ATTENTION ALL CUSTOMERS:
Due to a recent change of our website, the process for submitting refill requests online has now changed.
Please click on “Sign Up Today!” to create a new account, and be sure to download our NEW Mobile app!
Thank you for your patience during this transition

Get Healthy!

Results for search "Gastrointestinal Problems".

Health News Results - 79

Could Constipation Be a Risk to the Heart?

Constipation might increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke, particularly if they also have high blood pressure, a new study warns.

People who are constipated have twice the risk of a major heart health problem compared to those with normal bowel habits, rese...

Antibiotics Reveal Links Between Gut Microbes, Parkinson's

Certain gut microbes might be linked to a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a new study suggests.

People prescribed multiple courses of penicillin antibiotics have a modestly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s, researchers found.

Those antibiotics ...

Treatment Could Be New Option for People Battling Ulcerative Colitis

An experimental monoclonal antibody treatment appears to ease the digestive disorder ulcerative colitis in patients who've failed other medications, a new trial shows.

The treatment, tulisokibart, spurred remission of symptoms in more than a quarter of patients, compared to only 1.5% of those taking a placebo, an international group of researchers reported Sept. 26 in the

  • Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • September 27, 2024
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Sometimes Kidney Stones Need a Little Nudge, Study Finds

    Kidney stone fragments sometimes just need a little push to be flushed out of a person’s system, a new trial finds.

    About seven in 10 patients who got ultrasound treatment to encourage fragments to clear from their kidneys wound up free from any further problems, researchers reported recently in the Journal of...

    Gut Bugs Could Play Role in Chronic Constipation

    An overgrowth of gut microorganisms that produce methane could be a cause of severe constipation in many people, a new review finds.

    These gut bugs belong to a class of microbe called archaea, and when they flourish too well in a person’s gut they cause a condition called intes...

    4 Tips to Keeping Your Gut Healthy and Free of IBD

    Almost 2.4 million Americans are thought to suffer from the pain and disability of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), a type of autoimmune illness that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

    You can ...

    CDC Warns of Listeria Outbreak Tied to Deli Meats

    At least 28 people have been hospitalized and two have died in a multi-state outbreak of listeria linked to deli meat, U.S. health officials warned.

    In an investigation notice posted Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the true number of illnesses is likely higher because there...

    What Is 'Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome' and Can It Be Treated?

    It's a little known health condition that can become a nightmare: Regular and sudden episodes of intense nausea and vomiting.

    Now, new clinical guidance urges people to take notes and speak...

    Targeted Steps Could Slash Salmonella Danger in Poultry

    Most salmonella outbreaks linked to poultry are caused by just a few strains of the diarrhea-causing bacteria, a new study finds.

    There are more than 2,600 different types of salmonella bacteria, but only three strains are most likely to cause illness in humans, researchers report.

    Interestingly, one of the most common types found in U.S. chicken -- Salmonella Kentucky -- c...

    'Staying Regular' Is Good for Good Health

    Being regular is good for you, a new study shows.

    Predictable bowel movements could be tied to your long-term health, allowing your body to absorb essential nutrients without producing harmful organ-damaging toxins, researchers found.

    The "Goldilocks zone"of bowel movement frequency, once or twice a day, is associated with better health, results show.

    That gives gut microbes e...

    'Microrobot' Pills Eased IBD in Mice, Paving Way for Human Testing

    A new "microrobot" pill may help tame inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a new study in mice suggests.

    The pill significantly reduced IBD symptoms in mice and promoted the healing of damaged colon tissue without toxic side effects, researchers reported June 26 in the journal Science Robotic

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • June 28, 2024
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Robust Gut Microbiome Can Help You Fight Infections

    The bacteria colonizing your bowels play a key part in your risk for infection, new research shows.

    A study of more than 600 people hospitalized with infections found their microbiomes had fewer bacteria that were able to produce a beneficial fatty acid called butyrate. 

    The bacteria make butyrate as they digest the fiber people eat. It's been shown before that people fighting ...

    Dad Plays Role in His Infant's Microbiome

    Dads appear to make a small but important contribution to a newborn baby's gut health, a new study discovers.

    Many microbes found in babies throughout their first year of life originate in the father rather than the mother, researchers report June 12 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.

    Most ...

