By Medical Edge July 19, 2011 12:00 AM

Dear Mayo Clinic: I have heard that sometimes people have gallstones and don’t even know it, while others have severe pain because of them. am I at greater risk if some of my family members have had them? How will I know if I have gallstones?

Reply: It is true that even if you develop gallstones — a condition in which digestive fluid hardens into pebble-like deposits — you might not even notice. in fact, many are discovered by chance during an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound exam for some other reason. That’s because in most patients, gallstones do not cause symptoms.

In other cases, though, you know all too well something’s wrong. Gallstones can cause attacks of pain, known as gallbladder attacks, in your upper abdomen or chest.

Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that sits beneath your liver. The gallbladder’s main job is to store bile — a thick, greenish-brown liquid that’s produced by the liver. after you eat, your gallbladder contracts, pushing bile through a small tube called the common bile duct into the upper portion of your small intestine.

There, the bile helps your body absorb fats, cholesterol and certain vitamins. Gallstones form when components of bile harden into crystals. Most gallstones are made of cholesterol. It is possible to have just one gallstone or hundreds, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Gallstones may form because of changes in the composition of bile, such as an increased amount or proportion of cholesterol. in other cases, the gallbladder muscle loses some of its squeezing power, so it doesn’t empty completely. Infection and inflammation also can damage the gallbladder and trigger the development of gallstones.

Factors that may increase your risk of cholesterol gallstones include: Obesity and excess weight, pregnancy, high-fat, high-cholesterol or low-fiber diet, family history of gallstones, diabetes, liver disease, Crohn’s disease, rapid weight loss, certain cholesterol-lowering medications and medications that contain estrogen.

Gallstones usually settle at the bottom of your gallbladder, where they’re unlikely to cause problems. Symptoms may arise if a stone migrates up the neck of the gallbladder and blocks the flow of bile out of the gallbladder or through the bile duct. a blocked gallbladder or bile duct can cause intense pain in your abdomen that may extend to your shoulder blade, chest or arm. The pain is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

A gallbladder attack often subsides as the stones move. But if the blockage persists, your gallbladder can become inflamed or infected. This condition is called acute cholecystitis and requires treatment in a hospital where you’ll likely receive fluids, pain relievers and antibiotics intravenously. Treatment also includes surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), usually within 24 to 48 hours.

If you think you’ve had a gallbladder attack, see your doctor. Seek medical attention immediately if the pain is persistent and severe, if you have a fever or chills, or if your skin or the whites of your eyes are yellowish. if your gallstones aren’t causing any symptoms, you do not need treatment. if you have frequent attacks, your doctor will likely recommend that you have your gallbladder removed.

After your gallbladder is removed, bile flows directly from your liver into your small intestine. You’ll still be able to digest food. and you’ll be able to get back to your usual activities, with or without a gallbladder. — John Poterucha, M.D., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic

Send questions to medicaledge

@mayo.edu.

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Accutane and ulcerative colitis describes irritation in the massive intestine or colon and normally consists of the rectum. various degrees of the ailment involve far more of the colon. Signs or symptoms consist of rectal bleeding, cramps, and diarrhea. Countless Accutane ulcerative colitis individuals may well have long periods with no signs. Ulcerative colitis will increase the possibility of colon cancer and is sometimes linked with inflammation in other elements of the body. Treatment consists of medicine and surgery.br /br /

Accutane and Crohns disease is a persistent irritation that impacts the digestive tract. Whilst it can influence any component from the mouth to the anus, it typically impacts the small intestine and the region around the anus. Crohns sickness may perhaps cause ulcers to kind on the intestinal wall, and may possibly penetrate deep affecting other regions of the bowel. Accutane Crohns condition complications result in significant symptoms these kinds of as malnutrition, obstruction in the digestive tract, and inflammation that might spread.br /br /

Inflammatory Bowel Ailment in Catsbr /br /

Countless cats can be managed by eating routine alone in the extended phrase. Diet programs can be hypoallergenic, significant fiber or minimal residue. Occasionally all 3 of these forms of food desire to be trialed before the most effective one particular is selected. Cats are typically resistant to dietary trials, and this is the primary cause why lots of cats are given medication to deal with their IBD, the cat will just not consume the specific diet regime.br /br /

