Publications Library
Topic: Other Disorders/Symptoms
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Fact Sheet: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Heartburn, Dyspepsia: What’s the Difference?
226By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
The anatomical diseases Crohn’s, peptic ulcer, and esophagitis have functional counterparts with some similar symptoms; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, and functional heartburn, but these cannot be identified by x-ray or gastroscopy. Thus, for the diagnosis of these functional disorders doctors must rely entirely upon the patient’s description of his or her symptoms.
Topics: Dyspepsia, pain in upper abdomen or chest, Esophageal Disorders, GER, GERD, Heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Pain ManagementNon-Member Price: FREE
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Fact Sheet: How Can I Determine if I Received a Thorough Colonoscopy?
232By: Thomas Puetz, MD
Colonoscopy is currently our most effective means of reducing the incidence of colon cancer, but only slightly over one-third of eligible persons elect to have a colonoscopy. With the inconvenience and expense of colonoscopy incurred, one should expect and receive a thorough examination. This article outlines some way to ensure that your colonoscopy is performed correctly and thoroughly.
Topics: Clinical Corner, colonoscopy, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, diagnosis, Diarrhea, loose stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare providerNon-Member Price: $0.99
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Fact Sheet: A Noisy Tummy: What Does it Mean?
234By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
While seldom of medical importance, for some people a rumbling, growling stomach can be a source of profound embarrassment. Picturesquely dubbed “borborygmi,” bowel sounds seem loudest to the owner, who is sometimes mistakenly convinced they are obvious to all. This article explains the causes of bowel sounds, discusses when the sounds become a cause for medical concern, and offers some tips that may help reduce bowel noises.
Topics: Digestive System, FAQs, Gas, Bloating, Belching, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Symptoms, Working with your healthcare providerNon-Member Price: FREE
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Fact Sheet: Serotonin: What is it Doing in My Gastrointestinal Tract?
243By: Gary Mawe, PhD; Jill Hoffman, PhD Candidate
This article explains the role of serotonin in the gut and how this may be used to develop new treatments for the functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Non-Member Price: FREE
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Fact Sheet: Changes You Should Not Ignore if You Have IBS
247By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
An "alarm" symptom, sometimes also called a "red flag," simply means a symptom not explained by IBS, which calls for additional investigation. Dr. Thompson discusses the development of alarm symptoms and how to know when to see your doctor about them.
Topics: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Other Disorders/Symptoms, Working with your healthcare providerNon-Member Price: $0.99
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Fact Sheet: Abdominal Adhesions
249By: Information Adapted from the National Diseases Information Clearinghouse NIH
This publication addresses the causes, symptoms, complications, and treatments of abdominal adhesions – bands of tissue that can cause intestinal obstruction.
Non-Member Price: FREE
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Fact Sheet: Understanding Functional GI Disorders
252By: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders IFFGD
Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a highly prevalent group of persistent and recurring conditions that can affect any part of the GI tract. They afflict millions of people of all ages, causing discomfort ranging from inconvenience to disability. Yet they remain largely hidden and misunderstood. This article explains the challenges of the conditions and the approaches to diagnoses and treatments.
Non-Member Price: FREE
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Fact Sheet: Progressive GI Symptoms: Could it be Scleroderma?
254By: Dinesh Khanna, MD, MS; Brennan M. R. Spiegel, MD
On rare occasions, patients thought to have a functional GI disorder can develop progressive GI symptoms from another underlying condition. This is truly rare, but when symptoms do not respond as expected, or if symptoms get worse and worse despite a clinician’s best efforts, it may be worth considering other things. Scleroderma is a very rare disorder that, when present, can frequently affect the gut.
Topics: Gastroparesis, GER, GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Other Disorders/Symptoms, SwallowingNon-Member Price: $0.99
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Fact Sheet: Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
259By: Information Adapted from the National Diseases Information Clearinghouse NIH
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction 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 or muscle problems that affect the movement of food, fluid, and air through the intestines.
Topics: Motility, Other Disorders/SymptomsNon-Member Price: FREE
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Fact Sheet: Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
260The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (bile and pancreatic juice) through ducts from the liver and pancreas into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) describes the situation when the sphincter does not relax at the appropriate time (due to scarring or spasm). The back-up of juices causes episodes of severe abdominal pain.
Topics: Other Disorders/SymptomsNon-Member Price: FREE
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