Jennifer Thompson

IBD-vs.-IBS-Symptoms-Similarities-Differences
IBD vs IBS: Symptoms, Similarities, & Differences

People often confuse two common but different conditions: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD and IBS can affect the esophagus, stomach, and intestines and both result in gastrointestinal discomfort. However, they differ in their underlying causes and severity. How can you tell the difference between IBD and IBS? IBD involves inflammation…

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How is IBS Diagnosed
How is IBS diagnosed? Symptoms, Tests, & Treatment Options

Irritable bowel syndrome (also called IBS) is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that impacts the large intestine, causing abdominal discomfort, abdominal bloating, and abnormal bowel habits. How would a doctor diagnose IBS? A doctor can diagnose IBS using the Rome criteria, which dictates that a patient has to exhibit recurring abdominal pain for six…

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Cystitis vs UTI
Interstitial Cystitis vs. UTI: 7 Ways to Tell the Difference

Interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections are frequently confused with one another.  Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. The cause of cystitis may be bacterial infection or chronic inflammation. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a UTI, but there are other underlying causes that may lead to cystitis. UTI-caused cystitis…

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bladder spasms
Bladder Spasms: Signs, Causes, Treatments, & Prevention

Bladder spasms, or “detrusor contractions,” occur when the muscles of your bladder contract suddenly, causing an urgent need to urinate. When you have a bladder spasm, you may experience urine leakage and a burning sensation when urine is released. Urine leakage is called incontinence and is most likely caused by a condition known as “overactive…

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A Gut-Friendly Guide to Drinking Coffee With IBS
A Gut-Friendly Guide to Drinking Coffee With IBS

Drinking coffee may exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, but just the right amount of coffee may actually reduce the risk for IBS, according to new research. Is there a cure for IBS? There is no conventional cure for IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant) or IBS-C (constipation-predominant), meaning there’s not a pill or injection that will reverse it…

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Are Colon Cleanses Good for Gut Health Potential Dangers & Benefits
Are Colon Cleanses Good for Gut Health? Potential Dangers & Benefits

Colon cleanses may be good for your gut health by helping with constipation, preparing for a successful colonoscopy, and clearing out toxins. However, scientific evidence doesn’t support many of colon cleansing’s purported benefits. Repeated or unnecessary colon cleanses may actually be damaging to your colon health and IBS symptoms. There are safer, more effective treatment…

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Stomach Growling
Stomach Growling? Why It Happens + 11 Tips To Stop It

The audible noise you hear from your belly, scientifically known as borborygmus, is a result of food, liquid, or gas making its way through your stomach and small intestine. These borborygmi are frequently accompanied by additional signs such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Many people experience a growling stomach from time to time. Your body…

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