Hypoallergenic meals generally include a new protein supply that the cat has not encountered before this kind of as capelin amp; tapioca, duck, venison or hydrolyzed protein. Diets high in fiber are proposed for colonic ailment.br /br /

What is Inflammatory Bowel Sickness and Why is it Harmful?br /br /

These who are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis are going to be additional very likely to acquire particular varieties of cancer. In some scenarios, there can be other problems involved with inflammatory bowel illness. The following are some of the potential complications:br /br /

There are two ways that a doctor can figure out if a affected person has inflammatory bowel illness. The first is testing stool samples. The other is checking the colon via a digital camera which can detect if there are any lesions on it.br /br /

Portion an individual – Inflammatory Bowel Disorderbr /br /

Stomach soreness. The irritation possibly will cause pain right or will cause narrowing of the bowel (stricture) resulting in gripey pains and bloating (distension) with wind.br /br /

Bodyweight loss due to a reduction in appetite when energetic sickness is present along with probable bad nutrient absorption.br /br /

Dont forget to visit a href=vodpod.com/watch/6493507-ibd-crohns-disease-and-my-lifebowel disease/a and a href=howcast.com/videos/462900-How-to-Fight-IBD-Crohns-Disease-and-Save-My-Lifeinflammatory bowel disease symptoms/a.

Abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the abdomen. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs and diaphragm above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (such as the skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity. Organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas.

Digestion and Stomach Problems

Persistent or severe abdominal pain must be evaluated by a physician. Urgent surgery may be required for those with acute abdominal pain, such as for appendicitis, perforated peptic ulcer, intestinal obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst, and also urgent treatment must be given to those with kidney stone, gall bladder disease and pancreatitis.

You also need to seek emergency help if the pain radiates to your chest, neck or shoulder, on finding blood in your urine, if pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, bleeding or high fever, if the abdomen pain is sudden and severe, and also if you find blood in your urine and the abdomen feels swollen and tender. in many cases of abdominal pain one can wait, use home care remedies, and call the doctor only if symptoms persist.

Excessive gas, heartburn, ulcers, appendicitis, Ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, cholecystitis, appendicitis, food allergy, food poisoning, bowel obstruction, hernia, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, parasite infections, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis could be the possible causes of abdominal pain.

If pain is around the naval, take 1gm of ajwain with lukewarm water, 2-3 times, with one hour intervals, or apply paste of pinch of asfoetida {heeng} with lukewarm water around the naval area. an effective home remedy for abdomen or stomach pain is grating a small piece of ginger and squeezing out its juice and applying it on the bottom of your belly and massaging it gently.

Other few remedies that I know of is drinking lemon tea with some honey added to it, as well as drinking plenty of water, as this helps ensure smooth bowel movements. Another home remedy would be drinking a mixture of 1tsp each of mint juice and lime juice with some ginger juice and black slat added to it. more than anything if you see that the pain still persists and there is no relief then do visit the doctor as it could be pain rising from any other source which could need emergency treatment.

kapal bhati – About the Author:

Also read about Home Remedies for Acidity babaramdevmedicines.com

Zacks Equity Research, on Tuesday March 15, 2011, 8:15 am EDT

Given Imaging (NasdaqGS: GIVN – News), a producer of gastrointestinal products and a developer of capsule endoscopy, recently announced that the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) provided updated clearance for its PillCam SB video capsule, including a clearance to encourage its usage for checking lesions that may indicate Crohn’s disease.

The PillCam SB capsule has been marketed since 2001 for visualization of the small bowel mucosa. It can be employed as a tool for detecting abnormalities in the small bowel of adults and children above 2 years of age. The latest labeling is an outcome of the sizeable body of clinical information backing the use of PillCam capsule endoscopy for visualization of lesions arising from a number of indications, including Iron Deficiency Anemia, Crohn’s disease and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic condition, leads to inflammation of the lining of the wall of the small intestine. It is accompanied by symptoms such as stomach ache, diarrhea, loss of weight and bleeding of the rectum. Approximately one-half of the cases of Crohn’s disease are detected in the final portion of the small intestine. It is estimated that the condition afflicts half a million Americans.

there is no cure for the disease whose cause is largely unknown; but according to a popular theory, the immune system reacts to a bacterium or virus that causes the inflammation.              

