Articles tagged with Digestive Disorders
University of North Carolina researchers presented three studies: meditation reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and psychological distress; colonoscopy screening rates decreased among insured Americans during the recession due to high out-of-pocket costs; and diets high in fiber actually increase the risk of diverticulosis, not ...
The AGA recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to gastroenterology through various awards, including the Julius Friedenwald Medal and Distinguished Achievement Award. These recipients are leaders in their field and have made remarkable impacts on gastroenterological practice and research.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 reveals that a high carbohydrate intake increases the risk of developing gallstones during pregnancy. Additionally, symptoms of lactose intolerance may actually be linked to somatoform disorders, which can lead to counterproductive behaviors like restrictive diets.
A new educational booklet developed by UCLA researchers can help patients better prepare for a colonoscopy, increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure. The booklet provides clear instructions and visual aids to aid in bowel preparation, which is crucial for identifying polyps and reducing cancer incidence.
A 10-year population-based study reveals heartburn is a common condition affecting every fifth person, with higher incidence in those of normal weight or higher, impacting daily activities and quality of life. The study also found significant sociodemographic factors influencing heartburn experience.
Studies found that acid reflux and functional dyspepsia patients are more likely to experience disordered sleep, with exercise and routine decreasing the risk. Baclofen and esomeprazole show promise as treatments for improving sleep quality in nighttime heartburn sufferers.
A nationwide study in Denmark suggests a genetic component to pyloric stenosis in infants, with a high concordance rate in monozygotic twins and significant familial aggregation among siblings. The study found an 87% heritability estimate, supporting the notion that inherited genes play a key role in the development of this condition.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) presents its prestigious recognition awards to distinguished gastroenterologists for their exceptional achievements. The awardees were nominated by their peers and undergo a rigorous review process before being selected, reflecting the high esteem in which they are held.
A large-scale study found that patients with GERD and IBS often experience overlapping symptoms, including nausea, bowel movement changes, and extra gastrointestinal issues. This suggests a potential systemic link between the two disorders.
A new report from gastroenterology/hepatology societies emphasizes the importance of competency-based curriculum and disease-specific training in improving patient outcomes. The report recommends changes to GI training programs, including pairing of GI/hepatology training and enhanced training in specific disease areas.
A major clinical study has rejected cancer safety fears surrounding the most commonly prescribed group of drugs for heartburn treatment. The study found no link between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and the development of Barrett's Oesophagus or oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a potentially fatal cancer.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has renewed its three-year grant to support high school students in gastroenterology research careers through the AGA Foundation's Student Research Fellowship Awards program. The program provides funding for students to conduct research under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
A new study found that healthy volunteers who took proton pump inhibitors for eight weeks developed acid-related symptoms like heartburn and dyspepsia when the medication was stopped. The study suggests that long-term use of PPIs may lead to dependency due to rebound acid hypersecretion.
The American Gastroenterological Association honors individuals for their lifetime achievements and significant advancements in gastroenterology. This year's awardees include Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, Dr. Warren Strober, and Dr. Judith M. Podskalny, among others.
Researchers presented data on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies in treating Crohn's disease and preventing C. difficile recurrence, showing improved clinical outcomes and safety profiles.
A new study by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions found that proton pump inhibitors, commonly used to treat heartburn, can compromise the anti-clotting action of clopidogrel. This can lead to a higher risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular illnesses.
A new national study found that prescription heartburn medication is ineffective for treating asthma in patients without acid reflux symptoms. The study, led by Northwestern University researchers, randomly gave 402 patients either the medication or a placebo, finding no difference in lung function or asthma control episodes.
A new study by the American Lung Association found that heartburn medication does not help control asthma symptoms in adults with poorly controlled asthma and no significant heartburn symptoms. Despite using a high dose of esomeprazole, participants showed no improvement in asthma episodes or control.
A 20-center study of 402 patients with poorly controlled asthma found that proton pump inhibitors did not improve asthma control, despite previous beliefs about their role. In fact, half the patients showed excess acid in their gastrointestinal tract, but heartburn medications had no effect.
