Latest news with #IBD
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Safety alert for over-the-counter remedy taken by millions - after pills trigger disease that fuels bowel cancer in healthy 18 year-old
Frequently taking a common type of painkiller could trigger inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—raising the risk of bowel cancer—experts warn. Medics raised the alarm after treating an 18-year-old boy who developed colitis—a type of IBD—after taking over-the-counter allergy and pain relief medication continuously for almost three years. IBD is a known risk factor for bowel cancer and experts have long warned that those who have had the condition for years are at increased risk of developing the disease. The unnamed American teen sought medical help for bleeding from his rectum and extreme fatigue—according to doctors who shared his tale in a medical journal. He told medics he had been taking diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter hay fever medication and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), daily to combat debilitating headaches and allergies for almost three years. NSAIDs are a class of painkiller—famous examples being ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen—which are commonly used to alleviate pain and swelling. Pills combining diphenhydramine and NSAID are available in both the US the UK under brands like Advil PM and Motrin PM, as pain relief and sleep aids. While not naming the brand of medication the teenager took, doctors said he had taken the equivalent of 600mg of NSAIDs twice a day. Brands that make diphenhydramine and NSAID combination pills warn patients not to take more than two tablets in 24 hours, equivalent to around 400mg of NSAID. Medics then performed a colonoscopy—where a thin flexible camera is inserted into the rectum—and found the tissue inside was severely inflamed. Writing in the journal Cureus, medics said he was then diagnosed with colitis, a form of IBD which specifically develops in the colon. They theorised that his frequent use of NSAID drugs had disrupted the production of mucus that protects the digestive system, causing irritation. Irritation of the digestive system is a known risk of these drugs and as result they can lead to bleeding, ulcers and potentially colitis. Some studies have linked using NSAID drugs with an 86 per cent increased chance of developing colitis. The medics who reported the case said these increased risks are why doctors often prescribe a separate medication to patients' who have to take NSAIDs frequently for chronic pain issues, in order to protect their guts from this potential damage. However, they noted that their patient was an extreme example and occasionally using a medication like ibuprofen will not carry the same risk. But they added that the risk is something to be aware of given how readily patients are able to take these over-the-counter medications without medical supervision. 'Given the widespread availability of these medications and their over-the-counter accessibility, it is imperative that patients suffering from chronic inflammation or long-term pain be advised to avoid NSAIDs, or to use them only under the direct guidance of a supervising clinician,' they said. WHAT IS INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a medical term that describes a group of conditions in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen). Two major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine (colon) whereas Crohn's disease can occur in any part of the intestines. Symptoms may include: Abdominal cramps and pain frequent Watery diarrhoea (may be bloody) Severe urgency to have a bowel movement Fever during active stages of disease Loss of appetite and weight loss Tiredness and fatigue anaemia (due to blood loss) People of any age can get IBD, but it's usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. The conditions are chronic and cannot be cured so treatment usually relies on medication and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms, but may include surgery. IBD is thought to affect some three million people in the US, over 300,000 Britons, and 85,000 Australians. Source: Crohn's & Colitis Australia In the teen's case, once he was stable, he was prescribed anti-IBD drugs and told to stop using NSAIDs. However, despite being scheduled for a follow-up colonoscopy, he never attended, so medics were unable to determine how successful this had been. For years scientists have been unsure exactly what causes IBD to develop in some patients but not others. Earlier this year, however, researchers in London discovered a genetic weakness present in 95 per cent of people with IBD. An estimated half a million Britons and some 3million Americans are thought to have IBD, with the condition affecting more than 10million globally. IBD arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the bowel, causing an array of debilitating symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea and blood in stools. The disease can also cause sudden weight loss and crippling fatigue. While no cure is available, symptoms can be managed with drugs. These tend to be most effective when given soon after diagnosis. Estimates vary on exactly how much having IBD increases the risk of bowel cancer, with some charities citing studies which found it raises it by 7 per cent compared to the general population. But charities are keen to highlight that the vast majority of patients with IBD won't develop the disease. They do, however, advise people with IDB to keep in mind other risk factors for the cancer, such as smoking, drinking alcohol and being overweight that could further increase their individual risk. It comes as experts have repeatedly warned of a concerning and mysterious rise in rates of bowel cancer among under 50s. A recent global study found rates of bowel cancer in under 50 year-olds are rising in 27 of 50 nations. England is averaging a 3.6 per cent rise in younger adults every year-one of the highest increases recorded. While the disease is known to be linked to obesity, experts have noted that the disease also seems to also be occurring in fit and healthy patients. Some believe the explanation must lie in environmental factors young people have been exposed to more than previous generations. Signs of bowel cancer include abdominal pain, a lump in the abdomen, bloating and feeling very tired or short of breath. Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in the stool, occurs when cancerous tumours bleed into the digestive tract. However, bowel cancer can also appear with no symptoms until it has spread, where it becomes harder to treat. Overall, just over half of bowel cancer patients are expected to be alive 10 years after their diagnosis.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
If You Have Ulcerative Colitis, You May Want to Watch Out for This Type of Fiber
You've probably heard the adage, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.' But the opposite can actually be true if you have ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes symptoms like bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. That's because apples, as well as other foods like nuts and whole grains, are rich in a nutrient called insoluble fiber that may trigger symptoms or exacerbate them during flare-ups. Here's what everyone with UC should know about this type of fiber, including when to avoid it and how to get enough of the nutrient. While soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance to bulk up stools and promote digestion, insoluble fiber is generally coarse and remains intact as it goes through the body, making it more challenging to digest, Ritu Nahar, MD, a gastroenterologist with Allied Digestive Health in New Jersey, tells SELF. 'With UC, the colon's lining is inflamed and ulcerated, which makes it more sensitive to rough, bulky fibers,' she explains. 'The irritation it causes can be really uncomfortable,' adds Danielle Barsky, MS, RD, a registered dietitian at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who specializes in treating people with IBD. Insoluble fiber can also trigger symptoms and worsen flares, exacerbating symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and the urge to go, she adds This question isn't exactly straightforward to answer because many foods contain both types of fiber, says Dr. Nahar. Take apples, for example. The flesh of the apple has soluble fiber, while the skin has insoluble fiber. With broccoli, the florets (a.k.a. the green 'tree top' part of the veggie) contain soluble fiber, while the stem has insoluble fiber. However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits. Common examples that should be avoided include: Vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, collard greens, corn, fennel, green onion, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, peas, peppers, radish, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, and Swiss chard. Fruits like blackberries, blueberries, cherries, coconut meat, cranberries, dragon fruit, figs, grapes, kiwifruit, olives, passion fruit, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries. Grains like amaranth, bran, buckwheat, bulgar, pumpernickel, rye, whole grains, whole spelt, whole wheat, steel cut oatmeal, brown and wild rice, buckwheat, and quinoa. Whole nuts and seeds, as well as chunky nut or seed butter spreads. Whole legumes, including beans, peas, lentils, edamame, and tempeh. Snacks like popcorn, corn chips, and corn nuts. You may have heard conflicting advice about consuming fiber during flare-ups, but it's essential for proper nourishment and maintaining a well-functioning digestive system. 'During a flare, patients often feel too nauseated or weak to eat, and high-fiber foods may seem unappetizing,' says Dr. Nahar. 'They may gravitate toward bland carbohydrates like white bread, crackers, or plain rice, which are easier to digest but lower in fiber.' If you can relate, definitely follow your gut, but try to prioritize good nutrition if you're able to tolerate it. Minimize foods rich in insoluble fiber, which can exacerbate your symptoms, but do your best to incorporate some sources of soluble fiber into your diet (like peeled apples, bananas, oats, and cooked carrots) that are more digestible, Barsky suggests. If you want to experiment with incorporating sources of insoluble fiber into your diet during or immediately following a flare when you're still more sensitive, Dr. Nahar suggests cooking or blending them. 'Cooking methods can make insoluble fiber more tolerable for those with UC. Steaming, roasting, and boiling help soften fiber, reducing its abrasive effect on the intestines,' she explains. Puréed pea soup, mashed sweet potatoes, and blended bean dips, such as hummus, can also be easier on the gut, as can jarred, canned, peeled, and steamed fruits and vegetables, she says. Getting enough fiber is essential when you're recovering from a flare-up. Research shows that soluble fiber, especially, can nourish the microbes that keep your intestines functioning normally. That's important during remission, as your body works to heal the lining of the gut and restore the right balance of bacteria, Dr. Nahar says. 