The third most prevalent kind of cancer is Colon Cancer. It is also one of the main causes of deaths caused by cancer. People often steer away from the conventional colon cancer screening tests, due to the perceived agony of the test as well as the need for working adults to be absent from work.
As compared to the conventional colonoscopy for diverticulitis, colon cancer diagnosis as well as screening, there is a more advanced technology known as the virtual CT colonoscopy. No sedatives are needed for the new exam. Less stringent preparation is involved. It is also less invasive and does not cause a big change to a patient's daily regime.
Some colonscopy preparations require the patient to drink a lot of fluid while patients using the virtual CT colonoscopy only need to consume 12 ounces of liquid prep as well as a clear liquid diet just the day prior to the exam. Due to the fact that no sedatives are being administrated, patients can now savour a cup of coffee in the morning prior to the virtual CT colonoscopy. Nonetheless, patients will still feel a few minutes of small agony during the exam. The procedure goes like this: a small straw is inserted and gas is instilled with a special equipment to prevent cramping from happening. Subsequently, the CT images are being obtained. Right after the process; patients can revert back to their normal routine.
With the technology of the Virtual CT colonoscopy, 3D images of the whole colon and a comprehensive scan of the abdomen as well as pelvis can be produced. These scans help to detect any form of kidney stones, gallstones, aneurysms as well as tumors in the early stage. A 3D view of the colon can also be produced. It is different from the conventional colonoscopy which involves the insertion of a camera right into the colon with the assistance of an endoscope. With the Virtual CT colonoscopy, the 3D computer is able to produce all these images. The computer has the capability to measure polyps and also to spot any form of abnormalities.
Typically, virtual CT colonoscopy screening is for asymptomatic patients at age 50 and will continue at 5 years intervals. Even though asymptomatic screening is under the coverage of numerous insurance organizations, Medicare does not cover this. Usually, virtual CT colonoscopy are for patients who are not able to undergo an invasive optical colonoscopy due to anticoagulation, risk of sedation, contraindication to instrumentation or incomplete colonoscopy. The conventional type of examination is covered by Medicare and virtually any insurance organization.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Monday, August 29, 2011
Manapol® Alternative
Manapol® from Carrington labs was a patented ingredients that has been developed for the dietary supplement industry to greatly boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, and aid in digestion. As Manapol® is out of business SEROVERA AMP® 500 is the premier alternative.
SEROVERA® AMP 500 is a non-prescription, Immune Enhancing GI-specific supplement that may be used to reduce inflammation and help maintain immunity in the gastrointestinal tract.
SEROVERA® is extracted and freeze-dried under a controlled environment from the Aloe Vera plant. It is 100% organically certified, contains zero toxins, does not conflict with other meds, and has NO SIDE EFFECTS.
Taken as directed, SEROVERA® AMP 500 may improve condition, and prolong remission. In fact, most people that take SEROVERA® experience relief in the first few weeks.
SEROVERA® is designed to work at the core of your body — your gut. Immediately after consumption, SEROVERA® gets right to work by releasing aloe mucopolysaccharides that bind to special receptors lining your entire intestinal tract. These molecules establish a mesh-work of protection and are ultimately engulfed by the GI-lining, providing an array of benefits.
For more information www.carringtonlabs.com/
SEROVERA® AMP 500 is a non-prescription, Immune Enhancing GI-specific supplement that may be used to reduce inflammation and help maintain immunity in the gastrointestinal tract.
SEROVERA® is extracted and freeze-dried under a controlled environment from the Aloe Vera plant. It is 100% organically certified, contains zero toxins, does not conflict with other meds, and has NO SIDE EFFECTS.
Taken as directed, SEROVERA® AMP 500 may improve condition, and prolong remission. In fact, most people that take SEROVERA® experience relief in the first few weeks.
SEROVERA® is designed to work at the core of your body — your gut. Immediately after consumption, SEROVERA® gets right to work by releasing aloe mucopolysaccharides that bind to special receptors lining your entire intestinal tract. These molecules establish a mesh-work of protection and are ultimately engulfed by the GI-lining, providing an array of benefits.
