anorectal area and childbirth. The less common causes of anal fissures include anal cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis and herpes. What are the symptoms of an anal fissure? The symptoms of an anal fissure include: Pain, which can sometimes be severe during bowel movements Pain after bowel movements Blood on the stool or toilet paper Itching or irritation around the anus A visible crack in the skin around the anus A small lump on the skin near the anal fissure How is an anal fissure treated? An anal fissure will often heal within a few weeks if the stool is kept soft through increasing the intake of fibre and fluids. Soaking in a warm bath for 10 to 20 minutes daily, especially after toilet use, helps to relax the sphincter and helps it to heal. A doctor may recommend topical anaesthetic creams for pain relief. A Botox (Botulinum toxic type A) injection can paralyse the anal sphincter muscle and aids in relaxing spasms. Blood pressure medications can also help relax the sphincter. How to prevent an anal fissure? By preventing constipation it may help in preventing an anal fissure. Constipation can be prevented when eating high-fibre foods, drinking water and regularly exercising to stop from straining during bowel movements. Risk factors for developing an anal fissure Infancy – experts are not sure why but many infants experience an anal fissure during the first year of their life. Aging – as an adult ages there is a decrease in circulation and blood flow to the rectal area. Constipation – straining when trying to pass hard stool can increase the risk of tearing. Childbirth – anal fissures become common in women after they give birth. Crohn’s disease – the inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract and this makes the lining of the rectum vulnerable to tearing. Anal intercourse.  ...

Bloated stomach

What is a bloated stomach? A bloated stomach is when the tummy is stretched and puffy, leaving a person feeling uncomfortable. The most common cause of a bloated stomach is gas and air, as gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food gets broken down, or from swallowing too much air when eating too fast. For some people, it can be from overindulging but for others, there could be an underlying medical reason such as a food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.   What are the symptoms of a bloated stomach? As a bloated stomach is only temporary, it is different from gaining fat mass around the stomach. It is built-up gas in the digestive system that makes the stomach uncomfortable and extends outward. Some people have described it as looking ‘pregnant’. There may be a pain in the abdomen, which should be checked if there are other symptoms occurring in the body. Other symptoms to check for include: • Fever • Hives • Watery eyes and itchy throat (allergic reaction) • Constipation • Diarrhoea • Vomiting • Blood in the stool • Weight loss • Fatigue • Irregular periods • Haemorrhoids What causes a bloated stomach? A bloated stomach is mostly caused by air becoming stuck around the abdomen and is normally a problem to do with digestion. There are lots of different underlying reasons that could cause a swollen abdomen, including allergies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction and in rare cases, cancer. The possible causes include: • Lactose intolerance • Acid reflux • Constipation • Stomach flu • Premenstrual syndrome • Celiac disease • A hiatal hernia • Ovarian cyst • Gallstones • Urinary tract infection (UTI) • Stomach cancer • Crohn’s disease How is a bloated stomach treated? In many cases of a bloated stomach, lifestyle changes can help diminish or prevent it from recurring. As the main cause of a bloated stomach is gas and air, in order to reduce swallowing too much air you can: • Avoid chewing gum to stop swallowing extra air • Avoid fizzy drinks • Avoid foods known to cause gas such as lentils, beans and vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and sprouts. • Avoid eating quickly, be mindful of chewing more slowly • Cut back on dairy products If lifestyle changes, particularly with the diet, don’t help in relieving or improving a bloated stomach, then the doctor may find a medical cause. The doctor may recommend medical treatment, which depends on the condition and the reason behind the abdominal pain. ...

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the impairment of an organ due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue and the consequent atrophy of the cells. One of the most common manifestations of this disease is liver cirrhosis, which affects the liver and produces chronic organ damage. There are two main causes for liver cirrhosis: alcoholism and hepatitis C infection. Symptoms of liver cirrhosis include yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and eyes, weakness and loss of weight, vomiting blood or blood in the stool. It is an irreversible and chronic disease that can lead to many complications and causes liver malfunction, and in extreme cases, the patient may need a transplant. Hepatic biliary cirrhosis is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver, so it blocks the flow of bile, an essential fluid for the proper functioning of this organ. ...

Colic

A Colic is a type of abdominal pain that varies in intensity. The cause is an increase, sometimes violent, in the peristaltic movements of the abdominal hollow viscera. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It can also produce irritability, tension, and stress. ...

