yet in others, acupuncture was no better than a “sham” version of acupuncture used for comparison.

“It’s difficult to interpret the results of the review,” said lead researcher Eric Manheimer, of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

for now, he told Reuters Health, “I think the evidence is equivocal.”

IBS is a digestive disorder that causes repeated bouts of abdominal cramps, bloating, and either diarrhea or constipation. It’s different from the similar-sounding inflammatory bowel disease — an umbrella term for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, two more-serious digestive disorders that damage the lining of the colon.

In many cases, IBS can be managed with diet changes, along with anti-diarrheal medication or, for constipation, laxatives or fiber supplements.

but people with tougher-to-treat IBS may need more. There are a few drugs for the condition — including alosetron (Lotronex), which works on nerves to relax the colon, and lubiprostone (Amitiza), which helps with constipation.

Doctors sometimes also prescribe low-dose antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or drugs called antispasmodics, which may help with abdominal pain.

but those drugs are often limited in their effectiveness, and can have side effects.

So researchers are looking at different non-drug options. Two — namely, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis — have proven effective for some people in clinical trials.

a fairly small number of studies have begun looking at acupuncture. and so far, Manheimer’s team found, those trials have yielded mixed results.

In their review, the researchers found five clinical trials that tested “true” acupuncture against a sham version of the procedure.

some studies use sham procedures to try to account for the “placebo effect” — where people feel better simply because they expect a treatment to work.

overall, Manheimer’s team found, none of the five trials showed that real acupuncture was any better than the fake version when it came to improving patients’ ratings of their symptoms or quality of life.

on the other hand, five trials done in China did find that patients reported bigger gains from acupuncture when it was tested against certain medications — which included certain anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

but there are limitations to both types of studies, Manheimer said.

with the trials that pitted acupuncture against drugs, the patients were recruited at hospitals for traditional Chinese medicine.

“So it’s possible that patients’ expectations played a role” in acupuncture’s higher success odds, Manheimer explained. That is, many may have believed acupuncture to be effective, or had a preference for it over medication.

with the sham-acupuncture trials, the study groups tended to be small, which may have limited their ability to pick up small benefits of true acupuncture, the researchers say.

There’s also debate over what makes for a good sham version of acupuncture. In some studies, it may involve inserting needles in the skin at sites that are not considered acupuncture points according to traditional Chinese medicine.

In others, it means using a dull needle that doesn’t penetrate the skin.

“It’s not clear that they (shams) are all inert,” Manheimer said.

That means some sham acupuncture tactics may have biological effects that are close to the real thing. no one is sure how acupuncture works, but some research suggests the needle stimulation triggers the release of pain- and inflammation-fighting chemicals in the body — even if the acupuncture doesn’t strictly follow traditional principles.

Of the five trials in this review, two were judged as having sham acupuncture that might have had real biological effects. but that doesn’t explain why the other three studies showed no benefit, the researchers say.

NOT a ‘GO-TO’ TREATMENT

In the future, Manheimer said it might be helpful to do trials that compare acupuncture against other treatments, but do it with a more general population of IBS sufferers than the Chinese studies used.

it would also be a good idea, he said, to measure patients’ expectations going into the study. That way, researchers can look at whether people who expected to improve were more likely to report benefits from acupuncture.

“This is an interesting study,” said Jeffrey M. Lackner, an associate professor at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in New York, who was not involved in the work.

In the U.S., he noted, acupuncture would not be considered a “go-to” IBS treatment right now anyway.

Leanne Proves an Inspiration

8:30am Sunday 18th September 2011

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AN inspirational Crewe college student is one of the area’s front runners to carry the Olympic flame at the London 2012 Olympics.

Leanne Downie, who suffers from Crohn’s disease, has been nominated for the Coca Cola Future Flames initiative – a nationwide search for young people to carry the prestigious flame during the torch relay next summer.

