Pediatric functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders are challenging to live with and to treat. But usually, working with a caring and accesible health care provider, they are manageable. For parents or care givers of children with illness four questions are paramount: What is wrong? Is it dangerous? Will it go away? What can we […]
Gastroesophageal reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Under normal circumstances, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts like a valve to prevent backflow. During the first year, “spitting up” is a normal phenomena in infants. It generally takes about a year for the LES to mature. If reflux persists beyond the first […]
In December 2007, with vigorous encouragement from IFFGD, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted an NIH State-of-the-Science Conference on Prevention of Fecal and Urinary Incontinence in Adults. The conference resulted in a strong statement by the NIH about the huge unmet need of those who are affected by incontinence. The NIH Panel reported […]
If you experience incontinence (loss of bowel control, involuntary or accidental bowel leakage) here are some things you need to know: You are not alone – bowel incontinence is common in men and women across all ages You do not have to just “live with it” Some medical conditions that cause bowel incontinence can be […]
Many people with gastroparesis will respond to medical treatments including some dietary modification. However, medication failures or side effects are common. Many physicians have little knowledge or experience with treating gastroparesis. Some practical things to consider when treatment does not seem to help include: Check the diagnosis The cause matters Review the diet Consider other […]
Let’s address some of the most common questions asked about gastroparesis (GP). What is gastroparesis? Gastroparesis is a condition where symptoms occur and the stomach empties too slowly. No blockage is evident. The delayed emptying is confirmed by a test. How common is gastroparesis? While the incidence and prevalence of gastroparesis are not well-defined, it […]
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema A lower GI series, or barium enema, uses x-rays to diagnose problems in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. The lower GI series may show problems like abnormal growths, ulcers, polyps, diverticuli, and colon cancer. Before taking x-rays of your colon and rectum, the radiologist will put […]
The colon is a muscular organ, which is supplied by nerves originating both within and external to the surface that can absorb more than 90% of the fluid which enters it. In normal individuals, approximately 3 to 4 pints of fluid – representing bile, digestive juices, and ingested food – enters the colon from the […]
Constipation is one of the most common intestinal problems in kids, accounting for 3% to 5% of all visits to pediatricians. It is a symptom, not a disease. Fortunately, most constipation in infants and children is not caused by any serious medical disease. The cause of most constipation is functional or idiopathic, meaning there is […]
Scientific research is essential to help understand which diets will work best for each person with gastroparesis. Currently, dietary recommendations are based on observations of what foods normally tend to promote or delay gastric emptying. Working with a registered dietitian (RD) or nutrition support specialist (nurse or doctor) can be extremely helpful in designing a […]
Symptoms of gastroparesis can be so severe in some people with the condition that they cannot adequately manage with dietary changes and medications. Disabling symptoms can significantly diminish quality of life in people. Persistent symptoms resistant to treatment (refractory) sometimes result in life-threatening dehydration, loss of essential minerals (electrolyte imbalances), and malnutrition requiring hospitalizations. Special […]
Depending on the results of the medical history and physical examination, a healthcare provider may recommend a variety of tests help rule out structural or organic causes. Tests used to diagnose constipation include: Blood tests to identify anemia, a high white cell count, or a metabolic disorder (e.g., hypothyroidism, if indicated). Referral to a specialist […]