Colitis

What is colitis? Colitis refers to the inner lining of the colon becoming inflamed. Colitis can be a symptom of a disease 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 include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis causes other manifestations in the body, which include mouth ulcers, swelling of the joints and skin inflammation. What are the different types of colitis? The types of colitis are categorised by what causes them. Some of the different types include:   • Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease – these two types of colitis are classified as inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to bacteria in the digestive tract. It begins in the rectum and spreads to the colon. • Pseudomembranous colitis – this type of colitis occurs from the overgrowth of a bacteria known as Clostridium difficile. Normally found living in the intestine, this bacteria does not usually cause problems because of the balance with the good bacteria. Clostridium difficile takes over when medications such as antibiotics destroy the good bacteria. The toxins that are released cause inflammation. • Ischemic colitis – this occurs when the blood flow to the colon is cut off or restricted. What causes colitis? The most common causes of colitis include:   • Infections or viruses • Loss of blood supply • Chronic diseases • Allergic reactions What are the signs of colitis?   The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include: • Diarrhoea • Abdominal pain and cramps • Rectal pain • Rectal bleeding – experiencing a small amount of blood in the stool • Desperate to use the toilet • Inability to defecate even though there is a feeling of urgency • Weight loss • Fatigue • Fever How is colitis diagnosed? A physical examination by a specialist helps to determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms. The doctor will take the patient’s blood pressure and check their temperature for fever. There is an examination of the abdomen to check if there is a feeling of tenderness. Bowel sounds are listened to through the use of a stethoscope. A blood test can measure haemoglobin and haematocrit levels to check for anaemia. Stool samples may also be collected to search for bacterial and parasitic infections as the cause of colitis. The stool may be tested for blood too. How is colitis treated? The treatment of colitis depends on how bad the disease is within the individual patient. Treatment usually involves a change in diet, nutritional supplements and medication being prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Mild colitis responds to medicines such as steroids and anti-inflammatories. More severe symptoms will require stronger medication such as immunomodulator medicines, which suppress the immune system to prevent inflammation. Surgery may be required to remove the large intestine, however this can cause other problems in different areas of the body. Foods to avoid: • Alcohol and fizzy drinks • Caffeine • Dairy products • Raw fruits and vegetables • Legumes Foods to incorporate into the diet: • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon) • Probiotics (kefir) • Iron-rich foods (green vegetables) • Turmeric • Folate-rich foods ...

Constipation

Constipation is the regular difficulty encountered when trying to defecate, considering a normal frequency of a minimum of three times per week, although this can vary with each person. Constipation is a condition that is produced by the lack of regular movement of the intestines and bowel evacuation may be accompanied by pain. It is a very common ailment that occurs because of sedentary lifestyle, lack of fibre consumption, fatigue and nervousness. To avoid this problem it is recommended to follow a diet rich in fibre, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Although it is possible to resort to laxatives sporadically, they should not be abused as they may cause the opposite effect in the long run, as well as make the body get used to them, which can make the situation worse. ...

Diabetes

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM), or just diabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases which result in an inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Having too much glucose in your blood can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves and other parts of the body, including the blood vessels themselves. In extreme cases, diabetes can cause heart disease and strokes, and patients may even require amputation of limbs. This inability to control blood sugar comes from a problem with the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, enters the bloodstream, and moves glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is used to generate energy. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes – the cells that create insulin are attacked and destroyed by the body’s immune system as part of a defective immune response. It can develop rapidly over weeks or even days. Type 2 diabetes – either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells stop responding to it. Patients may not be diagnosed for years, due to generic symptoms. It is by far the most common type of diabetes.   What are the symptoms? Classic diabetes symptoms include: Thirst Frequent urination Fatigue Itching around the genitals, or thrush Weight loss/muscle loss Blurred vision Slow healing   What causes diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition – something causes the immune system to attack healthy pancreatic cells that produce insulin. It appears to run in families, so may be genetic. No one knows exactly what causes the immune system to attack the pancreas, but one theory is that it is triggered by a virus. Type 2 diabetes is acquired, and usually affects older people. It tends to be associated with obesity and lack of exercise.   How can it be prevented? Type 1 diabetes appears to be genetic, so there is no way to prevent it. To reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is important to have a healthy and balanced diet, take plenty of exercise, and lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation are also useful tips.   What is the treatment? Diabetes can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular blood tests are essential to keep blood glucose levels in check. Type 1 diabetes patients require regular insulin injections for the rest of their lives to make up for the lack of insulin production by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes patients may eventually need to take tablets, as the condition is progressive (it will worsen over time). You should see your doctor or a specialist as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms. If diagnosed with diabetes, a patient is usually referred to a specialist care team for treatment and long-term monitoring of the condition. ...

