The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it is requesting manufacturers withdraw all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine drugs from the market immediately. This is the latest step in an ongoing investigation of a contaminant known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine medications (commonly known by the brand name Zantac). The agency has determined that the impurity… Read more »
Each year in the United States, nearly 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and over 50,000 die from the disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, but there are effective ways to prevent the disease or to reduce its impact. What, Exactly, is Colorectal Cancer? The colon and rectum connect the… Read more »
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, affecting the large intestine. It is estimated that up to 55 million Americans, mostly women, are living with IBS. Because IBS is a functional GI disorder, it may cause several different symptoms which are bothersome and uncomfortable. However, it will not result in damage… Read more »
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in which the lining of the digestive tract can become inflamed. The two diseases can cause similar symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. However, they vary in terms of which parts of the digestive tract they may affect, as well as how deep… Read more »
Celiac disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, affecting as many as 1 in 100 people. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When a person has celiac sprue, the immune system recognizes gluten as a threat and attacks it. As the food passes through your small intestine, the immune response damages… Read more »
Colon, or colorectal cancer, is cancer of the large intestine or rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer for both men and women in the United States – the lifetime risk for developing the condition is around 5%. However, there is a lot of good news in the field as well. Colon cancer… Read more »
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal issues in the world, affecting as much as 50% of the population by the age of 50. People with this condition may suffer from pain, bleeding, leakage of stool, inability to control bowels, and other symptoms which can be severe. Yet despite how common the condition is, there is… Read more »
Gallstones are a digestive condition in which hard deposits of a digestive fluid known as bile develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located on the right side of the abdomen, near the liver. It’s responsible for holding bile, used in the digestion of fat, that is produced by the liver, and… Read more »
When issues of health and wellness are presented, clearly delineated differences between groups of individuals diagnosed with and surviving cancer are apparent. Why would one group of individuals fare better than others in avoiding a cancer diagnosis? How are some patients, who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, better able to make it to the… Read more »
Rates of obesity have risen rapidly since the 1980s, thanks to a variety of factors. This rise in obesity has led to widespread effects on health; obese people are much more likely to develop cardiovascular, orthopedic, gastrointestinal (GI) and other health problems at some point in their life – even if their obesity isn’t currently… Read more »
A colonoscopy is a medical test used to screen for colon cancer and other bowel issues. During a colonoscopy, a camera is used to view the inner lining of your large intestine and rectum. Colonoscopies should be performed routinely in a number of populations, as we’ll explore below. The Basics To perform a colonoscopy, your doctor will… Read more »
Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer and of cancer deaths. It is the third leading cause of deaths in the US and the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. This doesn’t have to be the case. With proper screening and early detection, colon cancer is 90% preventable. It’s important to have a basic understanding of colorectal… Read more »