    Tea Was a Real Life Saver in 18th Century England

    Sipped from porcelain cups amid the music of Mozart and periwigs of the 1700s, tea was introduced to England and began its quiet work saving thousands of lives, new research confirms.

    It wasn't the leaves that kept tea drinkers out of danger: It was the boiled water tea was served in.

    Unboiled water had long left England's residents at very high risk for bacterial illnesses such a...

    Dietary Changes May Beat Meds in Treating IBS

    The right diet may be the best medicine for easing the painful symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), new research shows.

    In the study, two different eating plans beat standard medications in treating the debilitating symptoms of the gastrointestinal disease. One diet was low in "FODMAPs,"a group of sugars and carbohydrates found in dairy, wheat and certain fruits and vegetables, wh...

    Treating Crohn's Sooner, More Aggressively Greatly Improves Outcomes: Study

    In a finding that suggests sooner is better than later, a new trial shows that giving advanced treatment early to Crohn's patients can dramatically improve their gut health.

    About 80% of those who got therapy with an immune-suppressing drug called infliximab shortly after their Crohn's diagnosis experienced an improvement in their symptoms and inflammatory markers related to the disease, ...

    Healthy Living Can Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Folks who follow a healthy lifestyle are less likely to wind up with a case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a new study claims.

    The more healthy behaviors in which a person regularly engaged, the lower their risk of IBS, researchers reported Feb. 20 in the journal Gut.

    Not smoking, vigorous exercise and getting enough sleep in particular were strongly associated with kee...

    Scientists Gain New Insights Into How Small Intestine Works

    It was the ancient Greeks who first divided the 20-foot length of the small intestine into three parts: The duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.

    However, the organ may finally be ready for an update: U.S. researchers say the small intestine is actually comprised of five distinct segments, each being responsible for the absorption of various nutrients.

    "We're excited because this gro...

    CDC Warns of Listeria Outbreak Tied to Cheese, Yogurt

    Two people have died and 23 have been hospitalized in a years-long outbreak of listeria illness that's finally been traced to one company's cheeses, yogurts and other dairy products.

    That's the message from a U.S. Centers Disease Control and Prevention alert sent out on Tuesday.

    All of the dairy products, s...

    Climate Change Could Make Diarrheal Illness More Common

    People are more prone to coming down with a common gastrointestinal infection on hot, humid days, new research shows.

    The British study suggests that climate change and global warming could increase cases of diarrheal illness caused by campylobacter bacterial infections.

    "This information is invaluable, as illnesses such as campylobacteriosis not only cause discomfort to in...

    Got GERD? Eat This Way to Help Avoid Symptoms

    Some folks feasting this holiday have to contend with gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.

    In fact, about one-third of the population is affected by this chronic condition, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

    That's why it is providing tips on how to manage this digestive disorder, as part of GERD Awareness Week Nov. 19-25.

    "Diet plays a crucia...

    Subtle Changes Could Predict Inflammatory Bowel Disease Years Before Symptoms Hit

    MONDAY, Nov. 13, 2023 (Healthday News) -- Inflammatory bowel disease starts to develop years before patients come down with symptoms, a new study suggests.

    Gut changes can be detected in blood tests up to eight years before a diagnosis of Crohn's disease and up to three years prior to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, according to findings recently published in the journal

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • November 13, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page
  • FDA Issues Warning on Dangers of Probiotic Products for Preemie Babies

    Federal regulators have sent warning letters to two companies for illegally selling probiotic products for use in preterm infants.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also sent a letter to health care providers warning of the risks.

    Probiotic products contain live organisms such as bacteria or yeast. They are commonly found in dietary supplements.

    These products may be dange...

    Commonly Used Drug Might Be New Treatment Option for IBS

    An inexpensive medication long used for depression and migraines now has a clinical trial to back up its off-label use for another condition that lowers quality of life: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

    In the study, British researchers found that those taking amitriptyline were almost twice as likely as those taking a placebo to see an improvement in IBS symptoms.

    "We were delighted...

    A Wolf's Gut Bug Might Boost Health of Domestic Dogs

    A type of gut bacteria found in wild wolves could help treat domestic dogs who have a common, debilitating gastrointestinal condition.

    New research in an Oregon wolf discovered a novel strain of Paenibacillus bacteria that displays the characteristics of a probiotic.