Future Flames has targeted young people who use their passion in areas such as sport and physical activity, music and dance and community and the environment to spread happiness in their local communities.

the South Cheshire College student is being backed by friends, family and other students after bravely battling with her illness and raising funds for numerous charities at the same time.

Leanne, 19, spends most of her spare time organising fun events to raise cash to help people with Crohn’s disease as well as other cancer charities.

she is also a member of the North Midlands group of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s disease (NACC).

Leanne said: “I feel really honoured to be nominated for Future Flames.

“I’ve always been a people person and try and help others in any way I can.

“I know what it’s like to have a debilitating illness and all the fundraising I’ve done has been my way of giving something back.

“People have been selected from up and down the country for this and hopefully if enough people vote for me I’d love to go all the way and carry the torch at such a fantastic global event.”

Leanne was first officially diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory disease of the intestines which is brought on by certain food types, when she was 15.

she suffered dramatic weight loss and other symptoms, which led to her being admitted to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery.

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By Dr. Paul G. Donohue June 20, 2011 12:00 AM

Dear Mayo Clinic: My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 13, and he’s now 19. He used to be active, but now he’s exhausted. He’s been on numerous medications, but nothing works for him. what can be done? He has been bleeding a lot, and has severe pain when going to the bathroom, up to eight times each day.

Reply: Crohn’s disease can indeed be a very distressing and frustrating illness, but a determined approach to treatment can often result in symptom relief.

A chronic condition, Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract. While inflammation can occur anywhere from one’s mouth to the anus, it has a special predilection for affecting the small intestine. the cause is unknown. Symptoms can be mild or severe enough to disrupt everyday activities.

Crohn’s disease can occur in patients of all ages, but peak incidence is between ages 15 and 30 years. Symptoms can be nonspecific, but often include diarrhea, abdominal pain, reduced appetite and weight loss. Crohn’s disease can’t be cured but it may go into remission for long periods of time, particularly with medical treatment.

For patients like your son, who continue to have problematic symptoms despite aggressive treatment, I would recommend a thorough reassessment by a physician who specializes in this area of medicine. Seek out a board-certified gastroenterologist with expertise in treating Crohn’s disease.

The doctor will also need to consider other conditions that could be driving the symptoms. one example could be an undiagnosed infection. Aggressive treatment of any coexisting conditions could help relieve your son’s symptoms.

There’s a long list of medication options to manage Crohn’s disease. Even if you’ve tried several, there may be other choices and combinations to consider. your son might also think about participating in a clinical trial to evaluate new ways to treat the disease.

Stress can have an adverse affect on various diseases, and stress reduction may play a role in managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

I wish there were an easy formula to improve your son’s health. but the treatment of Crohn’s disease can be complicated, and your son will need to work closely with his medical team.

Even when it seems like you’ve tried everything, there are likely to be more options to consider. Continue to seek effective treatment as well as support for yourself and your son. the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (ccfa.org) is a great resource. — David Bruining, M.D., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic

Send questions to medicaledge@mayo.edu or to Medical Edge From Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y., 14207.

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I've JUST started Yoga (Vinyasa). and was curious if it helps with any symptoms of Crohn's. anybody know? and if you do, how and why does it help?
thanks.

Acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga, massage, floatation therapy, and deep breathing are other treatment options that are therapeutic and have a positive effect on Crohn's disease.

As there is no permanent cure for this disease, treatment is usually directed at easing the patient’s symptoms and misery and battling any future complications. this is normally done by the doctors by performing periodical tests to find out the developments of the disease. this helps in anticipating, recognizing, subsequent treating and essentially preventing further complications. Antidiarrheal preparations help in reducing inflammatory flare ups in the intestine although anti-inflammatory medications are also given.

Some herbal and homeopathic preparations have been found to be highly successful in alleviating Crohn’s disease symptoms. Herbal and homeopathic remedies address the underlying cause of the illness and are aimed at restoring the body’s self-healing mechanism and reducing the inflammatory response. They can help to provide a supportive platform and restore harmony and equilibrium in the affected body systems. these remedies are specifically tailored to the patient’s needs, not the symptoms.

