Publications Library

Topic: Tests, lower GI tract

1. Fact Sheet: Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy: What to Expect

   114

   By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

   Your doctor has suggested that you have a colonoscopy, or perhaps a shorter version called a sigmoidoscopy. For that purpose you are referred to a specialist, usually a gastroenterologist who is specially trained to do the procedure. This article describes what to expect. Reviewed and updated 2009.

   Topics: Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: FREE

2. Fact Sheet: Current Approach to the Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

   163

   By: George F. Longstreth, MD

   In the past two decades, medical opinion has changed regarding how to diagnose IBS. The older view emphasized that IBS should be regarded primarily as a "diagnosis of exclusion;" that is, diagnosed only after diagnostic testing excludes many disorders that could possibly cause the symptoms. Fortunately, physicians can now diagnose IBS in most patients by recognizing certain symptom details, performing a physical examination, and undertaking limited diagnostic testing. This simpler approach is grounded on recent knowledge...and it leads to a reliable diagnosis in most cases. Revised and updated 2009.

   Topics: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: FREE

3. Fact Sheet: How to Prepare for Tests

   219

   By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

   In many cases, doctors can make a diagnosis of a functional gastrointestinal disorder after a careful history and examination. Often, however, there is a structural disease that must be excluded by tests that probe the gastrointestinal tract. This fact sheet reviews preparation for common tests, including sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Pelvic floor disorders, Stomach Disorders, Tests, lower GI tract, Tests, upper GI tract
   Non-Member Price: FREE

4. Fact Sheet: How Can I Determine if I Received a Thorough Colonoscopy?

   232

   By: Thomas Puetz, MD

   Colonoscopy is currently our most effective means of reducing the incidence of colon cancer, but only slightly over one-third of eligible persons elect to have a colonoscopy. With the inconvenience and expense of colonoscopy incurred, one should expect and receive a thorough examination. This article outlines some way to ensure that your colonoscopy is performed correctly and thoroughly.

   Topics: Clinical Corner, colonoscopy, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, diagnosis, Diarrhea, loose stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

5. Fact Sheet: Report from IFFGD Research Award Winner: Diagnostic Testing in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Theory vs. Reality

   233

   By: Brennan M. R. Spiegel, MD

   Dr. Spiegel is a recipient of a 2007 IFFGD Research Award. In this article, Dr. Spiegel discusses some of the challenges in diagnosing IBS, including whether or not to perform multiple diagnostic tests.

   Topics: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Research, Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: FREE

6. Fact Sheet: Dyssynergic Defecation: Questions and Answers About a Common Cause of Chronic Constipation

   237

   By: Satish S.C. Rao, MD, PhD, FRCP (LON)

   Constipation affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Constipation that occurs now and then may result from many factors such as dietary changes, some medicines, or inactivity or travel and will generally respond to simple lifestyle measures. But constipation that is long-lasting or keeps coming back (chronic) may require more effort to diagnose and treat. When that happens, a trip to the doctor is in order to find out the cause and develop a treatment plan.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Pelvic floor disorders, Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

7. Fact Sheet: Could Probiotics Help Alleviate your Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms?

   246

   By: Nancy DeMaria; Danielle Maier, PA-C; Yehuda Ringel, MD

   There is evidence that a normal bacteria composition of the intestinal microbiota play an important role in the development and normal functioning of the intestinal tract. Recently researchers have been studying the role of normal intestinal bacteria (also called intestinal microbiota) in maintaining healthy and normal GI function.

   Topics: Bacteria, gut flora, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: FREE

8. DHM: Digestive Health Matters 19.04 - 2010 No 4 - ELECTRONIC PDF

   670

   By: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders IFFGD

   

   In this issue:

   • Functional GI Disorders – Setting the Record Straight
   • Infant Regurgitation
   • VA Recognition of Functional GI Disorders
   • New U.S. Food Safety Laws
   • Resilience of Children Receiving Intravenous Nutrition
   • Ask Questions about Tests
   • Research Findings in Chronic GI Conditions
   • Progressive GI Symptoms: Could it be Scleroderma?

   Remember, Digestive Health Matters is FREE to Members.

   Topics: Brain-Gut, Colonic motility, inertia, pseudo-obstruction, DHM Magazines, Dyspepsia, pain in upper abdomen or chest, Nausea, vomiting, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Tests, lower GI tract, Tests, upper GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $3.95

9. DHM: Digestive Health Matters 17.04 - Winter 2008 - ELECTRONIC PDF

   685

   By: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders IFFGD

   

   In this issue:

   • A Noisy Tummy: What does it mean?
   • Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents
   • Books of Interest
   • Industry Council News
   • Digestive Health Research
     - Treatment Guidelines for IBS
     - Probiotics for GI Conditions
   • Manage Your Medicines
   • Participate in Online Studies on IBS
   • Report from IFFGD Research Award Winner – Diagnostic Testing in IBS: Theory vs. Reality

   Remember, Digestive Health Matters is FREE to Members.

   Topics: Bacteria, gut flora, DHM Magazines, Digestive System, GER, GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Research, Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $3.95

10. DHM: Digestive Health Matters 17.01 - Spring 2008 - ELECTRONIC PDF

    691

    By: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders IFFGD

    

    In this issue:

    • IBS: An Approach to Treating Patients 
    • IBS in Children and Adolescents 
    • IBS, Heartburn, Dyspepsia: What's the Difference? 
    • Treating Functional Dyspepsia: What are Your Options? 
    • Clinical Corner – Answers to Your Questions About Digestive Health 
      - Is nausea a symptom associated with IBS? How is it treated? 
      - Are rice-based foods recommended for people with digestive disorders like IBS?
      - Can a colonoscopy procedure cause changes in bowel habits?
    • Lactose Intolerance: Definition, Symptoms and Treatment
    • Digestive Health Research: Barrett's Esophagus Risk Factors 
    • Report from IFFGD Research Award Winner: IBS: Searching for Underlying Causes

    Remember, Digestive Health Matters is FREE to Members.

    Topics: DHM Magazines, Diet, Foods, Dyspepsia, pain in upper abdomen or chest, Food intolerance, Malabsorption, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Nausea, vomiting, Research, Tests, lower GI tract
    Non-Member Price: $3.95

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