'It also helps form softer, more cohesive stools and may reduce diarrhea and urgency during remission,' she adds. For individuals under 50 without UC, the general recommendation is to consume approximately 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men, with a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. But this might be too much while recovering from a flare, notes Dr. Nahar, who suggests gradually reintroducing fiber as you can tolerate it. 'A rough target during remission [for both men and women] might be 15 to 25 grams per day, with a focus on well-tolerated foods,' says Dr. Nahar. Start with soluble fiber for about 50% of your intake, she advises. Testing your limits with insoluble fiber and UC is not a one-size-fits-all process. You may need to consult with a registered dietitian who specializes in IBD to personalize eating strategies to your specific diet and lifestyle, Barsky says. 'I always emphasize to patients that an individual's tolerance is variable,' adds Dr. Nahar. 'The goal is to balance fiber intake to support gut health without exacerbating inflammation.' Only you know what's best for your body. UC is an unpredictable condition that varies from person to person. You may not have much warning about when your next flare will be, but keeping your kitchen stocked with tolerable, soluble-fiber foods will help you be prepared and may give you peace of mind. Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Related: Are There Certain Foods to Avoid With Ulcerative Colitis? 5 Women With Ulcerative Colitis Share What's Helped Them Stay Mentally Strong 3 Women on the Reality of Dating With Ulcerative Colitis Originally Appeared on Self
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I thought I was a healthy teen — I constantly dismissed a sign that turned out to be a chronic disease
Gracie Cappelle should have been looking forward to her freshman year at Texas State University. Instead, she got a crash course in ulcerative colitis (UC). 'I had never heard of ulcerative colitis,' Cappelle, 19, told The Post. 'It took me a really long time to even understand what was happening within my body.' Cappelle was diagnosed with the chronic disease in the summer of 2024. She spent her freshman year eliminating dairy and fatty foods from her diet — not easy as a college student — in the hopes of managing her symptoms since there's no cure for UC. About a million Americans are believed to have UC, the most common type of inflammatory bowel disease. Experts aren't exactly sure what causes the condition, but they think it's related to abnormal immune system reactions. Inflammation and ulcers develop in the lining of the colon and rectum, often causing stomach pain, bloody diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. Crohn's disease is similar but can affect any part of the GI tract. UC is most often diagnosed in people 15 to 30 years old. Adults between 50 and 70 are also at higher risk. Cappelle didn't immediately realize that something was amiss. She occasionally noticed blood in her stool but figured it was no big deal. 'It wasn't bad at first,' Cappelle recalled. 'I looked it up a couple of times, and the only two things that would come up were internal hemorrhoids or colon cancer. And I was like, 'OK, well, I don't have colon cancer, so it's probably just internal hemorrhoids.' So I wasn't worried about it.' The bleeding eventually intensified to the point where it was happening every day — and she found herself rushing to the bathroom more often. A colonoscopy was scheduled for two weeks before she left for college. 'I literally came out of my colonoscopy, and my doctor told me that I had [UC],' Cappelle said. She needed to overhaul her diet immediately. Individual triggers vary, but UC sufferers tend to experience flare-ups with high-fat foods, spicy foods and foods rich in insoluble fiber. Alcohol, caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks are often no-nos. Before her diagnosis, Cappelle typically had yogurt for breakfast, a sandwich with Cheez-Its for lunch and ground turkey, chicken or steak with potatoes or rice for dinner — or fast food. 'I definitely didn't eat well,' she admitted. 'If I wanted [Raising] Canes or Chick-fil-A, if I wanted fast food, I was going to go get the fast food.' She first axed spicy foods, including her beloved Flamin' Hot Cheetos and hot sauce, soda and gluten. Unfortunately, her stomach pain didn't go away right away. 'I was trying to eat whole foods, but obviously that's hard, especially being a freshman in college,' Cappelle said. 'You're living in a dorm, so you really don't have a kitchen.' She came home to the greater Houston area in December, cutting dairy and alcohol from her diet and stepping up her exercise routine. She also began working with a therapist and getting infusions of Entyvio, prescription medication that targets gut inflammation. Her stomach pain and bloody stool subsided, and she plans to return to Texas State in August. 'I think it'll be easier this next year, because I will have an apartment and my own kitchen,' Cappelle said. 'It is hard because you can't necessarily eat what everybody else is eating. But, for me, personally, it's not worth it to eat like that, knowing what could happen if I do eat like that.' She's been sharing her journey on TikTok, hoping to connect with people facing the same challenges. 'The hardest part for me [is] feeling so alone,' Cappelle said. 'I really just want to put the message out there of, you're not alone in this, and you can get better, and you will get better.'