A study by Dr. Ri-Nan Zheng found that esomeprazole significantly reduced heartburn scores and resolved symptoms faster than omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole in patients with reflux esophagitis. The results suggest esomeprazole may be the best choice for symptom relief in these patients.
A new report by the NIH finds that digestive diseases result in over 100 million outpatient visits and 13 million hospitalizations annually, with a total cost of $141.8 billion. The top 10 most costly digestive diseases include digestive cancers, liver disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Two non-surgical treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been found to be effective in reducing medication use and improving symptoms, according to a recent study. Radiofrequency therapy appears effective for reducing heartburn and cough, while full-thickness plication may be beneficial for patients with regurgitation.
Researchers at Northwestern University believe spicy food, including pepperoni pizza, can worsen pelvic pain and urinary frequency in women with interstitial cystitis. A new treatment approach using anesthetic patches or suppositories may provide relief.
Researchers found that summer months are the most common time to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), with August being the peak month. The condition can mimic symptoms of acid reflux disease and requires a biopsy to distinguish it.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with ineffective oesophageal motility exhibiting different contractile patterns experience distinct symptoms, including heartburn and dysphagia. The research suggests the possibility of tailored treatment strategies for selected IOM patients.
A large prospective study found that consuming nuts, corn, or popcorn does not increase the risk of diverticulosis or diverticular complications in men. Conversely, higher intake was associated with lower risks of new diverticulitis cases.
The AGA Foundation has awarded $225,000 to seven young gastroenterologists to support their research over three years. The goal is to encourage young investigators and improve patient care through digestive diseases research.
New study results demonstrate significant relief of IBS-C symptoms in adult women treated with AMITIZA 8 mcg, improving overall quality of life. This approval marks a significant advancement in treating IBS-C, which affects approximately one-third of IBS cases.
Patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication have low re-operation rates and high patient satisfaction rates, with most achieving near normal GERD-HRQL scores at long-term follow-up. BMI appears to be an important factor in predicting long-term outcomes for these patients.
TAK-390MR demonstrates consistently high healing rates and symptom relief for patients with erosive esophagitis, outperforming lansoprazole in phase 3 studies. The study's results showed that TAK-390MR produced significantly higher overall healing rates than lansoprazole across two studies.
A recent survey found that nearly 40% of GERD patients on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) experience breakthrough symptoms, requiring additional over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. More than half of these patients use OTC remedies to manage their symptoms, often using antacids as a stop-gap.
Researchers found that women with IBS cannot turn off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain, making them more sensitive to mild discomfort. The study suggests that abnormal brain responses may be the root cause of the disorder and could lead to new treatment approaches.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders significantly impact daily activity and work productivity, with a loss of at least one day of work in a 40-hour workweek. Patients with conditions like IBS-C, CC, and FD report greater impairment than those with GERD alone.
Research found that people with GERD are more likely to experience sleep impairment, with 41.9% of those with nighttime acid reflux reporting poor sleep. In contrast, only 19.4% of those without GERD reported similar issues.
American Society for Microbiology honors Jason T. Blackard for his groundbreaking research on HIV and hepatitis C co-infections, including extrahepatic replication of HCV in HIV-infected women.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has awarded a three-year grant to the American Gastroenterological Association to support research fellowships for high school students interested in gastroenterology. The program will provide $2,500 each to five students to fund a 10-week research session under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
A new study has shown that lubiprostone can improve symptom relief rates in adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) by nearly twice as much as those receiving placebo, according to the results presented at Digestive Disease Week 2007.
Two novel medications, lubiprostone and linaclotide, have shown significant relief from IBS symptoms and constipation. Hypnotherapy has also been found to be effective in treating bowel issues in children.
Research finds people with inflammatory bowel disease are at risk for developing nerve damage, including carpal tunnel syndrome and small fiber neuropathy. Women with bowel disease are more likely to develop neurological problems than men.