Some examples of herbal remedies used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease include Matricaria recutita, Filipendula ulmaria, Ulmus fulva and Sutherlandia frutescens. these or other herbs may be recommended alone or in combination – depending on individual needs– and can help to strengthen digestive health and address the problems associated with Crohn’s disease, without many of the side effects associated with the prescription drugs.

You may get additional details over here healthherbsandnutrition.com/r…

Through Public Television segments, LifeLine educates viewers on the key issues associated with this disease.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL, March 20, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ — The body’s immune system is designed to help protect the body from infection. However, with an autoimmune disorder called Crohn’s Disease, the immune system is unable to differentiate between normal body tissue and foreign substances. The response is an overactive immune response that leads to chronic inflammation.

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) typically found in the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and unintentional weight loss. Though there is no known cure, medical professionals are able to treat the symptoms. The cause of the disease is unknown though genetics seem to play a role in causing the disease.

The Public Television series, LifeLine, hopes to educate viewers on this chronic disease and the symptoms and factors leading to Crohn’s Disease. The series will highlight organizations and medical professionals dedicated to finding a cure.

*LifeLine and its programming are not affiliated with PBS. our programs are independently produced and distributed to Public Television affiliate stations nationwide.

LifeLine is a compelling series distributed to Public Television nationwide. Each program addresses the latest issues impacting society today. For more information, visit us online at lifelineps.com.

Zacks Equity Research, on Tuesday March 15, 2011, 8:15 am EDT

Given Imaging (NasdaqGS: GIVN – News), a producer of gastrointestinal products and a developer of capsule endoscopy, recently announced that the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) provided updated clearance for its PillCam SB video capsule, including a clearance to encourage its usage for checking lesions that may indicate Crohn’s disease.

The PillCam SB capsule has been marketed since 2001 for visualization of the small bowel mucosa. It can be employed as a tool for detecting abnormalities in the small bowel of adults and children above 2 years of age. The latest labeling is an outcome of the sizeable body of clinical information backing the use of PillCam capsule endoscopy for visualization of lesions arising from a number of indications, including Iron Deficiency Anemia, Crohn’s disease and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic condition, leads to inflammation of the lining of the wall of the small intestine. It is accompanied by symptoms such as stomach ache, diarrhea, loss of weight and bleeding of the rectum. Approximately one-half of the cases of Crohn’s disease are detected in the final portion of the small intestine. It is estimated that the condition afflicts half a million Americans.

there is no cure for the disease whose cause is largely unknown; but according to a popular theory, the immune system reacts to a bacterium or virus that causes the inflammation.              

Iron Deficiency Anemia is a frequently occurring form of anemia where the victim is short of sufficient healthy red blood cells. The body’s capability to carry oxygen is impacted by the shortage of iron in the blood thereby causing weakness, tiredness, lightheadedness and irritability. Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is marked by bleeding from the digestive tract. The source of bleeding is often unknown and there are many potential causes.

The PillCam capsules are small video cameras that are ingested by patients. The PillCam SB video capsule, which is frequently used for small bowel evaluation, weighs under 4 grams. The second generation PillCam SB 2 includes an imaging device and source of light. It is capable of transmitting two images every second to generate over 50,000 images during a procedure.     

given Imaging promotes gastrointestinal visualization by manufacturing patient-friendly tools based on its PillCam Platform. The PillCam Colon, which is an investigational device, is intended to visualize the colon. other capsule products from the company include Agile patency capsule, to establish intestinal patency, and Bravo, which is the only commercially available, catheter-free, wireless, 48-hour pH test, for pH testing to measure gastroesophageal reflux disease.

given Imaging took over Sierra Scientific Instruments in April 2010. The company is headquartered in Yoqneam, Israel with operations in different regions of the globe. given Imaging faces competition from other existing know how for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. its main competitors include General Electric Healthcare Systems, a unit of General Electric co. (NYSE: GE – News), Siemens Medical Solutions, a division of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI – News), and Philips Medical Systems ltd, a unit of Philips (NYSE: PHG – News). 

