Chandler and Gilbert, Ariz. – nearly 20 percent of U.S. adults have symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed by doctors. April is IBS awareness month and Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, Dignity Health members, have gastroenterologists who specialize in the field of digestive and liver disorders.

IBS affects the large intestine causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. “Although symptoms may be uncomfortable, they do not cause permanent damage to the colon and can be controlled over time,” says Dr. Nelson H. Lim M.D., a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with privileges at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), IBS is not a disease but a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder.  This means that IBS symptoms are caused by changes in how the GI tract works.

“The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but food, emotional stress and hormones are just a few factors that can affect IBS symptoms,” adds Dr. Lim. he adds that a person with IBS may have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual. “Sensitivity causes spasms after stimulation by things such as certain foods or medications. Milk, chocolate and alcohol might cause constipation or diarrhea, while carbonated beverages and some fruits and vegetables may lead to bloating and discomfort. Stressful events can worsen or aggravate symptoms, but it does not cause them.”

IBS usually begins before the age of 35 and is typically seen before the age of 50.  Women and those with a family history of IBS are the most at risk for developing the syndrome.  Since women are more likely to have IBS, many of them find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual cycle.

Managing a healthy diet, lifestyle and stress can help control IBS symptoms. Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers’ doctors work with each patient to determine the best course of treatment, which may include performing a medical screening, or a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.  Because other disease processes may manifest with similar warning signs, it’s important to discuss symptoms with a primary doctor or gastroenterologist.   

Medical exams such as a stool test or a colonoscopy are used to diagnose IBS. Doctors at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center use the Third Eye® Retroscope® during colonoscopy procedures. The Third Eye® Retroscope® is a new imaging device that provides a way to visualize hidden areas by acting as a “rear view mirror” to visualize blind spots, allowing doctors see more of the colon than ever before. Chandler Regional Medical Center will soon add the Third Eye® Retroscope® technology to their suite of diagnostic tools as well.   

To find a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal disorders, please call ResourceLink at 480.728.5414 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. you need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

Chandler Regional Medical Center is located at 1955 W. Frye rd. (corner of Dobson and Frye Roads) in Chandler.  Chandler Regional is a 243-bed, acute-care, not-for-profit provider of emergency care, family birth services, comprehensive stroke services, gastroenterology, cardiovascular services, wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cancer treatment, neurosciences, orthopedics, general surgery and diagnostic services.     

For more information, please visit ChandlerRegional.org or call (480) 728-3000. Chandler Regional is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). for information on doctor referrals, community classes or support groups, please contact ResourceLink toll-free at (480) 728-5414.   

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is located at the intersection of Val Vista Drive and Loop 202 (south of Pecos Road and east of Val Vista Drive). Mercy Gilbert is a 212-bed, acute-care, not-for-profit provider of emergency care, family birth services, diabetes management, comprehensive stroke services, gastroenterology, sleep studies, neurosciences, orthopedics, general surgery and diagnostic services. for more information, please visit MercyGilbert.org or call (480) 728-8000. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). for information on physician referrals or community classes and support groups, please contact ResourceLink toll-free at (480) 728-5414.   

Dignity Health, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., provides integrated, patient and family centered care. It is the fifth largest health system in the country with 10,000 physicians and 55,000 employees across Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Through its network of more than 150 ancillary care sites and 40 acute care hospitals, Dignity Health is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. In 2011, Dignity Health provided $1.4 billion in charity care, community benefit and unreimbursed patient care. for more information, please visit our website at DignityHealth.org.

To comment on this article and others, please visit: Facebook.com/SanTanValleyNEWS or send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. you need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 15, 2011 in Cancer Symptoms

Stomach cancer signs are asymptomatic or remain latent in the initial stage of the ailment. They also mimic the symptoms of other complications of this organ like gastric ulcer, stomach virus and tropical sprue.

As a result, in 80-90 percent diagnosed cases, the ailment is found to be in advanced stage. Owing to this reason, it has very prognosis. The standard treatments prove completely ineffective in treating the cancer.

National Cancer Institute reported 21,000 cases of gastric neoplasm in the United States in 2010. 10,570 people died owing to this disease. Awareness of the symptoms increases the chances of commencing the treatments early. This article tries to gain further insight on the subject.

TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors (TNM) of cancer staging is used to divide the severity of this ailment. Stomach cancer signs are classified according to these stages. They are:

Stage 1 or Early Gastric Cancer Signs:

• Irritation
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Discomfort in the abdomen

Stage 2 or Middle Gastric Cancer Signs:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Bloating of the stomach especially after the meals

Stage 3 or Late Gastric Cancer Signs:

How the Gastric Cancer Signs are Diagnosed?Some of the tools and tests used to find the signs of neoplasm in stomach are:

• Knowing the medical history of the patient
• Physical examination
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract radiography
• Biopsy with histological analysis – the most definite test for confirming the ailment
• Computer tomography of the abdomen
• Stool test
• Gastrolscopic exam – Viewing the inside of the stomach by inserting a camera-attached flexible tube
• Optical coherence tomography – Method involving acquisition and processing of the optical signals

Conclusion: further research is underway to find specific bio-markers which can confirm the presence of the stomach cancer signs as early as possible.

For the people who humour from the puzzling symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or the debilitating symptoms of Crohns Disease the subject “Is there a cure?” weighs heavily on their lives.  the disappointment that results from vital with this non-exclusive seizure serves to devalue the never finale symptoms.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s sufferers go on to conflict the seizure while researchers poke for causes and cures.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) report Crohn’s as “Crohn’s mildew is a ongoing (ongoing) commotion that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. although it can engage any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, it most ordinarily affects the small intestine and/or colon.”

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is described as “a organisation of symptoms, of different cause, characterized by unexplained fatigue, weakness, flesh pain, feeling poorly, difficulty thinking, and sometimes, heat and/or lymph node swelling.”

There is now no heal for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Chron’s Disease.  There is no sorcery pill, no immunization, and no remedy that can absolved sufferers of the debilitating symptoms of CFS and CD.  however, people who humour from CFS and CD can successfully conduct their symptoms.  using stream interventions together with medication medications, pick therapies, and a extensive nutritive plan, CFS and CD patients can find relief.

Upon reception a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Crohns Disease, the studious is suggested to find as much report as probable from stream and creditable sources.  Because little is still well known about CFS and CD, report is singular but available.  Reliance on sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and the healing investigate departments of vast universities will produce the best information.  CFS and CD patients are suggested to beware of impostor treatments or any one charity a “cure”.  Armed with information, the CFS case can support in creation the most viable choices for his or her diagnosis plan.

A in accord with diagnosis devise should embody a multiple of therapies.  By deliberating a devise with a efficient healing professional, the studious can support in building the best devise for him or her.  a healing veteran might allot medication drug that might assuage the consistent tired or abdominal pang that accompanies CFS and CD.  In further to medication medications, looking the benefit of a nutritionist will support in handling the illness.  It is usual believe that a good diet can support in recuperating successfully from many illnesses – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohns are no exception.  a in accord with nutritive devise might not only embody a diet of total foods, but might also embody nutritive supplements.  Additionally, the CFS and Crohns case might find service with the benefit of pick therapies.  Hypnosis, yoga, rub the body and other forms of decrease can yield much indispensable service from symptoms.

Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohns cannot nonetheless be cured, sufferers can successfully conduct their seizure using a multi-pronged diagnosis approach.  Being between some of the most formidable illnesses to conduct Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease government involves several vital lifestyle changes.  Commitment to these lifestyle changes might well be the pass to ending, or at least, minimizing the suffering.

dFlix Health & Healthy Tips

Tweet This Post Facebook