Iron Deficiency Anemia is a frequently occurring form of anemia where the victim is short of sufficient healthy red blood cells. The body’s capability to carry oxygen is impacted by the shortage of iron in the blood thereby causing weakness, tiredness, lightheadedness and irritability. Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is marked by bleeding from the digestive tract. The source of bleeding is often unknown and there are many potential causes.

The PillCam capsules are small video cameras that are ingested by patients. The PillCam SB video capsule, which is frequently used for small bowel evaluation, weighs under 4 grams. The second generation PillCam SB 2 includes an imaging device and source of light. It is capable of transmitting two images every second to generate over 50,000 images during a procedure.     

given Imaging promotes gastrointestinal visualization by manufacturing patient-friendly tools based on its PillCam Platform. The PillCam Colon, which is an investigational device, is intended to visualize the colon. other capsule products from the company include Agile patency capsule, to establish intestinal patency, and Bravo, which is the only commercially available, catheter-free, wireless, 48-hour pH test, for pH testing to measure gastroesophageal reflux disease.

given Imaging took over Sierra Scientific Instruments in April 2010. The company is headquartered in Yoqneam, Israel with operations in different regions of the globe. given Imaging faces competition from other existing know how for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. its main competitors include General Electric Healthcare Systems, a unit of General Electric co. (NYSE: GE – News), Siemens Medical Solutions, a division of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI – News), and Philips Medical Systems ltd, a unit of Philips (NYSE: PHG – News). 

SIEMENS a G (SI): Read the full Research Report

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GENERAL ELECTRIC CO (GE): Read the full Research Report

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Pancreatic Enzymes Cancer – Pancreatitis Los Angeles-Alcoholism and pancreatitis

Most people believe eating healthy foods is important to keep a healthy weight and size, but fact is eating healthy foods is important for over all health. Eating well can improve ones over all stomach health. Many things in the stomach can go wrong if a person engages in destructive behavior such as drinking. Alcohol abuse can lead to diseases that may have a person fighting for their life. Pancreatitis Los Angeles doctors say is the swelling of the pancreas and although it does not sound serious, a hindered pancreases is life threatening. the pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the first part of the small intestine. the pancreas releases digestive fluids, or enzymes into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzyme join with bile- a liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder to digest food. another critical function of the pancreas is to secrete insulin and glucagons in to the bloodstream. These hormones the pancreas release helps the body regulate the glucose it takes from food for energy.  

Normally, digestive enzymes released by the pancreas do not become active till they reach the small intestine, but when the pancreas is swollen the enzymes inside it attack and damage the tissue that produce them. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, but either form is very serious can chance a persons quality of life. Both forms can lead to complications infections, bleeding and permanent tissue damage. In many places around the world including Los Angeles pancreatitis is proven to occur more often in men than in women. Studies have shown that pancreatitis may be genetic but alcoholism may is highly associated with pancreatitis and cancer. if one is interested in Cancer prevention Los Angeles doctors suggest that one keeps their drinking to minimum in order not to damage the stomach or liver.

Illnesses like pancreatitis and cancer may cause complications that may lead to surgery. Aside from the risk that these illness cause surgery poses several other risks as well. the risk of anesthesia is infection, blood clots, and damage to the throat area. Other risks are from having surgery in ones abdominal area which may lead to rare complications. After surgery one may still be at risk of abdominal adhesions. Abdominal adhesions are badns that form between tissues and organs. Normally internals tissues and organs have slippery like soap surfaces, and this allows them to shift with ease as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs to stick together. Some adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, but others may cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. adhesions are major cause of intestinal obstruction and female infertility.