SIEMENS a G (SI): Read the full Research Report

KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRN (PHG): Read the full Research Report

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO (GE): Read the full Research Report

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In Focus: Teenager describes life with Crohn’s Disease

12:00pm Thursday 17th February 2011

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A BURNHAM teenager has this week given a compelling account of her life with Crohn’s Disease.

Rebecca Stevenson, aged 18, was diagnosed with the inflammatory bowel disease last August – the same day the former King Alfred student picked up her A-level results.

Here, she describes how she has coped living with the disease since that day: “Despite being something I feared, a clear diagnosis gave me peace of mind.

My symptoms were extremely prominent because my increased lack of appetite led me to lose three stone within a relatively short amount of time. I also suffered from acute abdominal pain – perhaps the most predominant symptom for sufferers.

Crohn’s Disease can also affect the sufferer mentally. I suffered constant fatigue and in turn became a shadow of my former bubbly self.

The nature and severity of these symptoms varies from person to person so each sufferer can document a different experience.

In order to diagnose Crohn’s Disease, patients typically have to undergo a colonoscopy. This basically involves the insertion of a small fishing rod type camera up your bottom to unearth the infected areas.

It wasn’t exactly my idea of a dream photo shoot so my consultant kindly offered alternatives that made me feel a lot more comfortable. Thankfully, I was able to get a diagnosis through undergoing a couple of MRI scans.

The thought of lying in a loud claustrophobic machine really worried me but the radiographers calmed me and kept me informed throughout.

These tests were extremely useful in the fact that they illustrated 30cm of inflammation within my small intestine – making it clear to them that it was active Crohn’s Disease.

My diagnosis took a weight off my mind but I still felt scared, confused and upset that I had a life-long illness to educate myself about and deal with.

despite the ongoing research, it’s still known as an idiopathic disease. This means that there is still no definitive factor when describing its sole cause.

many researchers theorise that it’s the fault of the immune system. they believe that the immune system accidentally treats good bacteria like it would a foreign body. This interference then prompts the white blood cells to gather in one area of the body therefore resulting in an inflammation.

they also believe that Crohn’s may be hereditary and may also be influenced by the environment.

I’ll be receiving treatment in its various forms for the rest of my life. This will involve ongoing medication, a possible operation to remove the infected area, blood tests and routine checks for colon cancer. however, despite all this Crohn’s patients can ultimately lead a normal and fulfilling life for the most part.

This is because Crohn’s isn’t known as a ‘constant disease’. It’s characterised by flare-ups followed by varying periods of remission.

I’ve been lucky enough to have not really felt the full affects of a flare-up just yet. by reducing my stress levels and eating little and often I can limit the probability.

I’ve been living with my diagnosis for six months so I’ve now come to terms with my medication and fortnightly blood tests. I’ve also met a couple of people that suffer from the same disease, which has given me the support I needed and has helped me to regain the self-confidence that I lost.

I also occasionally see a dietician for advice on how to get my body back to its full strength following my dramatic weight loss. It’s been an extremely tough time psychically and mentally but I know that I’ve got a huge support system around me for when things do flare up.

I urge anyone who has been feeling unwell with similar symptoms to book themselves in for a routine blood test. I dragged it out for far too long and now have to live with a stronger disease as a consequence. It really is better to be safe than sorry.

Whilst my condition isn’t curable, it is treatable and in my opinion that fact alone gives me a lot to live and be thankful for.”