For more information www.carringtonlabs.com/
Saturday, May 22, 2010
What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease?
Crohn's treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. At this time, treatment can help control the disease by lowering the number of times a person experiences a recurrence, but there is no cure. Crohn’s disease treatment depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and the person’s response to previous medical treatments when treated for reoccurring symptoms.
Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person’s lifetime. This changing pattern of the disease means one cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. Predicting when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible.
Someone with Crohn’s disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.
Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person’s lifetime. This changing pattern of the disease means one cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. Predicting when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible.
Someone with Crohn’s disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.
Friday, March 26, 2010
No Increased Risk of Colon Cancer, IBD Among Patients With IBS
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are at no greater risk of polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel diseases than healthy people, according to new research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
"Patients and doctors get nervous about the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)," says William D. Chey, MD, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. "This study should reassure doctors and patients that typical IBS symptoms are not indicators of a more serious disease."
Dr. Chey was lead author on the IBS study, the largest prospective evaluation of colonoscopy findings in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The case-control study compared the prevalence of colonic lesions in 466 patients with suspected IBS and 451 controls.
The IBS group had a significantly lower prevalence of adenomas (7.7% vs 26.1%, P < .0001) and diverticulosis (8.8% vs 21.3%, P < .0001) compared with the control group. The most common lesions among this group were hemorrhoids (18.2%), polyps (14.6%), and diverticulosis (8.8%).
Patients with IBS often undergo colonoscopies because physicians are particularly concerned about missing colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, Dr. Chey explains. Roughly one-quarter of all colonoscopies performed in the United States are for IBS-related symptoms.
This research shows that it is unnecessary to order colonoscopies for patients with IBS, unless they show alarming symptoms like unexplained weight loss or anaemia, bleeding from the GI tract, or have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease, says Dr. Chey.
"Lay people and doctors overuse colonoscopies, which are very expensive procedures, in patients with typical IBS symptoms and no alarm features. Of course, patients over the age of 50 years or who have alarm features should undergo colonoscopy to screen for polyps and colon cancer." Dr. Chey says.
Dr. Chey's research also showed that 2.5% of IBS patients older than >=45 years had an unusual disease called microscopic colitis, compared with 1.5% among the control group. Microscopic colitis can masquerade as IBS in patients with diarrhoea and is important to diagnose because it is treated differently than IBS, he says.
SOURCE: University of Michigan Health System and American Journal of Gastroenterology
"Patients and doctors get nervous about the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)," says William D. Chey, MD, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. "This study should reassure doctors and patients that typical IBS symptoms are not indicators of a more serious disease."
Dr. Chey was lead author on the IBS study, the largest prospective evaluation of colonoscopy findings in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The case-control study compared the prevalence of colonic lesions in 466 patients with suspected IBS and 451 controls.
The IBS group had a significantly lower prevalence of adenomas (7.7% vs 26.1%, P < .0001) and diverticulosis (8.8% vs 21.3%, P < .0001) compared with the control group. The most common lesions among this group were hemorrhoids (18.2%), polyps (14.6%), and diverticulosis (8.8%).
Patients with IBS often undergo colonoscopies because physicians are particularly concerned about missing colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, Dr. Chey explains. Roughly one-quarter of all colonoscopies performed in the United States are for IBS-related symptoms.
This research shows that it is unnecessary to order colonoscopies for patients with IBS, unless they show alarming symptoms like unexplained weight loss or anaemia, bleeding from the GI tract, or have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease, says Dr. Chey.
"Lay people and doctors overuse colonoscopies, which are very expensive procedures, in patients with typical IBS symptoms and no alarm features. Of course, patients over the age of 50 years or who have alarm features should undergo colonoscopy to screen for polyps and colon cancer." Dr. Chey says.
Dr. Chey's research also showed that 2.5% of IBS patients older than >=45 years had an unusual disease called microscopic colitis, compared with 1.5% among the control group. Microscopic colitis can masquerade as IBS in patients with diarrhoea and is important to diagnose because it is treated differently than IBS, he says.