Protein may be Key To New Treatment In a Childhood CancerChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia finds new neuroblastoma target After analyzing hundreds of proteins produced by the DNA of tumor cells, researchers have identified one protein that may be central to a new treatment for the often-fatal childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Oncologists hope to translate the finding into pediatric clinical trials of a drug that blocks the protein’s activity. “Our …

In this presentation, G. Edward Griffin, author of World without Cancer; the Story of Vitamin B17 and founder of the Cancer Cure Foundation, addresses the following topics: * Two opposed views of cancer. * Pancreatic enzymes and food factors in the control of cancer. * How the pharmaceutical cartel captured the medical profession. * How (and why) Sloan Kettering falsified research to discredit Laetrile. * is there a conspiracy to withhold a control for cancer? Vitamin b17 may be purchased at: tjsupply.com cytopharma.com

Pancreatic Enzymes Cancer

More : Pancreatic Enzymes Cancer

Sign and symptoms of pancreatic cancerThe early detection of pancreatic is difficult, because the symptom often do not appear until the disease is in advance stage. When pancreatic cancer symptoms do appear, they can be vogue and non-specific, such as stomach pain and weight loss.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms can vary based on what part of the pancreas is affected. the pancreas lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It cannot be felt during a physical exam and is located behind other organs like the stomach, lever, spleen, gallbladder and small intestine.

PANCREATIC CANCER SYMPTOMS; LOCATION MATTERS

In the early stage, pancreatic cancer trends to be silent and painless as it grows. by the time it’s large enough to cause symptoms; cancer has generally grown outside the pancreas. at this point, symptoms depend on the cancers locator within the pancreas.

1. Pancreatic cancer in the head of the pancreas tends to cause symptoms such as weight loss jaundice (yellow skin) and fat in the stool, with or without abdominal pain.

2. Pancreatic cancer in the body or tail causes belly pain and weight loss.

Most common pancreatic cancer symptoms

1. Yellowing of the skin and eyes: Jaundice, a condition: marked by the yellowing of the skin and eyes commonly occurs in people pancreatic cancer. It occurs when in increased level of bilirubin is in the blood. This can occur when a tumor completely or partially blocks bile ducts , slowing the flow of bile

2. Abdominal pain (upper abdomen and even to the back): abdominal pain is common symptom of pancreatic cancer. It usually occurs on the upper abdomen and may even radiate to the back. Abdominal pain may worsen when lying down or 3 to 4 hours after eating

3. Unintended weight loss; losing weight indicate something is wrong. Unintended weight loss is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer and is usually one of the first symptoms experienced along with abdominal pain.

4. Nausea/vomiting : Again , another vague symptoms of pancreatic cancer

5. Loss of appetite : it can signal some thing serve or even be related to some thing as small as a stomach virus , medical tests are necessary to make an accurate diagnoses

6. Itchy skin: itchy skin is a less common symptom of pancreatic cancer. Again, a vague symptom, but when coupled with another symptom like abdominal pain or jaundice, it can be significant in making more accurate, timely diagnoses. unfortunately when someone with undiagnosed pancreatic cancer experiencing itchy skin it is miss diagnose.

7. Unexpected on set of diabetes in some cases cancer may impede the pancreas ability to produce insulin

8. Change in stool and urine color

9. fat in stool: as pancreatic cancer reduces the pancreas ability to secret fat-digesting enzymes, more fattens up in the stool these fatty stools can be strange, smelling and float more than normal.

Pancreatic cancer is a rare disease but those who suffer from a genetic syndrome that increase, their risk of developing the disease go for annual screenings and other medically relevant check ups.

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The pancreas emits the hormones insulin and also glucagon into the bloodstream. these types of hormones aid the body utilize the glucose it takes from food for vitality. Acute pancreatitis usually happens as a result of alcohol abuse or even bile duct obstruction. Acute pancreatitis is a rapidly-onset inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is an inflammation with the pancreas. the pancreatic is a long gland, located behind the particular stomach, that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin as well as glucagon. the pancreas is really a huge gland at the rear of the stomach and also close to the duodenum. the duodenum may be the upper part of the small intestine. the pancreatic secretes digestive nutrients into the little intestinal tract via a tube referred to as pancreatic duct. these enzymes assist digest fats, protein, and carbohydrates inside food.