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The symptoms of Crohn’s disease may include:

Bowel obstructions; ulcers; abscesses; perforations of the intestinal walls; anemia; malnutrition; high white cell count signifying an infection; scar tissue narrowing the passages; growth retardation in children; inflammation in the eyes or mouth; kidney stones; gallstones; diseases of the liver and biliary system; fever; failure to absorb iron and folic acid; vomiting; night sweats; mouth ulcers; migraine headaches, severe abdominal pain; sudden weight gain or weight loss; erratic mood swings; indescribable pain; crippling gout; gouty arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; swelling of the joints and hands; loss of use of the fingers and toes; pain in the muscles; acute tendinitis; bursitis; passing blood in the urine and stool; frequent uric stones caused by medicine; a change in body odor; heartburn; constant nausea; constipation; diarrhea; smelly bowel movements; five to six bowel movements a day; undigested food in the stool; cloudy urine (frequently caused by prescription medicine and supplements); distorted vision; eye conditions that can occur include conjunctivitis, episcleritis, uveitis, and iritis; severe facial rashes; abdominal rashes; swelling of the sclera; a highly acidic perspiration; severe lower back pain; sleep deprivation; inability to physically exercise; impaired driving; short term memory loss; and/or the inability to perform even simple chores.

The range and frequency of these symptoms vary. for some people, symptoms are severe and can be debilitating, while just a few enjoy long bouts of remission in which their symptoms are mild to moderate. Generally, people with Crohn’s disease suffer daily and even more so at night.

This is an excerpt from Arthritis, Inflammation, Gout, Crohn’s, IBD and IBS.

My ex husband is saying he has stage 4 Crohn's Disease…I have looked everywhere and can't find anything over stages of this disease…I guess either you have it or you don't…Cancer has stages not this disease from what I see…Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong…I want to know when you have this disease….what can you physically not do and so on because…he won't pay child support and I'm taking him to court…I have proof the he goes shopping all the time and even hand washed three cars by hand…I was told he's filing for disability…Yeah he sounds real sick…So please anything at all you know about this disease will be much appreciated…Thank you

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. it can cause inflammation in the digestive tract leading to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition. There is no known cure but with therapy a person can function well.

There are three categories of disease presentation in Crohn's disease: stricturing, penetrating, and inflammatory.
* Stage 1- Mild to Moderate Crohn's Disease.
* Stage 2- Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease.
* Stage 3- Severe Crohn's Disease.
No other mention is made in the medical literature regarding Stage 4.

dear Dr. Gott: my 19-year-old grandson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease two years ago. he has taken every medication I can imagine, including Humira injections into his stomach. At present, he is taking hyoscyamine and Apriso plus pain medication when it gets too severe. he has been to the hospital at least 15 times in the past two years and has seen at least six different doctors. we hope that you can help us. please.

dear Reader: Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While there is no cure, today’s treatments can greatly reduce symptoms and may lead to long-term remission.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, reduced appetite, weight loss, ulcers and blood in the stool. Those with severe Crohn’s, may also experience inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, arthritis, fever, fatigue, skin disorders and eye inflammation. Complications include bowel obstruction, malnutrition, anal fissures, ulcers, fistulas (an abnormal connection between different parts of the intestine). there is also an increased risk of colon cancer; however, the majority of sufferers never develop it.

Several types of treatment are available. The first type is anti-inflammatory drugs, such as the Apriso (mesalamine) as well as azulfidine and corticosteroids. Immune-system suppressors are also used, and Humira (adalimumab) is one. Antibiotics may be helpful in treating ulcers, abscesses and fistulas. Re-

searchers believe that antibiotics will reduce levels of harmful bacteria within the intestine, as well as suppress its immune system.

Commonly used medications include pain relievers, antidiarrheals, iron supplements, laxatives, vitamin B12 injections, calcium and vitamin D, and/or special diets, such as nutrients introduced directly into the veins, which can bypass the stomach and intestine.

If diet, lifestyle changes, medication and other treatment fail to relieve symptoms, surgery to remove a damaged portion, close fistulas or remove scar tissue may be recommended. At best, surgery can provide years of remission, but it will be temporary. nearly three-quarters of patients who undergo surgery will experience recurrence, with approximately half of them requiring a second procedure or more.

Write to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10016.