Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life. People who have IBS commonly report digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramps. Some people experience additional symptoms, such as generalized body pain and poor social functioning. Doctors are still not sure […]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What are the 5 types of Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. There are five types of Crohn’s disease, each one impacting a different area of the digestive tract, and some causing unique symptoms. Doctors have yet to find a cure for Crohn’s disease. However, people can manage their symptoms with a combination of […]
What to know about Crohn’s disease and intestinal strictures
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can develop in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, which begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. People with Crohn’s disease can usually manage their symptoms, but this condition may lead to additional health complications, such as intestinal strictures. In most cases, Crohn’s disease affects […]
Does apple cider vinegar help with bloating?
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Advocates of apple cider vinegar make many claims about its health benefits. One such claim is that drinking a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water can treat bloating and other […]
‘Gut itch’ may explain pain in IBS
New research casts fresh light on the chronic pain mechanisms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), promising new and more effective treatments for the condition. New research brings hope for new chronic pain treatments in IBS. Between 25 and 45 million people in the United States are living with IBS, and up to 15% of the […]
Why coffee may stimulate bowel movements
Many people believe that coffee makes them poop, and some doctors may advise people with certain intestinal conditions to avoid coffee. Despite this, researchers have yet to confirm the theory that coffee makes you poop. Although some individuals may report that coffee makes them poop, others do not experience the same effect. In this article, […]
IBS: Cognitive behavioral therapy more effective than standard care
Whether web or telephone based, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be more effective than standard treatments for IBS — and the benefits last in the long term. Web based CBT relieves IBS symptoms and provides lasting benefits. This is the main takeaway of a new study, which now appears in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology. […]
What causes upper left abdominal pain under the ribs?
People can experience pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen for many reasons. Some possible causes include gastrointestinal issues and conditions or injuries that affect certain organs in the upper left side of the body. The rib cage attaches to the breastbone and spine, and the ribs protect many vital organs. On the […]
Normal time between poops
Pooping regularly is a sign of a healthy digestive tract. Everyone’s bowel habits are slightly different, but going too long without pooping can be a sign of an underlying health condition that may require medical attention. There is no specific number of times a person should poop per day, since everyone’s bowel habits are different. […]
IBS: Telephone- and web-based CBT relieve symptoms
The usual treatment for irritable bowel syndrome consists of drugs and advice on lifestyle and diet. Now, a new study suggests that giving interactive web-based or telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy on top of usual care can reduce symptoms more effectively than standard care alone for those whose IBS is not responding to drugs. New research […]