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious behavioural problems. A person who suffers from eating disorders follows eating patterns that can seriously damage his/her health. The common causes and symptoms of this disease include excessive concern about their weight, a distorted view of the body and low self-esteem. The most common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia nervosa. When a person suffers from anorexia, he/she avoids eating and/or takes laxatives and diuretics. In addition to this, the person may also do intense physical exercise, which could endanger her/his life. The main characteristic of bulimia is that people do binge eating, followed by purging or self-induced vomiting to eliminate and compensate for overeating. All this with a sense of guilt. In these cases, the emergency treatment of patients through a comprehensive plan that includes psychotherapy and continuous monitoring is crucial. In severe cases, the admission of patients to a specialised centre for treatment may be necessary. ...

Food intolerance

Food intolerance is the adverse reaction of the body to the ingestion of certain foods, additives and preservatives, which cause the immune system to produce antibodies against the proteins of certain food substances. Some of the most common foods that cause food intolerance are milk, eggs, some types of flour and yeast, or nuts. Symptoms or manifestations include diarrhoea, stomachache or headache, acne or skin problems and fatigue. A food allergy triggers a much faster reaction in the immune system and could be dangerous (urticaria, eczema, swelling, difficulty breathing), so it is imperative to seek urgent medical help since in serious cases it can even lead to the death of the patient. Whether it is a case of food intolerance or allergy, you should consult with a doctor to find out which foods are causing the reactions to start a treatment. The treatment usually involves keeping an eye on the diet to avoid eating the food that causes the problem. ...

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding is the bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the bleeding that occurs in the oesophagus, stomach or upper part of the small intestine. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the one that happens in the rest of the small intestine, large intestine, rectum or anus. The condition can be detected by the presence of blood in the stool....

Halitosis

What is halitosis? Halitosis is a common problem characterised by an unpleasant odour on the patient’s breath. Normally, halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene, with bacteria breaking down pieces of food trapped in the teeth and releasing foul-smelling gases. Halitosis can affect the patient psychologically, due to the stigma of bad breath, and can lead to problems in their social life.   What causes halitosis? In most cases, the causes of bad breath are oral in nature. In some cases, the smell may originate from the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, oesophagus, or stomach. Some common causes are: Poor oral hygiene – bacteria will build up in the mouth, attracted to pieces of food trapped in the teeth, and will release toxins and gases that cause the unpleasant smell. Gum disease Eating strong-smelling food, such as garlic and onions. Smoking Drinking alcohol Occasionally, certain illnesses or medications can also cause bad breath.   Can it be prevented? Halitosis can be prevented with good oral hygiene: Thoroughly brush your teeth and gums twice a day Floss daily Clean your tongue regularly. You should also book periodic check-ups with a dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.   What is the treatment? In most cases, improving oral hygiene is enough to eliminate bad breath, brushing your teeth and gums, flossing and cleaning your tongue as a daily routine. Cutting down on or avoiding tobacco, alcohol or certain foods and drinks such as coffee may also be recommended. If the halitosis is a consequence of a different pathology, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or a H. pylori infection, you may be referred to a relevant specialist to deal with the cause. ...

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a genus of bacteria that affects the human stomach. It grows in the mucous layer of the stomach, secreting urease, an enzyme that converts the urea (a chemical very important for the metabolism) in ammonia. As a result, the acidity of the stomach is neutralised and an environment prone to the proliferation of the pylori bacteria is created. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person and is characterised by severe abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite and weight or bloating. In order to avoid further complications, it is crucial to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori as soon as the symptoms appear. Complications may include abdominal infection, peritonitis, haemorrhages or ulcers and it can also increase the risk of stomach cancer. The treatment includes antibiotics, to cope with or prevent infections; anti-ulcer medicines, to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach; and surgery, in case the infection has caused ulcers. It is also important to follow a proper diet and it is advisable to increase the fibre intake. ...

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is the result of eating an unbalanced diet in which there is a lack of nutrients or in which the nutrients are taken in the wrong proportion. One of the main causes may be overeating. Malnutrition increases the risk of infection or infectious diseases. ...

Morbid obesity

Morbid obesity is also known as severe obesity or class III obesity. People are considered morbidly obese when their body mass index is above 40, or even 35 if the patient has a disease or severe disability as a result of being overweight. In many countries it is a public health problem due to the new eating habits of the society. Morbid obesity can be treated with a low calorie diet and regular exercise. In extreme cases patients can have bariatric surgery. ...

