December 5, 2008

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Digestive Problems Center   [ Home >  Digestive Problems >  More  Related Items ]   DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS - NEWS CENTER Race Affects Likelihood of Colon Polyps October 2, 2008 Colon polyps are fleshy growths which occur on the lining of the large intestine that have the potential to become cancerous. According to a new study in the September 24, 2008 issues of the Journal of the American Medical Association, black men and women are more likely than their white counterparts to have at least 1 colon polyp. Your Reflux Medicine May Be Bad for Your Bones August 21, 2008 Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec® and Prevacid®, are medications that reduce acid production in the stomach. These medicines are associated with an increased risk for hip fractures if they are used continuously for 5 years, according to a study published in the August 12, 2008 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. A Patch May Reduce Your Risk of Gallbladder Surgery July 22, 2008 Post-menopausal women who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are at an increased risk for gallbladder disease, including gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Don't Help in Crohn Disease April 18, 2008 According to the American Heart Association, omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and fish oils, benefit the hearts of both healthy people and those at risk for coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to have a variety of effects, including reducing inflammation throughout the body. Polyps Are Not the Only Culprit in Colon Cancer March 11, 2008 Cancers of the colon and rectum are the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In the past, prevention of colon cancer focused on detecting and removing potentially cancerous polyps (or, projecting growths). Hamburger Hazards March 7, 2008 The largest-ever recall of 143 millions pounds of beef in February 2008 draws attention to problems in the enforcement of federal food safety regulations -- not only with regard to animal cruelty, but also with regard to public health. Scarless Cholecystectomy? February 9, 2008 Removal of the gall bladder has been at the forefront of new surgical approaches before - maybe because it's a fairly common procedure that is not usually done as an emergency, and lends itself to different approaches. Various surgical groups have considered the possibility of 'getting at' the gall bladder by different routes. First, it was using laparoscopy - 2 or 3 small incisions in the abdominal wall, using instruments guided by a laparoscope (a telescope view of the abdominal cavity). Then the idea of operating through the stomach was mooted. Instruments would be passed down the esophagus into the stomach, and out through the stomach wall into the abdominal cavity. This would avoid the disfiguring scars of laparoscopy (though these are infinitesimal compared with a regular cholecystectomy scar). Black Raspberries Are In! December 16, 2007 Dried black raspberries are an excellent antioxidant source, apparently. A report presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference, and published in Nutrition and Cancer, described the benefits of this fruit on the progress of Barrett's esophagus. Heartburn Treatment and Mental Function September 5, 2007 Many people take a histamine-2 blocker (or receptor antagonist) for their heartburn; these drugs reduce the amount of acid formed in the stomach and are useful in acid reflux (GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Cimetidine (Tagamet®), famotidine (Pepcid®), and ranitidine (Zantac®) are the principal candidates. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that regular use of a histamine-2 blocker may double the risk of developing signs of cognitive impairment, or imperfect mental functioning. IBS Patients - Zelnorm® is Back August 23, 2007 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with constipation-type IBS suffered a setback in March of this year when the FDA asked Novartis to withdraw the drug tegaserod (Zelnorm®) because of an increased risk for cardiovascular events. The FDA has now pointed out that the drug may still be used in patients who have no other treatment options. Specifically, IBS patients with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation patients under 55 and without heart problems can be given Zelnorm under what is technically called a 'treatment IND'. Is Smoking Good for Anything? July 31, 2007 In the same way one can say "no drug has no side effects" one can probably say "no toxin has no beneficial effect". Smoking has long been known to cause a huge number of ills - lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, bladder cancer, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, macular degeneration, thyroid disease . . .the list goes on. However, there are two conditions where smoking appears to have a beneficial effect. A New Treatment for IBS July 27, 2007 Lubiprostone (Amitiza®) is a drug that increases the secretion of fluid in your intestines to help make it easier to pass stools; up to now it's been used to treat chronic constipation, but additional research has shown that it can be effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when it's characterized by constipation. This is important news for sufferers from this type of IBS, especially since the withdrawal of tegaserod (Zelnorm®). One Drug, Three Diseases July 26, 