Fifty-four Articles match your search

Health Tip

Symptoms of IBS

March 19, 2010
Common warning signs of irritable bowel Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) describes a host of conditions that cause the bowel's nerves and muscles to function abnormally.

The U.S.

Omega-3 May Safely Treat Precancerous Bowel Polyps

March 18, 2010
The nutrient could help those at genetic risk for the growths, study finds. Treatment with a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid can shrink the number and size of precancerous polyps in people at high genetic risk of developing bowel cancer, British researchers say.

The study authors reported that the new treatment appears to work as well as a drug called celecoxib (Celebrex), which is prescribed for patients with bowel polyps linked to their genetic risk, but it doesn't cause heart-related side effects.

The study, published online March 18 in the journal Gut, examined 55 patients with a high genetic risk of developing precancerous polyps in the bowel.

Colonoscopy Not Needed for Most With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

March 17, 2010
Typical symptoms not an indicator of more serious disease, study finds. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) aren't at increased risk for polyps, colon cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and, in most cases, don't require a colonoscopy, U.S. researchers say.

Relief Sought for Secondary Parkinson's Symptoms

March 15, 2010
New guidelines target erectile dysfunction, constipation and more. A new set of guidelines to treat sleepiness, constipation and sexual dysfunction in people with Parkinson's disease has been released by the American Academy of Neurology.

The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are movement problems, but patients also must cope with many often unrecognized symptoms, noted lead guidelines author Dr. Theresa A.

Health Tip

IBD May Contribute to Other Health Problems

March 11, 2010
Inflammatory bowel disease isn't confined to the intestines Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes a number of disorders that lead to an inflammation of the intestines.

But IBD can affect much more than just the digestive system. The National Women's Health Information Center says IBD can contribute to these health problems:


Arthritis and pain in the joints.

Protein Appears Key to Intestinal Balance

February 19, 2010
Researchers say discovery could offer insight into various illnesses. A protein that plays a key role in protecting the intestinal tract from bacterial infection and inflammation has been identified by U.S. researchers.

Inflammatory Bowel Ups Risk for Blood Clots

February 09, 2010
Doctors should consider preventive measures, study suggests. People with active inflammatory bowel disease are much more likely to develop blood clots than people without the condition, a new study suggests.

And that may make preventive drug treatment necessary, it adds.

The study, done in the United Kingdom, compared data on 13,756 people who had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with 71,672 people who did not have it.

St. John's Wort Doesn't Ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome

January 07, 2010
Study found placebo group actually fared better. The popular herbal supplement St. John's wort does not appear to relieve the pain and discomfort that accompanies irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), new research suggests.

The finding is the first to indicate that an herbal preparation long-touted as an effective alternative treatment for mild and moderate depression does not appear to treat IBS.

Health Tip

Signs That You May Have Ulcerative Colitis

December 04, 2009
Here are some common symptoms Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum. There is no known cause, the U.S.

Health Tip

Help Control Constipation

November 12, 2009
Suggestions to help stay regular Constipation occurs when it becomes difficult or painful to have regular bowel movements. What's "regular" varies by person, however.

Some people have three bowel movements per day, while others have three movements per week, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Early Morning Colonoscopies May Find More Polyps

November 06, 2009
Study suggests differences in patient preparation and doctor fatigue play a role. Early morning colonoscopies detect more polyps than colon cancer screenings done later in the day, and the number of polyps found decreases by the hour as the day progresses, a new study has found.

Removing polyps is believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 60 to 90 percent.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, analyzed data on 477 people who had colonoscopies in a one-year span at a Veterans Affairs hospital.

Health Tip

Triggering Abdominal Bloating

November 05, 2009
Some typical causes When your belly feels bloated, uncomfortably tight and full, your doctor may refer to it as abdominal bloating.

The U.S.

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Might Increase Cancer Risk

October 19, 2009
Long-term use of thiopurines bears further study, researchers say. The use of thiopurine drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of cancers related to viral infection, according to a new study.

IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Thiopurine drugs are used to suppress the immune system in order to maintain remission in IBD patients.

Health Tip

Help Control IBS Symptoms

October 14, 2009
Manage your diet and your emotional health Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs when the intestines squeeze too hard .

Children's Belly Aches Don't Disappear With Antidepressant

October 01, 2009
Elavil worked no better than placebo in study of kids with gastrointestinal disorders. Contradicting some previous research in adults, a new study suggests that the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil), is no better than a placebo at treating painful gastrointestinal disorders in children.

"The high placebo effect we identified in this study suggests that further studies of the use of certain antidepressants in children with functional bowel disorders are needed. While several trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect of antidepressants, including amitriptyline, for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults, more research is needed to determine how effective this drug is, if at all, in children," study author Dr.