Obesity

Obesity is defined as having an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat on the body, enough so that it can be a risk to the health of the person. There most common way of classifying the amount of weight on the body, and what constitutes as a healthy balance, is the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms, by your height, squared. The NHS classifies obesity as having a body mass index of 30 to 39.9, with those over 40 being classified as severely obese, though it is not necessarily the case as those with a large amount of muscle could be classified as obese due to their weight, when it may not actually be accurate. Another way of measuring excess fat is to measure waist circumference, for men, obesity is generally considered as being larger than 94cm (37in), and 80cm (21.5in) for women.   What causes obesity?   Simply speaking, obesity is caused by consuming more calories than are burned off through physical activity. When food is consumed, especially excessive amounts of fat and sugar in the diet, the body stores it as energy, in the form of fat. There are some health conditions that can lead to obesity and weight gain, such as problems with the thyroid, especially hypothyroidism.   How is obesity treated?   The best ways of treating obesity is to increase the amount of physical activity you perform on a regular basis, and to reduce the amount of calories eaten, along with eating a healthy, balanced diet. There are a number of ways that you can do this, such as joining a weight loss group to help you manage your diet and motivate you to continue sticking to it. You can also start activities such as walking, swimming or running. You can begin with exercising for short periods of time, before building up to longer periods. There are a number of surgical procedures available to help deal with weight loss in more severe circumstances, such as gastric band, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion.   What problems can obesity lead to?   Obesity can be detrimental to the health, leading to problems in different areas of the body. It can cause strain on the heart, leading to coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other conditions. It is one of the leading causes of diabetes type 2, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and infertility and can also have detrimental psychiatric effects such as depression along side often having a social stigma. To see a specialist to help with obesity, click here. Obesity is one of the most common diseases of modern society, caused by bad eating habits that cause a metabolic disorder in the form of excess fat and consequently overweight. If the caloric intake that provides the body is greater than that required or consumed is stored as fat. Besides, obesity may result in the acquisition of other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol or cardiovascular risk. In any case, obesity treatment tailored to each person according to their age, physique, medical history and daily habits is required. By measuring the body mass index patient's degree of obesity it is known and established a slimming diet should be low calorie, low fat, with the establishment of a rehabilitation plan of eating habits and exercise. The tandem diet-exercise physical is essential for weight loss. Obesity is one of the most common diseases of modern society, caused by bad eating habits that cause a metabolic disorder in the form of excess fat and consequently overweight. If the caloric intake that provides the body is greater than that required or consumed is stored as fat. Besides, obesity may result in the acquisition of other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol or cardiovascular risk. In any case, obesity treatment tailored to each person according to their age, physique, medical history and daily habits is required. By measuring the body mass index patient's degree of obesity it is known and established a slimming diet should be low calorie, low fat, with the establishment of a rehabilitation plan of eating habits and exercise. The tandem diet-exercise physical is essential for weight loss. ...

Pancreatitis

What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which is a gland found behind the stomach. The pancreas is key to the digestion of food, through the production of certain enzymes as well as the production of hormones that aid in the processing of blood glucose levels. There are two types of pancreatitis; acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed suddenly. Chronic pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes permanently damaged due to inflammation of the pancreas over many years. What are the symptoms of pancreatitis? The symptoms of acute pancreatitis include: Sudden abdominal pain Fever Diarrhoea Nausea & vomiting The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include: Repeated, and often severe abdominal pain (sometimes accompanied by nausea) Oily, bad-smelling stools If you experience frequent abdominal pain, it is important to see a specialist. What causes pancreatitis? Acute pancreatitis is thought to occur when digestive enzymes activate whilst still in the pancreas, causing irritation of the pancreatic cells and hence inflammation. Acute pancreatitis has also been linked to both gallstones, alcohol consumption, infections, and some medications. Chronic pancreatitis has largely been attributed to long-term alcohol abuse, smoking, hereditary genetic mutations and immune system problems. In some cases, the cause for a pancreatitis diagnosis is never confirmed. How is pancreatitis diagnosed? There are a number of tests used to make a diagnosis, such as: Blood tests to check for enzyme levels in the pancreas. Stool tests to measure fat levels. Oily stools can indicate that there are problems with the digestive system. MRI or CT scans to check for gallstones. What is the treatment for pancreatitis? Treatment for acute pancreatitis looks to support bodily functions until inflammation has subsided. The first step in treating acute pancreatitis is to let the pancreas heal, and for the inflammation to subside. To do so, you must be treated in hospital where you will receive intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids, and medicines to manage pain. Fasting for a few days also helps the pancreas to recover. Once the pancreas has recovered, doctors can get to work on treating the underlying cause of pancreatitis. Frequently, such additional treatments can include: Pancreas surgery – sometimes it is necessary to either remove damaged pancreatic tissue, or to drain excess fluid from the pancreas. Gallbladder surgery – removing the gallbladder may be necessary if gallstones are the cause of your pancreatitis. Treating alcohol dependency – if alcohol abuse is the cause of your pancreatitis, then you may be entered into an alcohol addiction program. For those suffering from chronic pancreatitis, then further treatments might be needed, including: Lifestyle changes – adopting a low-fat, nutritious diet, avoiding alcohol and stopping smoking tends to show the best results for people suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Enzyme supplements – these assist in the digestion of food and can be taken with each meal. Pain medication – chronic pancreatitis causes continual abdominal pain, so managing this pain is often needed. ...

