Articles tagged with Digestive Disorders
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.
A study published in Gastroenterology reveals the top gastrointestinal and liver diseases causing financial burden, with GERD being the most expensive at $9.3 billion annually. The study estimates a total of $36 billion in direct costs and $22.8 billion in indirect costs, affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers developed an experimental drug that reversed the effects of Fabry disease in mice, reducing glycolipid levels and eliminating toxic side effects. The treatment has potential applications for other lysosomal storage diseases affecting thousands of people in the US.
Dr. Achilles A. Demetriou will present information on the bioartificial liver (BAL), an external device that cleanses blood plasma through synthetic and biologic materials, during Digestive Disease Week. The BAL has completed a Phase I clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai and is now in a large multi-center study.
A large study of over 13,000 participants found an inverse relationship between blood levels of vitamin C and the prevalence of gallbladder disease in women. Women with higher vitamin C levels had a lower risk of symptomatic gallbladder disease and asymptomatic gallstones.
A new study investigates the association between emotional abuse and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. The research found that those who experienced emotional abuse scored higher on measures of self-blame and self-silencing, leading to increased stress which exacerbates IBS symptoms.
A small study of 20 smokers found no statistically significant differences in heartburn incidences between days of wearing different nicotine patches. The researchers controlled for diet and confirmed cigarette abstention, ruling out the possibility of heartburn caused by smoking withdrawal.
Researchers at Yale University have found that healthy bullfrog tadpoles can distinguish the odors given off by infected animals and keep their distance. This ability may be widespread among animals, enabling them to avoid diseases and reducing the spread of infection.
Family history may play a role in developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with those having a family member with significant heartburn or esophagus/stomach disease twice as likely to experience it themselves. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are also risk factors for GERD.
Rockefeller University researchers identify a critical link between autoantibodies and inflammation, suggesting novel ways to uncouple this connection. They found that preventing the activation of antibody receptors by autoantibodies is an effective way to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for late infantile Batten disease, a devastating genetic disorder that affects about 300 children in the US. The CLN2 gene codes for an enzyme that degrades proteins and its discovery may lead to effective treatment and new insights into the aging process.
A recent study conducted among Native Americans has found that periodontal disease significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease in the future. The research revealed a powerful association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, with diabetes being the only factor showing a stronger association.