Gastroenterology

Crohn's disease and menstrual cycles: The link and irregular periods

During a person’s menstrual cycle, they may experience different Crohn’s disease symptoms. Crohn’s disease may also affect the regularity and severity of periods. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect various aspects of an individual’s life. Although it primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, it also has other wide-reaching effects. People with Crohn’s disease who menstruate may find

IBD pseudopolyps: What they are, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to pseudopolyps, which are small, raised bumps on the colon wall. They form when the body tries to heal the damaged intestinal lining. There are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease. People with either of these conditions can develop IBD pseudopolyps. IBD pseudopolyps are made of inflamed and regenerating mucosa, a membrane that lines the digestive tract. This makes them look distinctly d

Endometriosis vs. IBS: Differences, similarities, and more

Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are conditions that may cause similar symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. Because endometriosis is hard to diagnose, doctors sometimes misdiagnose it as IBS. Despite their similar symptoms, endometriosis and IBS are distinctly different conditions with different causes. In endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows elsewhere in the body. This can cause severe pain as well as bleeding between periods. Conversely, IBS is a diso

Cells of the stomach: Types, purpose, and location

Various cells in the stomach secrete digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid. These substances break down food so the body can absorb nutrients. The stomach is a muscular organ in the upper abdomen that is part of the digestive system. The cells of the stomach are constantly exposed to digestive juices and the stomach’s contents. Therefore, to protect themselves, the cells produce a layer of mucus and constantly regenerate to keep the stomach lining healthy. This article looks at the types of ce

Nerves that control bladder and bowel function

Various nerves control bladder and bowel function, including the spinal cord, cauda equina, pudendal nerves, and the enteric nervous system, a nerve network in the walls of the digestive tract. These nerves are responsible for moving food through the digestive system, controlling the anal sphincter, and emptying the bladder and bowel. If nerves that control the bladder or bowel become damaged, it can result in urinary or fecal incontinence. Conditions that may cause this include herniated discs,

Comparing gastroenteritis and colitis: What are the differences?

Gastroenteritis and colitis are two conditions that involve inflammation of the digestive tract. Gastroenteritis affects the stomach and intestines. Colitis only involves the colon. Although both conditions can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, they often have different causes and may require different treatment approaches. Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines that typically occurs due to a viral or bacterial infection. Diarrhea ranging from mild to severe is the most c

Nausea After Workout: Why Sprints and Squats Make You Wanna Spew

Nausea after a workout is something that can happen to even the most dedicated gym-goer. One minute you’re sprinting faster than Usain Bolt and lapping up the endorphins; the next minute you’re doubled over trying to hold back breakfast. Feeling nauseous after a workout can definitely take the edge off a good training session, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. If you’re feeling sick after your workout, it could be because you’re working out too hard, not warming up properly, or eating the

IBS and menopause: Relationship, hormones, and more

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and menopause can both affect a person’s gut health, causing symptoms like diarrhea and constipation. Evidence suggests a link between IBS and menopause exists. Throughout a female’s lifetime, gastrointestinal symptoms can vary based on their menstrual cycle. Female-specific hormones digestive system function and health. Hormone fluctuations affect how quickly food moves through the intestines. When food passes through more rapidly, it can lead to diarrhea, nausea,

What is vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery?

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a type of bariatric surgery. The procedure aims to promote weight loss and improve overall health in people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above. Doctors may also recommend the surgery for those who have a BMI of 30 and above as well as certain obesity-related conditions. VSG involves reducing the stomach to a small proportion of its original size. Decreasing the size of the stomach means a person will feel full and satiated after eating significa

I Have Crohn’s Disease — What’s My Life Expectancy?

If you’ve got Crohn’s disease, you’ll know it can be a real pain in the ass. Symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and lesions in some pretty sensitive areas make the condition one of the crappiest GI illnesses. But is it actually going to take years off your life expectancy? Spoiler alert: If you receive effective treatment, only slightly. Yes. But don’t panic. It’s a small difference. For females living with Crohn’s, data suggests that life expectancy may be up to 8

Bowel cancer: Sugary drinks may double risk

New research has found some intriguing links between sugary drink consumption and the risk of bowel cancer in women. Image: supermimicry/Getty Images
• In adult women, drinking two or more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) per day was associated with a doubling in the risk of developing early onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) in this study.
• Replacing adult intake of SSBs with artificially sweetened beverages, coffee, reduced-fat milk, or whole milk may be associated with a lower risk of developi

Does Medicare cover gastric bypass surgery?

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap may all provide coverage for gastric bypass surgery for people who meet certain criteria. In 2019, more than 256,000 people in the United States had bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Several types of bariatric surgery exist, including gastric bypass surgery. In this procedure, a healthcare professional changes the shape of a person’s stomach to help with w