    The benefit from this bacteria would be to stop canine inflammatory bowel disease.

    A chronic illness,...

    Study Confirms Risk of Gastro Issues for People Taking Wegovy, Ozempic

    While many have raved about the powers of popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, new research confirms the medications can trigger some nasty gastrointestinal side effects.

    Known as GLP-1 agonists, they may increase the risk of stomach paralysis, pancreatitis and bowel obstruction, scientists found.

    "Although the incidence of these adverse events are relatively rare, af...

    Health Issue Has Bruce Springsteen Postponing Shows for the Rest of the Year

    Rock star Bruce Springsteen announced Wednesday that he has postponed all of his remaining shows this year as he deals with peptic ulcer disease.

    Springsteen said he's continuing to "recover steadily from peptic ulcer disease over the past few weeks and will continue treatment through the rest of the year on doctor's advice,"in a

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • September 28, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Digestive Diseases Can Take Toll on Seniors' Mental Health

    A lot of older adults have digestive diseases that can be debilitating. They can also be linked to loneliness and depression, a new study says.

    "These conditions are very common in ambulatory care,"said gastroenterologist Dr. Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, who specializes in problems like infla...

    Bruce Springsteen Postpones Shows Due to Peptic Ulcers

    Bruce Springsteen has again postponed shows for illness, this time while he is treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease.

    Springsteen announced Wednesday that he was postponing his September shows in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Albany and Syracuse in New York, and in Connecticut and Ohio, the Ass...

    Gut Troubles Could Be Early Signal of Parkinson's Disease

    It might not seem like constipation or difficulty swallowing could signal a neurological problem, but new research suggests that these gut conditions could be an early indicator of Parkinson's disease.

    Gastrointestinal symptoms are also thought to precede the development of cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, brain aneurysm or Alzheimer's disease. It has previously been suggested t...

    GI Troubles Can Persist for Years in Women Who Survive Colon Cancer

    Colon cancer survivors are living longer than ever, but the vast majority of women treated for the disease have lingering gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and gas, new research reveals.

    Roughly eight years after treatment, 81% of female colon cancer survivors still had GI symptoms, say researchers who analyzed medical data from more than 400 women.

    Severe GI symptoms w...

    Lawsuit Against Makers of Ozempic, Mounjaro Claim Meds Caused 'Stomach Paralysis'

    A Louisiana woman is suing the makers of two type 2 diabetes drugs used off-label for obesity, saying they failed to adequately warn about the risk of severe stomach problems.

    The lawsuit seeks "very significant...

    How NSAIDs Can Make a C. Difficile Infection Worse

    Aspirin, naproxen and other common pain medications known as NSAIDs worsen gastrointestinal infections caused by a bacterium known as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), new research shows.

    NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are widely used to ease pain and inflammation. In a new study using mice, researchers set out to find why they exacerbate C. diff, the leading cau...

    Antibody Treatment Could Fight Rare But Deadly Bile Duct Cancers

    Patients with bile duct cancer might soon have an additional treatment available to them, thanks to a newly discovered tumor target.

    Some bile duct cancers are driven by a mutated HER2 gene, which has also been implicated in cancers of the breast, esophagus and prostate, researchers report in a new study.

    An experimental drug targeting HER2 mutations, zanidatamab, produced powerful ...

    Microplastics Are Harming the Guts of Seabirds -- and Maybe Humans, Too

    Microplastic pollution is altering the gut microbiomes of wild seabirds and that could be a warning sign for humans, researchers report.

    Scientists from McGill University in Montreal, along with colleagues from around the world, found that tiny bits of plastic present in the gastrointestinal system of seabirds have modified the gut's microbiome. The plastics are also reducing levels of ad...

    More Evidence That Obesity Raises Odds for Gastrointestinal Cancers

    Maintaining a healthy weight may be important for reducing the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, a new study suggests.

    The research adds to the evidence that excess weight and weight increases in adulthood increase the risk for colon and other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

    "In a time when obesity rates are rising globally and 70% of the U.S. population alone is considered overweig...

    Crohn's Disease: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

    Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, has no cure. But there are many treatments, specific to type, and it is possible to keep the symptoms under control.

    A gastroenterologist offers some tips for those newly diagnosed with the condition.

