Understanding+Chronic+

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Gastrointestinal Disorders by Anthony Lembo, MD

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Gastrointestinal Disorders Presented by Anthony Lembo, MD Dr.Anthony Lembo Watch presentation here Presentation Overview Complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is very common around the world. Approximately 35% of the adult population in the United States uses CAM. Although further studies are needed to understand […]

Personal Story

Anneli’s Personal Story

Anneli’s Personal Story: Facing a Lifetime Battle with Chronic GERD I have suffered from nausea and stomach aches my entire life. But I did not tell anyone about it until 2008. My parents were aware of these symptoms, but it is difficult to really figure out what’s wrong with you when you’re just a child. […]

Top Words to Know

Below is a list of common medical terms related to IBS. Knowing these medical words can help make the conversations with your healthcare provider easier to understand. Abdomen: area between the chest and the hips that contains the intestinal organs. Acute: temporary. Antidepressants: a group of drugs that, in IBS, may be used to reduce […]

Treatment

A short bout of abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation now and then is not unusual. But long-term or recurring symptoms are not normal. They may signal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – and are generally treatable. A key to achieving relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the understanding that IBS is a complex motility […]

Fecal Incontinence in Children

If your child has fecal or bowel incontinence, you need to see a doctor to determine the cause and treatment. Fecal incontinence can occur in children because of a birth defect or disease, but in most cases it’s because of chronic constipation. How can constipation lead to fecal incontinence? Potty-trained children often get constipated simply […]

Laxatives

The guiding principles in the management of constipation Functional constipation can be successfully managed in most children. The main components of a treatment plan include: Parental education and understanding of the factors at play Maintenance of soft and well lubricated stools Avoidance of the pain associated with the passage of stool by good care of […]

Specialized Testing for Constipation

Specialized testing for constipation is typically reserved for patients with chronic constipation that is severe or difficult to treat. All such patients should undergo colonoscopy or barium enema to exclude an anatomic cause as well as the basic series of blood tests to exclude abnormalities that can cause constipation. If these studies are normal, a […]

Gastroparesis Awarness Month Honored

In Honor of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month Hon. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin in the House of Representatives Thursday, July 9, 2015 Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Americans affected by gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, in observance of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August. Gastroparesis is a chronic medical […]

Medications

Medications have been shown to be effective in treating chronic constipation in multi-center, high quality clinical trials. These are prescription medications intended for specific use under a healthcare provider’s supervision. Be sure to take any medication as directed. Always tell your health care providers about all the medicines you are taking, including over the counter […]

Nuts, Seeds, and Diverticula

Can nuts and seeds also get stuck in the diverticula and cause inflammation and infection? Although this is theoretically possible, it has never been demonstrated. Total avoidance of nuts and seeds may cause people to miss out on fiber, vitamins, and minerals in these foods. In fact, long-term decreased fiber may be associated with more […]

Disorder

Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare condition with symptoms like those caused by a bowel obstruction, or blockage. But when the intestines are examined, no blockage is found. Instead, the symptoms are due to nerve (visceral neuropathy) or muscle (visceral myopathy) problems that affect the movement of food, fluid, and air through the intestines. The […]

Disorder

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What is inflammatory bowel disease? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic irritation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common disorders. The disorders can develop in any age group but are usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30. What is Crohn’s disease? The digestive […]