SOURCE: University of Michigan Health System and American Journal of Gastroenterology
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Diverticulosis Diet
Diverticulosis diet:
Foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds should be avoided.
People differ in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Decisions about diet should be made based on what works best for each person.
Scan food labels for bread and cereal products listing whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient.
Look for cooked and ready to eat cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Eat raw fruits and vegetables; they have more fiber than cooked or canned foods, or juice. Dried fruits (especially dried figs) are also good sources of fiber.
Increase fiber in meat dishes by adding pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, bran, or oatmeal.
Try adding 2-3 tsp. of unprocessed wheat bran to foods such as meatloaf, casseroles, homemade breads, muffins and other baked goods.
Dairy foods provide little fiber. Increase fiber by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals to yogurt or cottage cheese.
Chopping, peeling, cooking, pureeing, and processing may reduce fiber content
Substitute oat bran for one third of all-purpose flour in baked goods recipes.
Best to eat a variety of foods and not to rely on a fiber supplement
Do it gradually—rapid fiber increase may result in gas, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea.
Drink plenty of fluids - A high-fiber diet requires lots of liquids. Fiber acts as a sponge in your large intestine - if you don't drink enough, you could become constipated. Try for at least 6 cups daily.
Foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds should be avoided.
People differ in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Decisions about diet should be made based on what works best for each person.
Scan food labels for bread and cereal products listing whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient.
Look for cooked and ready to eat cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Eat raw fruits and vegetables; they have more fiber than cooked or canned foods, or juice. Dried fruits (especially dried figs) are also good sources of fiber.
Increase fiber in meat dishes by adding pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, bran, or oatmeal.
Try adding 2-3 tsp. of unprocessed wheat bran to foods such as meatloaf, casseroles, homemade breads, muffins and other baked goods.
Dairy foods provide little fiber. Increase fiber by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals to yogurt or cottage cheese.
Chopping, peeling, cooking, pureeing, and processing may reduce fiber content
Substitute oat bran for one third of all-purpose flour in baked goods recipes.
Best to eat a variety of foods and not to rely on a fiber supplement
Do it gradually—rapid fiber increase may result in gas, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea.
Drink plenty of fluids - A high-fiber diet requires lots of liquids. Fiber acts as a sponge in your large intestine - if you don't drink enough, you could become constipated. Try for at least 6 cups daily.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Acute diverticulitis occurring more frequently in younger patients in urban U.S. populations
Acute diverticulitis, a disease in which pouches called diverticula protrude through weak spots in the colon and become inflamed, is more widespread among younger U.S. urban populations than is currently believed, says a new study by researchers from the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
The study, conducted by Eram Zaidi, MD, and Barry Daly, MD, evaluated the records of 100 patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis within a recent four-year period, 77 of whom had severe enough diverticulitis to warrant hospital admission. Fifty of the patients in the study were between the ages of 20 and 50, with 19 of those patients being younger than 40 years old, and fifty were over the age of 50. The results showed that the disease occurred just as often in the younger age bracket as in the older patients, with the disease frequently being severe in both age groups.
According to Dr. Daly, the results were surprising in light of what is commonly understood about this disease. "Traditionally, acute diverticulosis has been considered a disease of the over 50 year age group. Many radiologists and other physicians do not recognize that acute diverticulitis is now a disease that may occur at any age in adult life and do not consider it as a possible cause when younger adults present with abdominal pain."
The cause of this trend is currently under study. "We are examining the relationship between acute diverticulitis and overweight body habitus, as there appears to be a strong association between the rising incidence of acute diverticulitis in younger adults and the evolving obesity epidemic in this country," said Dr. Daly.
According to the study, the disease may likely become an even greater health problem in the U.S. "The results of this study may help change the perception that acute diverticulitis is a disease that only affects those over 50, and also highlight the value of CT in making this diagnosis. Acute diverticulitis is already a common disease and may become an even greater health problem if patients start to develop it at an earlier age--recurrent attacks and need for surgical resection of the colon are more likely to occur," said Dr. Daly.