Globe and Mail
25-06-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Crohn's Disease Pipeline 2025: Therapies Under Investigation, Clinical Trials Milestones, and FDA Approvals by DelveInsight
(Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) As per DelveInsight's assessment, globally, Crohn's Disease pipeline constitutes 40+ key companies continuously working towards developing 50+ Crohn's Disease treatment therapies, analysis of Clinical Trials, Therapies, Mechanism of Action, Route of Administration, and Developments analyzes DelveInsight. ' Crohn's Disease Pipeline Insight, 2025" report by DelveInsight outlines comprehensive insights into the present clinical development scenario and growth prospects across the Crohn's Disease Market. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine (colon). It belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Some of the key takeaways from the Crohn's Disease Pipeline Report: Companies across the globe are diligently working toward developing novel Crohn's Disease treatment therapies with a considerable amount of success over the years. Crohn's Disease companies working in the treatment market are Morphic Therapeutic, Orchard Therapeutics, Thetis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Immunic, Suzhou Connect Biopharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai Inc, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, RedHill Biopharma, Celgene Corporation, AstraZeneca, and others, are developing therapies for the Crohn's Disease treatment Emerging Crohn's Disease therapies in the different phases of clinical trials are- MORF 057, OTL-104, TP-317, AZD 7798, IMU 856, CBP-307, PF-06651600, Deucravacitinib, E6011, Guselkumab, Mirikizumab, Filgotinib, RHB-104, Ozanimod, Brazikumab, and others are expected to have a significant impact on the Crohn's Disease market in the coming years. In March 2025, Celltrion announced the U.S. launch of STEQEYMA® (ustekinumab-stba), a biosimilar to STELARA® (ustekinumab), after receiving FDA approval in December 2024. STEQEYMA is authorized for the same indications as STELARA, ensuring reliable treatment options for both patients and healthcare providers. In March 2025, Johnson & Johnson announced that the FDA has approved TREMFYA® (guselkumab), making it the first and only IL-23 inhibitor offering both subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) induction options for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In February 2025, Eli Lilly shared findings from the VIVID-2 open-label extension study at the Crohn's and Colitis Congress (CCC), revealing that most patients with moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease treated continuously with OMVOH for two years achieved sustained clinical and endoscopic outcomes, including 43.8% of patients who had previously failed biologic therapies. In January 2025, The FDA approved OMVOH (mirikizumab) for Crohn's disease, reinforcing the role of IL-23 inhibitors. Demonstrating robust long-term effectiveness, OMVOH is also under investigation for use in pediatric patients, potentially fulfilling a critical unmet need in this group. Crohn's Disease Overview Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, most commonly affecting the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. It can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to involve an abnormal immune response, genetics, and environmental factors. Crohn's can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to complications like strictures, fistulas, or bowel obstruction. While there is no cure, treatments including medications, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and inflammation. Emerging Crohn's Disease Drugs Under Different Phases of Clinical Development Include: MORF 057: Morphic Therapeutic OTL-104: Orchard Therapeutics TP-317: Thetis Pharmaceuticals AZD 7798: AstraZeneca IMU 856: Immunic CBP-307: Suzhou Connect Biopharmaceuticals PF-06651600: Pfizer Deucravacitinib: Bristol-Myers Squibb E6011: Eisai Inc Guselkumab: Janssen Pharmaceutical Mirikizumab: Eli Lilly and Company Filgotinib: Gilead Sciences RHB-104: RedHill Biopharma Ozanimod: Celgene Corporation Brazikumab: AstraZeneca Crohn's Disease Route of Administration Crohn's Disease pipeline report provides the therapeutic assessment of the pipeline drugs by the Route of Administration. Products have been categorized under various ROAs, such as Oral Parenteral Intravenous Subcutaneous Topical Crohn's Disease Molecule Type Crohn's Disease Products have been categorized under various Molecule types, such as Recombinant fusion proteins Small molecule Monoclonal antibody Peptide Polymer Gene therapy Crohn's Disease