Heartburn-Reflux Disease Information
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Heartburn,commonly a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD),can often be effectively managed with a combination of dietary changes,lifestyle modification and medications.
Medications, when taken properly,can play an effective role in the short and long term management of both the symptoms of heartburn and the health consequences of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs),such as Prilosec,Prevacid, nexium and Protonix,should ideally be taken 15-30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
Avoiding chocolate,peppermint,fried or fatty foods,caffeine and alcohol may improve GERD symptoms.
Stopping smoking and weight loss both help to improve symptoms.
Colonoscopy Not Needed for Most With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
WEDNESDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- 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.
Symptoms of IBS, which affects 10 percent to 20 percent of Americans, include recurrent abdominal pain or cramping in connection with altered bowel habits. The condition is more common among women than men.
"Patients and doctors get nervous about the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. They think the symptoms represent something more sinister," lead author Dr. William D. Chey, professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, said in a news release from the school. "This study should reassure doctors and patients that typical IBS symptoms are not indicators of a more serious disease."
He and his colleagues conducted the largest evaluation of the results of colonoscopies in IBS patients, they said. About one-quarter of all colonoscopies performed in the United States are for IBS-related symptoms.
Chey and his team concluded that colonoscopies aren't necessary for typical cases of IBS, unless there is a family history of colorectal cancer or the patient has alarming symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or anemia, or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
"Lay people and doctors overuse colonoscopies, which are very expensive procedures, in patients with typical IBS symptoms and no alarm features. Of course, patients over the age of 50 years or who have alarm features should undergo colonoscopy to screen for polyps and colon cancer," Chey said.
The researchers did find that 2.5 percent of IBS patients older than 35 had a disease called microscopic colitis, which can be mistaken for IBS in patients with diarrhea. It's important to diagnose this condition because it requires different treatment than IBS, Chey said.
The study was released online in advance of publication in an upcoming print issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about IBS.
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