About 70,000 instances happens to the United States per year; some twenty percent of them are extreme. Acute pancreatitis occurs more often in men than women. Symptoms and signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis is serious upper abdominal soreness ,nausea, diarrhea as well as loss of appetite, chills and shock, hemodynamic instability. Nausea, fever and typically experience unwell are widespread. Hospital treatment is generally focused on relieving symptoms and preventing further aggravation towards the pancreas. Antibiotics, typically drugs of the imipenem course, should be utilized in any kind of case of pancreatitis. if the attack lasts more time than a couple of days, supplements are administered with an IV line. A high carbohydrate low fat diet; and eating scaled-down much more frequent foods aid stop aggravating the pancreas.

If an individual offers trouble with this diet, pancreatic enzymes in pill type may possibly be given to assist digest the food whether it is feline pancreatitis or canine pancreatitis. Sometimes, surgery is required to reduce pain. Surgery is generally needed for patients together with necrotizing pancreatitis to debride devitalized tissue and also to provide external water flow. the surgery might involve draining a good enlarged pancreatic duct or getting rid of part of the pancreas. Prevention of acute pancreatitis is associated with prevention. do not abuse alcoholic beverages, use correct safety measures to stay away from abdominal injury and genetic counselling might be advised with regard to prospective parents having a family or personal history of cystic fibrosis. Immunize kids against mumps along with other childhood health problems. Don’t abuse alcohol. taking enzyme health supplements is also recommend.

Acute pancreatitis treatment and Tips for prevention1. Don’t misuse alcohol. 2. make use of proper safety precautions to prevent abdominal trauma.3. Drugs and intravenous fluids control this.4. Immunize youngsters towards mumps and other childhood illnesses5. Surgery may also be required to remove afflicted or damaged muscle.6. Radiologic or endoscopic therapy is required to remove gall stones.

Article by Katie Kelley

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

Crohn’s disease is associated with inflammation of the colon or small intestine in sugar (GI) tract. this condition is considered to be discomforting and can cause side effects related to the digestive system

. while more research is needed to better understand the conditions a bit mysterious, the colitis and Crohn’s Foundation of America (CCFA) by the following:

* pedigree (a family history of disease)

* an individual whose immune system

* Standard and Poor’s antigens of foreign substances in the environment

According to CCFA, many scientists believe that ” the interaction of an external agent (Standard and Poor as a virus or bacteria) with the immune system of the body can cause disease. ” Vercors, if an individual has a weakened immune system and also the price they have a family history of ulcer disease or Crohnis coliti, they are at high risk for developing diseases

conditions. also assessed the proportion of individuals also effects were common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are from 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently have Crohn’s and Bear Fight individuals is between 15 and 35 years old

. Vercors, there are a variety of signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease and the severity of the signs and symptoms can vary Depending on an individual case owner, according to the National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse ( NDDIC). some signs include:

* / abdominal pain / p> * Fatigue

* loss / food / p> * business, eyes, skin and liver problems

* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements

* in a child stunting and delayed development

Crohn NDDIC the report That Crohn’s disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements and prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. the following are treatments for potential drugs:

* Anti-inflammatory drugs

* cortisone or steroid

* immune system suppressors

infliximabs * (remicades)

* antibiotics

* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacement

In the treatment of Crohn’s disease, the immunosuppresants recently been associated with serious side effects in some patients personnel. Among the drugs, called TNF inhibitors, are:

* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)

* Enbrel (etanercept)

* Humira (adalimumab)

* Remicade (infliximab)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been associated with serious drug side effects ranging from the ability to cause cancer among young people and children of patients Age to fatal infections among patients developed immune system weakened Bear Fight. FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, Mulia Among one of the drug known as Cimzia.

Sulawesi 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young adults and children have been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled at any individuals associated with any adverse development should be examined immediately.

( LegalView.com ) provide a range of other legal information ranging from a developing mesothelioma lawsuit controversial drug for the latest standards and poor Cimzia ( cimzia.legalivew.com ) as well as more information about Chantix danger.