Pipeline Therapeutics Assessment Crohn's Disease Assessment by Product Type Crohn's Disease By Stage and Product Type Crohn's Disease Assessment by Route of Administration Crohn's Disease By Stage and Route of Administration Crohn's Disease Assessment by Molecule Type Crohn's Disease by Stage and Molecule Type DelveInsight's Crohn's Disease Report covers around 50+ products under different phases of clinical development like Late-stage products (Phase III) Mid-stage products (Phase II) Early-stage product (Phase I) Pre-clinical and Discovery stage candidates Discontinued & Inactive candidates Route of Administration Further Crohn's Disease product details are provided in the report. Download the Crohn's Disease pipeline report to learn more about the emerging Crohn's Disease therapies Some of the key companies in the Crohn's Disease Therapeutics Market include: Key companies developing therapies for Crohn's Disease are - Janssen, RedHill Biopharma, Amgen, Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, AgomAb Therapeutics, Hoffmann-La Roche, Gilead Sciences, Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, AstraZeneca, Mesoblast, Alfasigma, Tiziana Life Sciences, Abivax, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Cytocom, HAV Vaccines Ltd, Enzo Biochem Inc., Stero Biotechs, Reistone Biopharma Company Limited, Qu Biologics, Pfizer, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Soligenix, Immunic, Pfizer, Atlantic Healthcare, 4D Pharma, and others. Crohn's Disease Pipeline Analysis: The Crohn's Disease pipeline report provides insights into The report provides detailed insights about companies that are developing therapies for the treatment of Crohn's Disease with aggregate therapies developed by each company for the same. It accesses the Different therapeutic candidates segmented into early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage of development for Crohn's Disease Treatment. Crohn's Disease key companies are involved in targeted therapeutics development with respective active and inactive (dormant or discontinued) projects. Crohn's Disease Drugs under development based on the stage of development, route of administration, target receptor, monotherapy or combination therapy, a different mechanism of action, and molecular type. Detailed analysis of collaborations (company-company collaborations and company-academia collaborations), licensing agreement and financing details for future advancement of the Crohn's Disease market. The report is built using data and information traced from the researcher's proprietary databases, company/university websites, clinical trial registries, conferences, SEC filings, investor presentations, and featured press releases from company/university websites and industry-specific third-party sources, etc. Crohn's Disease Pipeline Market Drivers High prevalence of Crohn's Disease, increase in Drug Development for Crohn's treatment, change in lifestyle patterns are some of the important factors that are fueling the Crohn's Disease Market. Crohn's Disease Pipeline Market Barriers However, lack of early diagnosis of the disease, high cost associated with the treatment and other factors are creating obstacles in the Crohn's Disease Market growth. Scope of Crohn's Disease Pipeline Drug Insight Coverage: Global Key Crohn's Disease Companies: Morphic Therapeutic, Orchard Therapeutics, Thetis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Immunic, Suzhou Connect Biopharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai Inc, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, RedHill Biopharma, Celgene Corporation, AstraZeneca, and others Key Crohn's Disease Therapies: MORF 057, OTL-104, TP-317, AZD 7798, IMU 856, CBP-307, PF-06651600, Deucravacitinib, E6011, Guselkumab, Mirikizumab, Filgotinib, RHB-104, Ozanimod, Brazikumab, and others Crohn's Disease Therapeutic Assessment: Crohn's Disease current marketed and Crohn's Disease emerging therapies Crohn's Disease Market Dynamics: Crohn's Disease market drivers and Crohn's Disease market barriers Table of Contents 1. Crohn's Disease Report Introduction 2. Crohn's Disease Executive Summary 3. Crohn's Disease Overview 4. Crohn's Disease- Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5. Crohn's Disease Pipeline Therapeutics 6. Crohn's Disease Late Stage Products (Phase II/III) 7. Crohn's Disease Mid Stage Products (Phase II) 8. Crohn's Disease Early Stage Products (Phase I) 9. Crohn's Disease Preclinical Stage Products 10. Crohn's Disease Therapeutics Assessment 11. Crohn's Disease Inactive Products 12. Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Analysis 13. Crohn's Disease Key Companies 14. Crohn's Disease Key Products 15. Crohn's Disease Unmet Needs 16 . Crohn's Disease Market Drivers and Barriers 17. Crohn's Disease Future Perspectives and Conclusion 18. Crohn's Disease Analyst Views 19. Appendix 20. About DelveInsight About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. It also offers Healthcare Consulting Services, which benefits in market analysis to accelerate business growth and overcome challenges with a practical approach. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Contact Person: Gaurav Bora Email: Send Email Phone: +14699457679 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: NV Country: United States Website:
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist explains disorder of gut-brain interaction; shares 5 ways stress impacts gut health
Before an exam, job interview, major client presentation, or any big day, it feels like there's a full-blown mental storm brewing, with racing thoughts making you spiral. Amid all this, the stomach feels to be at the frontline, bracing for the day and even before the mind catches up entirely. It's not just nerves causing the frequent washroom trips or the tightening knot in the gut. There is a very real, biological and direct effect the brain has on the gut. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. Stress silently shapes your gut health.(Shutterstock) Dr Bhavesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist at Bhailal Amin General, Vadodara, Gujarat, shared with HT Lifestyle how closely the gut and brain are connected. Emotional states aren't completely 'mental' as they frequently manifest physically, especially through digestive symptoms. There's a special name for gut issues which are triggered by stress. Dr Bhavesh shared its disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Explaining more about the biological mechanisms of how stress affects the gut, he said, 'Emotional stress and anxiety lead to the release of different hormones and neurotransmitters such as histamine, serotonin, and cortisol that influence gut motility, gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and balance of gut microbiota. Indeed, excess stress and anxiety can produce a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Such a constellation of disorders was once known as functional gastrointestinal disorder and is now rightly termed disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). There is a strong relationship between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gut.' Moreover, stress doesn't influence the gut in just one way, following a particular framework. Dr Bhavesh reminded that there are more ways than one it shows up. He said, 'DGBI encompasses several disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD), functional diarrhoea, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other than these conditions, gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also conditions that experience variability in symptoms due to stress.' Dr Bhavesh shared a brief guide with us, outlining the various disorders, DGBI symptoms and when to visit a doctor: Digestive disorders triggered by stress 1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. 2. Functional Dyspepsia (FD): Includes upper abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. 3. Functional Constipation: Ongoing issue of bowel movement without a structural cause. 4. Functional Diarrhoea: Chronic loose stools in the absence of a recognisable infection or pathology. 5. GERD (Gastro-Oesophagal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux, heartburn, and chest pain. Symptoms of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) DGBI symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux.(Shutterstock) Abdominal pain and bloating Bloating and burping Reflux acid Constipation and diarrhoea Risk factors other than stress: Disturbed sleep Poor food habits Smoking Tobacco Alcohol How to manage stress-induced digestive problems? Calming the mind to de-stress helps keep DGBI at bay.(Shutterstock) 1. Stress management strategies: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises regulate the gut-brain axis. 2. Dietary management: Management of trigger foods, use of a low FODMAP diet, and hydration. 3. Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication or laxatives as advised for symptomatic relief. 4. Changes in lifestyle: Adequate sleep, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and inclusion of regular exercise. When to see a doctor? Recurrent vomiting Weight loss Loss of appetite Anemia Jaundice ALSO READ: Gastroenterologist shares 3 risks of eating too much fibre, recommends 5 tips for safe consumption Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
