Posts Tagged ‘bowel’

New research published in the obstetrics and gynecological journal BJOG shows that giving women sugarless chewing gum after cesarean section seemed to help them recover normal bowel function and shorten their time in the hospital. After abdominal surgeries intestinal function often become sluggish and may require a few days to return to normal. However, researchers say that chewing gum may help because the act of chewing sets off a nervous system response and release of digestive hormones which stimulate bowel activity. The cost and time savings should not be underestimated, especially in countries with limited health care resources. [via MSNBC]

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The FDA has announced warnings against two prescription drugs – Visicol and OsmoPrep – used to cleanse the bowels before colonoscopies. The concern is over the potential of these drugs in causing kidney damage due to their high phosphate content. Similar over-the-counter medications, such as Fleet Phopho-soda, should not be used for bowel cleansing either; however, at lower doses, they are still safe to use as laxatives. Commonly used alternatives – GoLytely and Halflytely – exist and are safe to use for colonoscopy preparation. We know that colonoscopies can save lives, so this should not dissuade anyone from getting one, especially when safe bowel prep regimens exist.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, accounting for 25 to 50 percent of all referrals to gastroenterologists. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers at the Institute of Human Genetics in Heidelberg, Germany have discovered a genetic mutation in serotonin receptors of the intestinal tract that may cause the diarrhea which many people with IBS experience. Serotonin is a hormone that is found not only in the central nervous system, but in large abundance in the GI tract. A mutation in a receptor for serotonin can explain GI disturbances, such as diarrhea. This discovery will likely pave the way for future treatments of IBS.

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A new study reported in the British Medical Journal finds that often overlooked over the counter remedies for irritable bowel syndrome are more effective than placebo. The study shows that ispaghula husk, antispasmodics (particularly hyoscine), and peppermint oil are all effective treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. The researchers, however, did not distinguish between constipation- and diarrhea-predominant IBS. The study authors stated that the advent of newer and more expensive drugs, these remedies are overlooked as potentially effective treatments.

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A new study published in the journal Archives of Surgery suggests that chewing gum can aid recovery after gastrointestinal surgery. Some believe that the increased amounts of saliva produced from gum chewing helps to “jump start” the gut by stimulating gut function. The researchers believe more studies are needed, especially since this intervention has the potential for substantial cost savings. Full story.