Browsing by Subject "gastrointestinal symptoms"

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    Functional gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A clinical challenge
    (Elsevier, 2018) Colombel, Jean-Frederic; Shin, Andrea; Gibson, Peter R.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Description The purpose of this clinical practice update review is to describe key principles in the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods The evidence and best practices summarized in this manuscript are based on relevant scientific publications, systematic reviews, and expert opinion where applicable. Best practice advice 1 A stepwise approach to rule-out ongoing inflammatory activity should be followed in IBD patients with persistent GI symptoms (measurement of fecal calprotectin, endoscopy with biopsy, cross-sectional imaging). Best practice advice 2 In those patients with indeterminate fecal calprotectin levels and mild symptoms, clinicians may consider serial calprotectin monitoring to facilitate anticipatory management. Best practice advice 3 Anatomic abnormalities or structural complications should be considered in patients with obstructive symptoms including abdominal distention, pain, nausea and vomiting, obstipation or constipation. Best practice advice 4 Alternative pathophysiologic mechanisms should be considered and evaluated (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bile acid diarrhea, carbohydrate intolerance, chronic pancreatitis) based on predominant symptom patterns. Best practice advice 5 A low FODMAP diet may be offered for management of functional GI symptoms in IBD with careful attention to nutritional adequacy. Best practice advice 6 Psychological therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness therapy) should be considered in IBD patients with functional symptoms. Best practice advice 7 Osmotic and stimulant laxative should be offered to IBD patients with chronic constipation. Best practice advice 8 Hypomotility agents or bile-acid sequestrants may be used for chronic diarrhea in quiescent IBD. Best practice advice 9 Antispasmodics, neuropathic-directed agents, and anti-depressants should be used for functional pain in IBD while use of opiates should be avoided. Best practice advice 10 Probiotics may be considered for treatment of functional symptoms in IBD. Best practice advice 11 Pelvic floor therapy should be offered to IBD patients with evidence of an underlying defecatory disorder. Best practice advice 12 Until further evidence is available, fecal microbiota transplant should not be offered for treatment of functional GI symptoms in IBD. Best practice advice 13 Physical exercise should be encourage in IBD patients with functional GI symptoms. Best practice advice 14 Until further evidence is available, complementary and alternative therapies should not be routinely offered for functional symptoms in IBD.
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    Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Implications of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in COVID-19
    (Frontiers, 2020-10) Perisetti, Abhilash; Goyal, Hemant; Gajendran, Mahesh; Boregowda, Umesha; Mann, Rupinder; Sharma, Neil; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The infection started as an outbreak of pneumonia-like symptoms in Wuhan, China. Within a few weeks, it spread across the entire globe resulting in millions of cases and thousands of deaths. While respiratory symptoms and complications are well-defined and can be severe, non-respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 are increasingly being recognized. Gastrointestinal manifestations such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain have been added to the list of common COVID-19 symptoms. Their prevalence has been increasing, probably due to increased recognition and experience with the pandemic. Furthermore, diarrhea and stool testing may change prevalence and transmission rates due to suspicion for fecal-oral transmission of the COVID-19. Due to this risk, various countries have started testing wastewater and sewage systems to examine its role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among communities. In this review article, we describe the common gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19, their prevalence based upon the current literature, and highlight the importance of early recognition and prompt attention. We also note the role of fecal-oral transmission. Furthermore, the mechanisms of these symptoms, the role of medications, and potential contributing factors are also elaborated.