(HealthDay News) — Many people who have had a colonoscopy say the prep is worse than the actual procedure. But it’s a necessary evil. Improper preparation, and you might as well skip the test altogether. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy advises on preparing for a colonoscopy: A day beforeContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammationand irritation of the digestive tract. It affects more than 500,000 people in the United States, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says. People can develop Crohn’s at any age, but it’s most likely toContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Bad breath affects more than 40 million Americans, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association says. Routine dental cleanings can help limit buildup of plaque, which can reduce bad breath. The association suggests these additional bad-breath preventives: Rinse your mouth with water after eating. Chew sugarless gum to stimulateContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Appendicitis isa painful inflammation of the appendix. It can be life-threatening if ignored and the appendix ruptures. More than 5 percent of people in the United States will develop appendicitis at some point during their lives, the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The outbreak of E. coli illness tied to tainted Arizona romaine lettuce continues to expand, federal health officials said Wednesday. “Since the last update on April 13, 2018, 18 more ill people have been added to this investigation, bringing the total number toContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes called heartburn, occurs when yourstomachcontents back up into youresophagus. The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says without treatment, GERD can lead to a host of medical issues affecting the esophagus and breathing. To help tame GERD, theContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Diarrhea in young babies should be taken seriously if it lasts for more than one day, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Common symptoms of diarrhea in an infant are a faster heartbeat, dry mouth, no tears when crying, orContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Although constipation is more common in older adults, it can occur at any age. Potential causes for the condition include: diet that lacks fiber, insufficient exercise, misuse of laxatives, medical conditions, use of certain medications and an urge to hold in a bowel movement. The U.S. NationalContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A large study has confirmed what many public health experts have long believed: Colonoscopy saves lives. The study looked at roughly 25,000 patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system, where colonoscopy is widely used. The VA views it as the main screeningContinue Reading
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A colonoscopy can save your life by detecting and removing colon cancer, but it might also trigger appendicitis, a new study suggests. Experts aren’t sure exactly why that happens, and, fortunately, it’s rare. And it shouldn’t stop you from getting a colonoscopy, accordingContinue Reading
THURSDAY, Jan. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A simple, cheap blood test to detect colon cancer — even in its early stages — appears highly effective and accurate, new research indicates. The test detects so-called “circulating tumor cells” (CTCs). Researchers tested it on 620 people in Taiwan who were scheduledContinue Reading
TUESDAY, Jan. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Holding your nose and closing your mouth when you feel a sneeze coming on just might lead to serious trouble. The journal BMJ Case Reports includes the story of a 34-year-old man who ruptured his throat after he pinched his nose and clampedContinue Reading
THURSDAY, Jan. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — While your dog or cat might love the taste of raw meat, a steady diet of it might be a bad idea, a new study warns. Raw meat diets for pets have become increasingly popular, but there is no evidence that they areContinue Reading
FRIDAY, Dec. 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Excess drinking on New Year’s Eve can lead to a painful morning after, with no sure-fire cure available. But helpful strategies for treating a hangover do exist. Hangover symptoms — headache, nausea and dizziness — occur when the body withdraws from alcohol andContinue Reading