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Digestive Problems Center
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DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS - ARTICLES |
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Air pollution is linked to appendicitis
October 24, 2008
A study sheds new light on the cause of appendicitis, which was previously unknown. A link between high levels of air pollution and appendicitis has been uncovered by environmental researchers in Canada.
Chewing gum aids recovery from colon surgery
September 26, 2008
It takes the intestines a while to return to normal after abdominal, including colon, surgery. A new review shows that gum chewing helps resolve this post-operative problem sooner.
Nuts and popcorn don't increase digestive problem
September 12, 2008
People with diverticular disease have traditionally been advised to avoid nuts and popcorn. A new study shows that the opposite may be true - these snacks actually reduce the risk and so can be enjoyed without worry.
Treat early to beat Crohn's disease
March 28, 2008
Early and more intensive treatment may be a better approach to Crohn's disease. In a new trial, those receiving immunosuppressive treatment shortly after diagnosis had an improved outcome compared to those on conventional treatment.
Probiotics don't help pancreatitis
March 28, 2008
A new study shows that probiotics do not necessarily promote digestive health and healing. In a group of patients with severe pancreatitis, an infusion of probiotic strains actually increased complications and mortality
IBS Treatment Updated
June 14, 2007
The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is largely unsatisfactory, as there is no good way to determine which patients will respond to specific therapies. A British expert review of the various approaches has just been published. Here is a summary.
Slight Weight Gain Can Lead to GERD
September 25, 2006
According to this study, being only slightly overweight, or gaining a few pounds, can increase the likelihood of developing the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in women.
Tylenol and Liver Function
August 28, 2006
Healthy volunteers given medications containing 4 grams of acetaminophen - the active painkiller in Tylenol and Excedrin - experienced an increase in their liver function enzymes after 3 to 8 days' continuous use. Is this a sign of liver damage?
How to Minimize or Prevent GERD
July 28, 2006
Although there are many possible factors that may precipitate GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), 'reversal' studies have only shown two of them to be really relevant. Read this summary to find out which factors are important. . .
The Link Between GERD and Cough
January 30, 2006
Chronic cough without an obvious cause is sometimes managed by treatment for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). However, an analysis of published results suggests that, in many cases, this may not be helpful.
Borborygmi and Apple Juice
November 7, 2005
Dr Irene, author of "The Nutrition Tidbits" Newsletter, discusses those growling noises your stomach makes when you're really hungry - though there may be another cause, as she explains.
Don't Bolt your Food!
June 3, 2005
Eating too fast has now been shown in healthy volunteers to be linked with increased reflux of stomach contents into the lower esophagus. This strongly suggests that GERD sufferers will be more likely to develop symptoms if they gobble their food . . .
Treating GERD Symptoms May Facilitate Pneumonia
December 22, 2004
Even the safest of drugs can have unexpected side effects. Acid-suppressing drugs like Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Prilosec, and Nexium can increase the risk of developing pneumonia . . . .
Undiagnosed Celiac Disease
October 15, 2004
Until recently, celiac disease was thought to be uncommon in the United States. However, studies have shown that it occurs in an estimated 1 in 133 Americans. Among people who have a first-degree relative diagnosed as being 'celiac', as many as 1 in 22 may have the disease. So you should learn more about it.
The Gluten-Free Diet
October 15, 2004
A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. It may not be as difficult to follow as you think. Dr Irene has given some starter ideas in her newsletter "Tidbits", which we reproduce here.
Yogurt's Effects on Intestinal Conditions
October 1, 2004
Ever since the longest-living inhabitants of the Balkans attributed their continuing health to yogurt, this dairy product has been high on people's shopping list. Here's a review of its known benefits with regard to the gastrointestinal tract.
Is a Virtual Colonoscopy for You?
December 19, 2003
Virtual colonoscopies are in the news. Would this be the best option for you? Here are the pros and cons.
Treating IBS by Hypnosis?
November 6, 2003
The use of hypnosis for treating the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which was pioneered in the UK, has now been shown to have long-lasting benefits - up to 6 years - in those patients who respond to this approach . . .
GERD is More Common If You're Overweight
September 10, 2003
Here's another reason to lose weight. A study has shown that being overweight increases your likelihood of developing gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD. There's also a slightly increased risk for women who have used estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. . .
IBS and Sex Problems
June 20, 2003
The irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, as well as non-ulcer dyspepsia (indigestion), or NUD, are both associated with sexual problems - low sex drive, pain on intercourse, etc. Now that new drugs are available for IBS, this particular problem may be more easily treated.
IBS - What Works, and What Doesn't
January 31, 2003
A Task Force of US experts has analyzed the clinical evidence for and against the effectiveness of different treatments for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Here's a summary of their report.
Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis ???
May 27, 2002
Do you have diverticular disease? If so, do you have diverticulosis, or is it diverticulitis? Don't know? Read this article!
Cancer of The Stomach
April 23, 2002
Cancer of the stomach is often diagnosed too late for the best possible treatment to be given. Here's a summary of the main symptoms and signs . . . .
Cancer of The Pancreas
April 23, 2002
A diagnosis of cancer of the pancreas carries one of the poorest outlooks for malignant tumors. Smoking is one risk factor, but there are others. Here's a summary of the risk factors and the main symptoms and signs . . . .
GERD or GORD, It's
Still a Pain
February 15, 2002
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is called GORD in the UK, as it's gastro-oesophageal reflux disease there. Either way, it's the most frequent cause of heartburn. Here's a review of present-day thoughts on the diagnosis and management of the disease...
Managing Constipation and Diverticular Disease
September 26, 2001
Your digestive system needs fiber and fluids to function smoothly, so make sure your diet includes plenty of both.
A Psychologist has Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Part 1: Understanding the Problem
August 24, 2001
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complicated disorder that can, in some cases, significantly affect lives. This story gives some clues as to how a psychologist has learned to recognize this in himself and live and cope with it.
A Psychologist has Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Part 2: Empowering and Taking Charge
August 24, 2001
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complicated disorder that can, in some cases significantly affect lives. This story gives some clues as to how a psychologist has learned to live and cope successfully with it.
Time for a colonoscopy?
July 31, 2000
Fecal occult blood testing, barium enema and sigmoidoscopy are recognized screening methods for colorectal carcinoma. If screening gives a positive result, colonoscopy is usually the next step. Results of two recent studies suggest that colonoscopy should replace other screening methods, and be done routinely in all persons over 50 years of age .
How to avoid heartburn
May 12, 2000
Heartburn results from the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the gullet. This happens, for example, when pressure on the stomach is too high or because the muscle at the lower.
How to avoid constipation
May 12, 2000
Not everyone can go to the toilet every day. Constipation is generally considered to constitute less than three stools per week. Action is warranted if the feces are hard and the .

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