    "It's important to get a proper diagnosis and see an experienced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provider, preferably at a cent...

    Four Signs That a Young Adult Might Have Colon Cancer

    Four symptoms could provide early warning of colon cancer in younger adults.

    Being aware of these red flags could lead to earlier detection and diagnosis for those under age 50, said researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

    The telltale symptoms are abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia.

    The death rate from colon canc...

    FDA Approves First Pill for Fecal Transplant Therapy

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the first pill form of fecal microbiota -- similar to what's known as fecal transplant therapy -- to treat the bacterial infection Clostridioides difficile, one of the most common and deadly infections found in health care settings.

    The drug, Vowst, is approved to prevent recurrence of C. difficile in people who...

    Digestive Organs Vary Widely Between People, Study Finds

    People are often reminded that they are their own unique person -- and a new study says that's particularly true of the digestive tract.

    Dissections of a few dozen deceased individuals revealed striking differences in gastrointestinal anatomy, even among a small group of people.

    Some livers were larger, some intestines and colons were longer. Crucial discrepancies were observed betw...

    Stress, Stomach Pain: Diarrhea, Constipation, Ulcers & More

    You may be struggling with stomach pain and digestive distress without understanding why, thinking it might be something you ate.

    Can stress cause stomach pain?

    Stress, especially chronic stress, can indeed increase your risk for gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

    "Stress and anxiety are common causes of stomach pain and other GI symptoms,"

  • Shirley Eichenberger-Archer HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • April 7, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Parts of Intestinal Scope Devices Can Break Off Inside Patients

    A medical device used to diagnose and treat pancreatic and bile duct disease is getting attention from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after pieces have fallen off and remained in patients' bodies.

    Previously, the FDA had expressed

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • March 24, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Bile Duct Cancer: Awareness, Funding Needed to Fight This Silent Killer

    Lawyer, entrepreneur and avid athlete Mark Clements participated in the 2005 St. George Marathon in Utah, but ongoing stomach pains made finishing the event a struggle.

    "He was having some stomach pain,"recalled his sister Stacie Lindsey. "My dad had had ulcers, and so he thought that he had ulcers."

    After finishing the marathon, Clements, then 38, went straight in to see his doctor...

    COVID Raises Odds for Long-Term Gastro Problems

    Add gastrointestinal problems to the long list of lingering conditions that can follow COVID-19.

    New research has found that people who have had COVID-19 are at an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders within a year of their infection -- including liver problems, acute pancreatitis, irritable bowel syn...

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome Takes Big Toll on Mental Health

    When Dr. Yezaz Ghouri sees patients with the cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea that are hallmark symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), he'll typically ask how life's going.

    More often than not, his patients say they are experiencing stress in their lives.

    Now, Ghouri's team has establishe...

    Could High Laxative Usage Raise the Odds for Dementia?

    Taking laxatives regularly to ease constipation may up your chances of developing dementia down the road, a new study suggests.

    This risk is even higher among folks who use multiple types of laxatives or osmotic laxatives, which work by drawing water into stool.

    Previous research has linked other over-the-counter drugs, including non-prescription sleep aids and allergy medicati...

    Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancers: Rare, Silent and Deadly. Know the Signs

    Bile duct and gallbladder cancers develop in organs deep inside the body, making them difficult to detect.

    Knowing the signs of these rare cancers may help with earlier detection.

    Gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer are two separate diseases, according to Dr. Miral Sadaria Grandhi

    Chronic Pancreatitis: Surgery Can Help, But Healthy Lifestyle Is Key

    Many people who have surgery for chronic pancreatitis continue to have health struggles in the years afterward -- with some dying at a young age, a new study finds.

    The study, done at one U.S. medical center, is the largest to look at overall survival in the...

    Gut Microbiome May Play Role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Researchers believe they have found a link between lower bacterial diversity in the intestine's microbiome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

    Normally, "more than 10,000 species of microorganism live in the human intestine,"noted study co-author Dr. Jung Ok Shim, a professor o...

    Don't Ignore Your Acid Reflux, Expert Warns

    If you have frequent heartburn or think you may have acid reflux disease, see an expert before you suffer serious complications, one expert warns.

    "Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is when you get acid and chemical damage to the lining of the esophagus," said

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • January 16, 2023
  • |
  • Full Page