Digestive Disorder News

New Quick Test for Celiac Disease

Italian researchers have developed an inexpensive and quick test for celiac disease or gluten intolerance, making it easier for doctors to spot sufferers. (ansa.it)

Bo Bice Has Emergency Surgery

It’s been a rough week for Bo Bice and his family. On Thursday night, Bo was rushed to Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, where he underwent emergency intestinal surgery to remove a blockage. Fortunately, the surgery was a success, and Bo is expected to make a full recovery. (foxesonidol.com)

Acid Reflux Disease and Obesity Linked

"There is credible evidence to incriminate obesity in yet another set of diseases," Dr. Hashem B. El-Serag told Reuters Health. "Obesity was found to increase the risk of GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, as well as esophageal cancer by approximately two-fold." (Medline Plus)

Celiac Disease and Malnutrition

The inability to properly digest wheat, rye and barley is a fairly common problem health problem that can cause malnutrition, even in people who get plenty to eat. Gluten, a type of protein, is found in these three grains. (East Oregonian)

Crohn's Disease and Red Meat

Scientists have been asked to investigate a possible link between eating meat and Crohn's disease, a debilitating illness affecting 100,000 Britons. A study of the diets and lifestyles of 218 patients has revealed a statistical association with eating beef or canned meat such as corned beef. (The Guardian)

Chronic Heartburn May Be Acid Reflux Disease

Millions of Americans reach for Tums or other antacids every day for relief from heartburn. But that common ailment could be a sign of the more serious acid reflux disease, which affects some 10 million Americans. (North Adams Transcript)

Intravenous Form of Nexium Approved

AstraZeneca today announced that a new administration formulation for its prescription proton pump inhibitor NEXIUM® (esomeprazole magnesium) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NEXIUM I.V. is now approved as an intravenous infusion or injection for the short-term treatment (up to 10 days) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, with a history of erosive esophagitis, who are unable to take capsules.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome May Be Caused By Bacteria

A researcher from USC recently published an interesting new study in the Journal of American Medicine that seems to point to bacteria as the cause of a common condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. (News Target)

Crohn's Disease Mutant Gene

"Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found a faulty genetic signaling process that may help explain how Crohn's disease develops."

Acid Reflux and Smoking

"New research shows that smoking greatly increases a person's risk of acid reflux ... Eating a diet high in salt also increases the risk. But coffee, tea and alcohol -- once thought to also exacerbate the condition -- were found to have little impact, researchers said."

Celiac Disease Trends, Bacteria Found in Crohn's Patients

"Patients are receiving initial diagnosis of celiac disease at an older age and with a shorter duration of symptoms."

"A bacterium that causes intestinal illness in cattle and sheep could also be responsible for Crohn's disease."

Outback Steakhouse Catering to Celiac Disease, Vitamin D and Crohn's Disease

"Restaurants are making changes as more and more people are diagnosed with food allergies. Some people can't eat dairy, others are allergic to wheat, and even a single peanut could kill a diner with a nut allergy."

"Contrary to expectations, people with the inflammatory bowel condition Crohn's disease are likely to have excessive levels of the active form of vitamin D in their blood"

Cameras Diagnose Stomach and Bowel Problems

You've heard of disposable cameras. But how about flushable ones? Patients suffering from stomach and bowel problems have a new choice when it comes to diagnosing their ailment. (KnoxStudio.com)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diagnosing Stomach and Bowel Problems

"Cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis can help soothe irritable bowel syndrome"

Patients suffering from stomach and bowel problems have a new choice when it comes to diagnosing their ailment: capsule endoscopy.

Celiac Disease Under-Diagnosed, Irritable Bowel and Stress

The NIH says Celiac disease is under-diagnosed. It is present in 0.5 to 1% of the U.S. population, ten times higher than previous estimates.

Dr. Ashok Kapur, a gastroenterologist who practices at Caritas Medical Center in Louisville, says Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not caused by stress, but it can magnify and perpetuate the symptoms.