2007 It's not often that one drug can be found to help treat (or prevent) several diseases. Of course, aspirin comes to mind. But hydroxychloroquine (Plaqueril®) is another. Hydroxychloroquine started life as an antimalarial drug. IBS and RLS Together? Wow! June 2, 2007 Both the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the restless legs syndrome (RLS) are difficult-to-treat conditions that cause real distress. The availability of effective drugs to treat them has led to what some may call "disease-mongering" on the part of the pharmaceutical industry. This means increasing the recognition of a disease that may not be readily diagnosed by physicians, with the ultimate aim of increasing the potential patient base for treatment with the effective drug. Now there's a report from the Digestive Disease Week meeting that suggests possible co-existence of both conditions in the same patient - a so-called example of comorbidity. Good news for Diverticulosis Sufferers May 30, 2007 Diverticulosis - small pouches or pockets of the inside wall of the colon (large intestine) - is a fairly common condition. It only gets diagnosed by chance on colonoscopy, or when one of the pouches gets infected and inflamed, a condition called diverticulitis, which is similar to appendicitis. Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Constipation? May 27, 2007 The sacral nerves, labeled S-1 through S-5, emerge low down from the backbone just above the coccyx, or tail bone. They supply the bladder, rectum, and genitalia. Sacral nerve stimulation, which involves surgical placement of a small electrode in the sacral area, is used to control urinary incontinence; a device similar to a pacemaker sends small continuous impulses to the selected nerve. This treatment is approved by the FDA. Anxiety increases irritable bowel risk February 26, 2007 People who are driven and anxious are more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome, according to a survey. Pioneer reports on better surgery for Crohn's disease February 23, 2007 Study shows how to manage complication after Crohn's disease surgery. Try probiotic treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection February 13, 2007 Recurrence of Clostridium difficile can be stopped by using probiotics, according to a new analysis. Alcoholism is a complicating factor for women with hepatitis C January 29, 2007 Women with hepatitis C lose survival advantage over men if they drink heavily. Study shows the long-term benefit of the Plicator for reflux patients January 22, 2007 A clinical trial shows that the Plicator procedure can bring lasting relief to people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diverticulitis is no longer a disease of older people October 5, 2006 Acute diverticulitis is now being seen in much younger patients, according to a new study. Probiotic is safe and effective for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis August 30, 2006 A probiotic product shows promise in treating irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory gut conditions. Holiday hygiene guidelines can help hikers avoid diarrhea on a trip August 1, 2006 The way you wash up at a camp site can help you avoid traveler's diarrhea. New reflux technology is easier on the patient July 21, 2006 For the hard-to-treat patient with reflux disease, it is easier to use a wireless device although there is no improvement in outcome. Bowel surgery leaves women at risk of infertility June 22, 2006 A survey of women having major bowel surgery shows it has an adverse effect on their fertility. Coffee linked with lowered risk of chirrhosis June 14, 2006 A study shows that drinking coffee protected people who drink alcohol from developing liver disease. Colonosocopy benefit for very old may be limited June 8, 2006 Two new studies give useful guidance of the role of colonoscopy in preventing colon cancer. Acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer June 7, 2006 New studies show a link between acid reflux and esophageal cancer and reveal a genetic influence. Probiotics can ease gut problems May 5, 2006 A study shows that probiotics help with digestive problems caused by chronic stress. Reducing the risk of stomach ulcers March 27, 2006 Adding an anti-ulcer drug to pain medication helps people avoid gastrointestinal complications. Abdominal obesity doubles risk of gall bladder surgery February 15, 2006 Women with waist measurements over 36 inches have double the risk of having gallstone problems. Hangover cures don't usually work January 3, 2006 A survey of conventional and complementary cures for hangover concludes there is little to recommend them. Acid suppressing medication increases infection risk December 21, 2005 A survey shows that gastric acid suppressing therapy is linked with a rise in infectious diarrhea. Digestive problems stop overweight people from exercising December 14, 2005 There is an interesting link between overweight, physical activity and digestive problems. COX-2 inhibitors do not protect the stomach December 5, 2005 A study suggests that the new generation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents is no less harmful to the stomach lining. Variation in use of minimally invasive gallbladder surgery November 24, 2005 A survey shows that laparoscopic surgery is more likely to be offered to younger women. The problem of small bowel obstruction November 10, 2005 A new study shows how combination oral therapy can help resolve small bowel obstruction. Probiotics seem to boost