A University of Colorado at Boulder researcher has designed compact vortex generators inspired by cephalopods, enabling more precise maneuvering and docking of underwater vehicles at low speeds. The technology may also be used to guide tiny capsules through the human digestive tract for disease diagnosis and medication delivery.
A study by OHSU researchers has found that using a 'skinny scope' in an office setting is as accurate, less expensive and less risky than the gold standard -- sedated upper endoscopy. The procedure was well-tolerated and more immediately informative for patients.
A recent study by Lauren Gerson, MD, found no evidence that typical dietary restrictions for heartburn make a difference. However, losing weight and raising the head of your bed can help reduce symptoms. The study's results challenge long-standing recommendations from professional organizations.
According to a study published in The Lancet, heartburn is more common in Western populations compared to non-Western populations. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking contribute to the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can lead to significant economic burdens.
Research suggests cognitive therapy can effectively relieve IBS symptoms with a four-session patient-administered format requiring minimal therapist contact. The treatment was found to be as effective as the standard 10-week clinic-based program in relieving GI symptoms, and cost-efficient.
A recent study found that AMITIZA improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), including abdominal pain and bloating. The treatment was associated with significant improvements in patients' quality of life.
A new study reviews the therapeutic benefits of lubiprostone for c-IBS patients, showing improvements in abdominal discomfort and bowel movements. Teduglutide is also found to be effective in inducing remission and response in patients with moderate or severe Crohn's disease.
A new study found that patients with healed erosive esophagitis had better acid control and lower heartburn symptom scores compared to those who did not heal. The study suggests that controlling gastric acid levels is key to healing erosive esophagitis.
Research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2006 highlights current trends and advancements in GI cancers, clinical studies, and lifestyle choices. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts on the latest advances in GI research, medicine, and technology.
A study of 81 patients found that 94% of recorded acid reflux events during sleep were associated with arousal from sleep. In another study, 168 patients with sleep apnea reported frequent daytime and nighttime heartburn symptoms, leading to worse quality of life.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of somatization are more likely to use healthcare services after being evaluated by doctors, suggesting that physicians may be driving the need for excessive tests. The study suggests educating doctors on recognizing somatization and treating it appropriately.
The NIH has launched a new commission to address digestive diseases, building on the findings of a previous study that highlights the economic burden of these conditions. The commission will guide research into combating digestive diseases and translate advances into clinical practice.
A survey of 1908 participants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Europe and the US found that nearly half experience sleep problems, impacting work and personal lives. The study suggests that GERD symptoms can be related to other health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Studies evaluate wireless capsule endoscopy, barium contrast series, and endoscopic gastric plication for small bowel surveillance and GERD treatment. These procedures show varying degrees of success in detecting polyps and reducing symptoms.
The value of screening varies by condition, and it can both identify treatable conditions and subject patients to invasive evaluations. Researchers recommend carefully considering each condition's worthiness and exploring prospective studies on screening efficacy.
Researchers found a moderate link between celiac disease and schizophrenia, with individuals having celiac disease three times more likely to develop the condition. A gluten-free diet may be beneficial for those genetically prone to celiac disease but undiagnosed, according to lead author Dr. William W. Eaton.
A substantial majority of people who purchased Prilosec OTC complied very well with the label instructions. The study found that frequent heartburn sufferers increased consultation with their physicians after using the medication.
Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic tool that helps identify esophageal diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, and swallowing problems. The new guidelines provide a standardized approach to performing the test, improving data sharing and interpretation among physicians.
A study using camera pills found that people taking NSAIDs regularly are at increased risk of small intestinal mucosal ulceration and bleeding. The study, which used capsule endoscopy to visualize the entire small intestine, detected erosions in 62% of NSAID users compared to 5% of non-users.
Two studies found significant relationships between GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. Researchers measured sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index exam and objective measures like polysomnography.
Researchers found that fundoplication surgery, used to treat chronic heartburn, improves lung function and has a positive effect on bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant patients. The procedure prevents gastric acids from splashing up the esophagus and into the lungs.