Health Tip

Help Prevent Your Child's Constipation

September 25, 2009
Here are some suggestions Constipation is a common problem in children and can be painful for young ones. But you can take steps to help prevent constipation in your child.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:


Make sure your child drinks plenty of water daily.

Soluble Fiber, But Not Bran, Soothes Irritable Bowel

August 28, 2009
Nutrient known as psyllium seems to ease symptoms, study finds. People with the chronic condition known as irritable bowel syndrome may find relief by consuming soluble fiber (psyllium).

But they'll get no relief .

Health Tip

When Constipation Requires a Doctor's Appointment

July 31, 2009
Signs that it may be a serious problem While most instances of constipation aren't serious, occasionally, cases of infrequent or difficult bowel movements should be evaluated by a doctor.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of warning signs that you should talk to your doctor about constipation:


You're constipated for the first time or it occurs for you very infrequently.
You've been treating constipation at home with more fiber, fluids and exercise for at least three weeks, but have no improvement.

With Autism, Diet Restrictions May Do More Harm Than Good

July 27, 2009
Study finds no increase in gastrointestinal problems in kids with the disorder. Children with autism do not have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal problems than other children, a new study has found.

However, autistic children do have a higher rate of constipation and eating issues, such as eating the same foods over and over, according to the study. But any number of factors, including medication, could cause these issues, the researchers said.

Fatty Acids in Diet Linked to Bowel Disease Risk

July 23, 2009
Red meat may raise odds for ulcerative colitis, but oily fish could be protective, study shows. Consuming too much of a common polyunsaturated fatty acid could be a contributing factor in an estimated 30 percent of all cases of ulcerative colitis, researchers say.

In a new study, participants who had the highest intake of linoleic acid had more than double the chance of developing the painful inflammation and blistering of the bowels as did those whose diet contained the least of the acid. The report is published online in Gut.

Colonoscopy Beats 'Camera Pill' at Catching Colon Cancer

July 15, 2009
But less invasive detection method still shows promise, scientists say Researchers had high hopes for a minimally invasive cancer-screening technique known as capsule endoscopy, but the "camera pill" appears to be less effective than standard colonoscopy at identifying precancerous polyps and cancer, new research from Belgium suggests.

Although able to identify many lesions and cancers, the relative underperformance of capsule endoscopy .

Constipation May Lead to Other Problems

June 28, 2009
Hemorrhoids, incontinence and more can result, research shows. A very private health problem, it turns out, is associated with potentially significant and costly complications.

In a review of the scientific evidence, researchers found that constipation might lead to or boost the risk for more serious complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal incontinence, colonic conditions and urologic disorders.

Dr.

Two Drugs Better Than One for Crohn's Patients

June 03, 2009
Remission rates higher with combination therapy, study finds. Crohn's disease patients who received a combination of the drugs infliximab (Remicade) and azathioprine (Azasan) were more likely to have the disease go into steroid-free remission than those who received only one of the drugs, researchers say.

The study was presented Tuesday at Digestive Disease Week 2009 in Chicago.

Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the digestive tract, most often the lining and wall of the lower small intestine, or the ileum, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Health Tip: Foods To Avoid if You Have IBS

April 23, 2009

Doing so can prevent flares People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have symptoms including abdominal bloating and cramping, constipation or frequent diarrhea. While the cause of IBS often is unknown, some people seem to have a sensitivity to certain foods.

The National Women's Health Information Center lists these foods or ingredients that can cause IBS symptoms in some people:


Caffeine (found in sodas, coffee and tea)....

Health Tip

Foods To Avoid if You Have IBS

April 20, 2009
Doing so can prevent flares People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have symptoms including abdominal bloating and cramping, constipation or frequent diarrhea. While the cause of IBS often is unknown, some people seem to have a sensitivity to certain foods.

The National Women's Health Information Center lists these foods or ingredients that can cause IBS symptoms in some people:


Caffeine (found in sodas, coffee and tea).

What You Need to Know When Your Stomach Aches

March 28, 2009
Doctor offers tips on digestive disorders. If your tummy feels funny, it could be a one-time bellyache, but it also could be a sign of something more serious.

Dr. C.

New Guidelines Issued for Management of IBS

December 18, 2008
Group reviews conventional and alternative therapies to treat irritable bowel symptoms. A leading organization of gastroenterologists has released new guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The guidelines, issued by the American College of Gastroenterology and published in the January issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, essentially replace a 2002 document.

"The world of IBS is changing quickly because of more therapies and an increased awareness.

