Visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been associated with mast cell activation. In a recent study published in Gut, Belgian researchers tested whether mast cell stabilization would improve abnormal visceral perception. Sixty IBS patients underwent a barostat study to evaluate rectal sensitivity to distention. The patients were then randomized to receive ketotifen (a [...]

Although the idea of having an endoscope inserted into the rectum may be a strong deterrent for many from obtaining a colonoscopy, patients who have undergone the procedure frequently tell me that the bowel preparation is the worst part of the process. Besides having to tolerate the distasteful bowel preparation cocktail, there are the hours [...]

Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-death in the United States. It is also one of the most preventable form of cancer if detected early, so concerted efforts have been made to increase colonoscopy screening rates. The routine screening interval after a negative colonoscopy is 10 years, but does this suffice for all [...]

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease with a strong genetic component. The majority of patients with celiac disease are HLA-DQ2- or DQ8-positive. Twin studies have nevertheless shown that environmental factors also influence the development of disease. The role of infection, particularly gastroenteritis, in modifying disease risk was nevertheless unclear.

Dr. John Murray, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist who specializes in celiac disease, presents a brief overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the disease. Dr. Murray begins the video by illustrating the diversity of patients who can be affected by celiac disease. This includes people of “all shapes and sizes [and] all ages.” He [...]