health November 9, 2005 A study shows that workers on daily probiotics take less time off with stomach upsets and other common illnesses. Less invasive surgery works in reflux disease October 21, 2005 A new study shows how minimally invasive surgery can be used to relieve the symptoms of severe reflux disease. Behavior therapy for irritable bowel September 1, 2005 A clinical trial demonstrates the utility of cognitive behavior therapy in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Cannabis-based drugs can offer hope to those with inflammatory bowel disease August 2, 2005 Experiments on tissue from the gut suggest that drugs containing cannabis components may be effective in bowel disease. Radiation exposure in virtual colonoscopy not a problem July 5, 2005 The risk of developing cancer through the radiation exposure of virtual colonoscopy is negligible. New drug helps with Crohn's disease May 26, 2005 A drug that stimulates part of the immune system improves symptoms of Crohn's disease, according to a new study. Medication prevents traveler's diarrhea May 23, 2005 An antibiotic can be used to prevent traveler's diarrhea without developing resistance. Carbonated drinks and sleeping pills may cause heartburn May 11, 2005 A study shows that fizzy drinks and benzodiazepine sleeping pills can cause heartburn during the night. Good bacteria for irritable bowel April 7, 2005 A preparation containing a beneficial microbe can be used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Vitamin D and calcium for bone loss in Crohn's disease February 4, 2005 Adding a bone-building drug to vitamin D and calcium does not give further benefit when treating bone loss in Crohn's disease. Misunderstandings about constipation January 4, 2005 There are many myths surrounding constipation and it's time people were aware of what works and what does not. Better treatment needed for constipation September 9, 2003 Laxatives should not be the only option for constipation, says a leading British expert. Time to talk about irritable bowel August 8, 2003 Even thought irritable bowel syndrome is very common, those affected tend not to talk about it. Genes play a role in reflux disease August 5, 2003 Genes, as well as food and drink, are an influence in acid reflux disease. New treatment for ulcerative colitis August 4, 2003 An enema containing a growth factor seems to be helpful to people with ulcerative colitis. Pre-treatment improves survival of liver transplants July 8, 2003 Treating laboratory animals with an immune molecule before transplant improved the survival of livers that had fatty degeneration. Testing for stomach bug not helpful for people with ulcers June 3, 2003 Eradicating a common stomach infection does not produce dramatic improvements in people with ulcer symptoms, but does add to the cost of treatment. Friendly bacteria help avoid complications in colitis surgery May 7, 2003 Ulcerative colitis patients who have their colons removed are less likely to develop complications if treated with probiotics. Procedure could avoid complications during gall bladder surgery April 11, 2003 A procedure which allows careful location of the bile duct is linked to reduced levels of bile duct injury during gall bladder surgery. Celiac disease could be more common than previously believed February 11, 2003 A new study reveals that celiac disease is as common among the American population as among Europeans. Appendix removal linked to Crohn's disease January 6, 2003 A new study suggests that patients who have their appendix removed are at increased risk of Crohn's disease. Coffee reduces gallstone risk December 5, 2002 Women who drink five or more cups of coffee a day have a reduces risk of needing gallstone surgery. Promising new treatment for Crohn's disease November 8, 2002 A drug that stimulates the immune system shows good results in patients with Crohn's disease. Chinese herbal medicine helps in hepatitis B October 2, 2002 Chinese herbal remedies are a useful addition to standard treatment for hepatitis B, according to a new review. Liver transplant update September 6, 2002 Four years after the first US trial of an artificial liver, results from further tests are looking very promising. Dealing with chronic heartburn September 4, 2002 Heartburn isn't necessarily a sign of cancer, but it does need medical attention. Antibiotics may be best treatment for gastritis January 22, 2002 Inhibiting the production of stomach acid may not be the best way to treat gastritis. The best operation for ulcerative colitis January 11, 2002 A new clinical trial suggests that people with ulcerative colitis do better with a one-stage operation. Protecting anti-inflammatory users from ulcers January 8, 2002 Eradicating a common stomach-dwelling bacterium makes the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs safer.   RELATED ITEMS Pancreas Cancer - Smaller Tumors Mean Better Chances February 7, 2008 A Patient-Friendly Colon Cancer Test? February 4, 2008 It's Never Too Late -- for a Colonoscopy October 30, 2007 Obesity, GERD, and Esophageal Cancer October 23, 2007 Probiotics Again July 16, 2007 Preventing Colon Cancer - Fiber or Whole-Grain? June 13, 2007 One Door Closes, Another Opens... June 12, 2007 Aspirin's Action Against Colon Cancer June 4, 2007 Raised Liver Test Results Predict Heart Problems in Women June 3, 2007 Obesity is linked to a rise in esophageal cancer February 2, 2007 Beware E.coli danger from bagged spinach! September 25, 2006

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