This article is a reprint of http://psychcentral.com/news/archives/2004-05/arrs-ado042804.html The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News
The study, conducted by Eram Zaidi, MD, and Barry Daly, MD, evaluated the records of 100 patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis within a recent four-year period, 77 of whom had severe enough diverticulitis to warrant hospital admission. Fifty of the patients in the study were between the ages of 20 and 50, with 19 of those patients being younger than 40 years old, and fifty were over the age of 50. The results showed that the disease occurred just as often in the younger age bracket as in the older patients, with the disease frequently being severe in both age groups.
According to Dr. Daly, the results were surprising in light of what is commonly understood about this disease. "Traditionally, acute diverticulosis has been considered a disease of the over 50 year age group. Many radiologists and other physicians do not recognize that acute diverticulitis is now a disease that may occur at any age in adult life and do not consider it as a possible cause when younger adults present with abdominal pain."
The cause of this trend is currently under study. "We are examining the relationship between acute diverticulitis and overweight body habitus, as there appears to be a strong association between the rising incidence of acute diverticulitis in younger adults and the evolving obesity epidemic in this country," said Dr. Daly.
According to the study, the disease may likely become an even greater health problem in the U.S. "The results of this study may help change the perception that acute diverticulitis is a disease that only affects those over 50, and also highlight the value of CT in making this diagnosis. Acute diverticulitis is already a common disease and may become an even greater health problem if patients start to develop it at an earlier age--recurrent attacks and need for surgical resection of the colon are more likely to occur," said Dr. Daly.
This article is a reprint of http://psychcentral.com/news/archives/2004-05/arrs-ado042804.html The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pockets - or diverticula - occur within the colon and become infected. In most cases a slight or micro-perforation occurs.
Diverticulosis, the presence of the pocket without infection, is very common as we grow older. Nearly half of Americans over 50 will have diverticulosis, and many will have no symptoms at all. They often will be diagnosed at the time of their screening colonoscopy.
The longer a person has the pouches, the greater the chance of getting them infected and hence, being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Some cases are attributed to low-fiber diet and/or constipation. Rich fiber diet and prompt medical evaluations are recommended mainstays for prevention and treatment, respectively.
The mere presence of diverticulosis usually will not cause significant symptoms. However, when an infection does occur severe abdominal pain is common, usually in the left lower abdomen. Fever, tenderness and altered bowel habits are common with diverticulitis.
During the acute infection, a low-fiber diet is best to limit the amount of food intake that might remain in the intestinal tract undigested.
Complications of diverticulitis can greatly increase the mortality of the disease. When perforation is not contained, peritonitis will occur and emergency surgery is necessary. The mortality rate soars above 35 percent in this scenario. Abscesses, septic shock, multisystem failure and bowel obstruction can also complicate the condition. Fistulous tracts can arise between intestines or other organs including the bladder, vagina and skin. Bleeding from diverticulosis can cause massive blood losses.
Diverticulosis, the presence of the pocket without infection, is very common as we grow older. Nearly half of Americans over 50 will have diverticulosis, and many will have no symptoms at all. They often will be diagnosed at the time of their screening colonoscopy.
The longer a person has the pouches, the greater the chance of getting them infected and hence, being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Some cases are attributed to low-fiber diet and/or constipation. Rich fiber diet and prompt medical evaluations are recommended mainstays for prevention and treatment, respectively.
The mere presence of diverticulosis usually will not cause significant symptoms. However, when an infection does occur severe abdominal pain is common, usually in the left lower abdomen. Fever, tenderness and altered bowel habits are common with diverticulitis.
During the acute infection, a low-fiber diet is best to limit the amount of food intake that might remain in the intestinal tract undigested.
Complications of diverticulitis can greatly increase the mortality of the disease. When perforation is not contained, peritonitis will occur and emergency surgery is necessary. The mortality rate soars above 35 percent in this scenario. Abscesses, septic shock, multisystem failure and bowel obstruction can also complicate the condition. Fistulous tracts can arise between intestines or other organs including the bladder, vagina and skin. Bleeding from diverticulosis can cause massive blood losses.
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