Tags: Crohn’s, disease, Treatment

Basically, vibrio cholerae is bacteria that is taken in by humans when we eat or drink contaminated things. It produces a toxin which is a protein, and this binds to the protein channels of the epithelial cells in the small intestine. This causes some of the protein channels to stay open. Chloride ions then move from the epithelial cells (where there is a higher concentration) and into the lumen of the small intestine (where there is a lower concentration) by diffusion. This then means that the water potential of the epithelial cells is higher than that of the lumen of the the small intestines, so water moves from these cells and into the lumen of the small intestine by osmosis. This causes lots of water to be lost, so dehyration can occur.

it gets into the intestine and causes the Cl channels to open up in the epithelium cell and causes profuse watery diarrhea,
vomiting, and
leg cramps.

1. The villi and microvilli of the small intestine are important because they

a. increase surface area for absorption.

b. initiate the process of peristalsis.

c. produce bile.

d. secrete lysozyme and lactoferrin.

2. why are the streptococcal species found on the upper part of the tongue different than those found on the mucosa of cheeks?

a. The cells lining the tongue have different receptors than the cheek mucosal cells.

b. Tongue cells produce antimicrobial agents while cheek mucosal cells do not.

c. The pH and temperature of these two mouth micro-environments differ greatly, leading to different species.

d. The scrubbing action of food is more vigorous on the tongue and some species are not resistant to this action.

3. Jamal Cash, a stockbroker, recently took a vacation to a resort in the Caribbean. The first day back on his job the Dow-Jones dropped to its lowest point in the past 10 years. Within the next two weeks, Jamal had abdominal pain and tenderness. His wife suggested that perhaps he was just stressed about his job and that he should just relax. However the next day Jamal had a bout of vomiting and some bleeding. Jamal visited his doctor who determined that Jamal had a peptic ulcer. what infection/disease should Jamal's doctor suspect may be associated with the ulcer?

a. Dental caries

b. Helicobacter pylori Gastritis

c. Herpes simplex

d. Mumps

e. Periodontal disease

f. Trench mouth

4. Bobby Marshland, a 48 year old investment banker, visited his brother and sister-in-at their vacation cottage along the Louisiana coast. while there the two brothers went crabbing, a favorite pastime Bobby when in the area. They caught several large crabs. although she didn't like crab, Bobby's sister-in-law fixed a a crab meal for the brothers. just as they were about to eat, Bobby's brother got a call that from work and left without eating. Bobby, a glutton by nature, ate all the crabs before his brother returned. The next day Bobby was violently ill with vomiting and watery diarrhea. when the symptoms had not subsided by evening, his brother took him to the local emergency room. A cultured stool sample showed showed many curved gram-negative rods. what disease or infection should the emergency room doctor suspect?

a. Campylobacteriosis

b. Cholera

c. E. coli Gastroenteritis

d. Norovirus

e. Rotaviral gastroenteritis

f. Salmonellosis

g. Shigellosis

5. Barry Neoteen, a 14 year old boy, is a regular swimmer at the local pool during the summer. He prides himself on being able to hold his breath longer than any of his buddies and on his cannon-ball off of the high-dive. although usually oblivious to events that do not concern him directly, he has noticed that the pool seems to be trying to attract people with some rather outrageous events. last week it was "Swim with your dog" night and this week is was "Swim with your toddler" morning. He's heard some grumbling from his parents and others about these activities but as long as his swim-time isn't interrupted he's not concerned. when Barry gets home from the pool this particular day, he isn't hungry at dinner time and feels sick to his stomach. soon he has watery diarrhea and a fever. Barry's illness continues for the next 12 days. During this time, the local paper runs a story stating that over 200 people in the community have similar symptoms. A medical lab has found tiny acid-fast spheres in feces from infected individuals. Based on this information, what disease/infection should the local health department in Barry's community suspect?

a. Amebiasis

b. Cyclosporiasis

c. Cryptosporidiosis

d. Giardiasis

e. Hepatitis A

f. Hepatitis B

g. Hepatitis C