Piles (haemorrhoids)

Haemorrhoids, also known commonly as piles, are the dilation of a vein in the rectum or anus. This is a very common and painful condition that is usually caused by constipation, genetic predisposition, being too long standing, or associated with pregnancy. There are two variations of this pathology:external and internal hemorrhoids. The first generate protrusions on the ring on the outside of the anus, so they are easier to diagnose and cause pain when sitting, as well as traces of blood in stool. Treatment consists in applying creams and warm water in the affected area and in cases of severe pain, taking painkillers. On the other hand, internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anus, causing bleeding in the stool and itching in the anal region. If they grow, a surgical intervention may be necessary to remove. ...

Stomach ulcer

  Gastric ulcer is a sore or erosion that occurs in the stomach or upper duodenum, in this case as a peptic ulcer. This is a very common gastrointestinal ailment and whose size usually varies between 0.5 and 1.5 centimeters in diameter. The causes stomach ulcers are multiple, being intimately related to stress and health status of each patient. As for symptoms, gastric ulcer is characterized by an acute stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, nausea and vomiting. Your treatment begins mitigate their symptoms through gastric protectors and antacids and, in the case in question of a bleeding ulcer, it is necessary to stop the bleeding by endoscopy. Also, in the most serious cases it will be resorted to surgery, either by removing part of the stomach as intervening in the vagus nerve, responsible for monitoring the production of gastric acid in the body. ...

Ultrasound

What is ultrasound? Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging procedure that allows you to see organs and soft structures inside the body. At present, they can be 2D, 3D or four-dimensional images. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique, in which radiation is not used and thanks to this, it is used to visualise developing foetuses. What does an ultrasound scan consist of? It is carried out using high frequency sound waves emitted through a transducer that captures the echo of different amplitudes which occurs when they ‘bounce’ off the organs. These signals, once processed by a computer, give a series of images. Why are ultrasounds carried out? With this procedure you can clearly differentiate the shape and size of each structure inside the body. In medicine it is used to see the heart, kidneys, liver and blood vessels, among other organs. In addition, ultrasounds are also carried out on patients who are pregnant. Another function is the study of different tissues of the body such as the blood flow of arteries and veins to detect arteriosclerosis and blood clots. Ultrasounds also allow the analysis of the thyroid gland and other soft structures of the neck as well as tendons, ligaments, muscles and joint structures, and mammary glands. Preparation for Ultrasound Usually, you do not need any type of preparation for having an ultrasound. In cases where the area to be examined is the abdomen, the specialist may tell you to drink three glasses of water approximately one hour before the test. How does it feel during the ultrasound? During the ultrasound, the patient will lie on a table or stretcher with the area to be analysed exposed. The specialist will apply a transparent gel that will allow the movement of the roller built into the transducer. During the scan the expert will interpret the images and determine which shots are correct according to each case. The only slight discomfort that can be felt is the gentle pressure that the specialist applies when passing the transducer over the body area. The gel applied can also feel quite cold when applied. Meaning of abnormal results The types of images that are considered abnormal are: Congenital anomalies An alteration to tissue due to trauma or injury Cysts ...

Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver and, as a result, causes it to malfunction. Hepatitis can be caused by immune cells of the body that attack the liver, virus infections, of which six types are known: A, B, C, D, E, and G; liver damage caused by excess of alcohol or toxic substances and, finally, due to overdoses of medications such as acetaminophen. The evolution and complications of the disease are different in each case. The main symptoms of hepatitis are fatigue, nausea and vomiting, high fever and headaches, pharyngitis and cough. In addition to these symptoms, there is a diffuse pain in the liver and a yellowish colour of the skin. ...

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