Magnets in Kids' Toys Pose Broad Dangers

December 17, 2008
Swallowing them can block bowel; warnings not mandated on packages, study says. Parents need to be better warned about potential health risks and symptoms of children swallowing toys with magnets before shopping for presents this holiday season, a new study says.

When ingested, multiple magnets can stick to each other across a bowel wall, leading to infection in the digestive tract, the need for surgery, and even death. Often parents don't seek medical attention for a child who has swallowed a magnet as quickly as necessary, a study of international incidents by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found.

Bowel Prep Harder on Women Than Men

November 16, 2008

Experts offer advice on how to get ready for a colonoscopy. Women may have a harder time prepping for colonoscopy than men, a new study suggests.  Patients must empty their colon to increase the rate of success in the procedure.

Intestinal Bacteria Trigger Immune Response

October 23, 2008

Finding suggests new treatments for bowel diseases, study says. Researchers have identified specific types of bacteria in the intestine that trigger the creation of pro-inflammatory immune cells.

IBD, Liver Disease Patients Show Vitamin D Deficits

October 14, 2008

Those with certain digestive illnesses should have levels monitored, study says. People with inflammatory bowel disease or chronic liver disease may be at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies, new research says.

Infliximab-Based Treatment Effective for Crohn's Patients

October 10, 2008

Remicade alone or in combo with azathioprine better therapy for inflammatory disorder. Infliximab (Remicade) alone or in combination with azathioprine is more effective in treating Crohn's disease than azathioprine alone, researchers report.

HRT Use Raises Risk of Stomach Trouble

September 08, 2008

Menopausal women who take hormones face greater chance of GERD, study finds. Women who take hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause have a higher risk of developing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Scientists ID 2 New Genes for Bowel Disease in Kids

September 05, 2008
Findings could lead to tailored treatments for IBD, study suggests.

Nuts, Seeds, Popcorn Don't Boost Diverticulosis Risk

August 26, 2008

Study disputes conventional wisdom, but other experts say those foods cause pain for some. People with diverticular disease, a common digestive disorder, are typically told to avoid eating popcorn, nuts, seeds and corn so they don't get painful attacks.

Gum Chewing May Speed Colon Surgery Recovery

August 18, 2008

It appears to act as 'sham feeding' that stimulates digestive nerves, U.K. study suggests. Chewing gum helps improve recovery of intestinal function after all or part of the colon has been surgically removed, according to British researchers who reviewed data from five clinical trials involving 158 patients.

Health Tip

Help Control Irritable Bowel

August 14, 2008

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic illness of the digestive tract. There are two main types: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says. The agency offers these suggestions to help keep IBD under control.

Health Tip

Prevent Constipation

August 08, 2008

Suggestions to keep you regular. It's not true that to be considered regular, you have to produce a bowel movement at least once daily, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The "normal" range varies widely -- between three times a day and three times a week, the academy says.

Two Drugs Show Promise Against Severe Constipation

May 28, 2008
Help chronic cases, terminally ill patients on opiod painkillers.

Gut Bacteria Fights Inflammatory Bowel Disease

May 28, 2008
Mouse study finds molecule boosted cells eliminating colitis, Crohn's symptoms.

New Technology Speeds GI Disease Diagnosis

May 18, 2008
Tiny microscope at end of endoscope allows immediate imagery of gastrointestinal tract.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Share Some Genetic Risk Factors

April 28, 2008
Finding helps pinpoint relationship between Crohn's disease and colitis.

Relistor Helps Ease Painkiller-Related Constipation

April 25, 2008
For people who use ongoing opioid therapy

Health Tip

Why am I Constipated?

April 07, 2008
Some possible causes

Scientists ID New Genetic Markers for Bowel Disease

April 04, 2008
Study also provides evidence that Ashkenzi Jews twice as likely to develop conditions.

Allergy Disorders Linked With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

February 16, 2008
Study also found IBS 2 times more likely in people with depression.

IBS Symptoms More Acute in Women With History of Abuse

February 15, 2008
Brain can't switch off pain modulation mechanism, study suggests.

Women With IBS Unable to Switch Off Pain Response

January 09, 2008
Finding could improve understanding of irritable bowel syndrome and lead to new treatments.

Health Tip

Belching and Bloating

December 31, 2007
Suggestions for taming symptoms

Prostate Cancer Treatments Often Compound Existing Health Problems

November 26, 2007
Many patients getting therapies that are not the best for them, study says.

Health Tip

Taming Irritable Bowel

November 01, 2007
Can be triggered by stress, anxiety

Farms Shield Kids From Bowel Disease

August 06, 2007
Barnyard dirt may bolster young immune systems, research suggests.


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