Digestive Health News

1.5 million kids die from diarrhoea

Diarrhoea still claims the lives of 1.5 million children under the age of five a year, UN agencies warned recently, as they launched a new campaign against the ailment.

Air pollution tied to appendicitis

Short-term exposure to air pollution could trigger appendicitis in adults, possibly because pollutants cause inflammatory responses, according to a Canadian study.

Gluten allergy boosts death risk

The risks of gluten allergies have been underestimated, according to a study that found increased mortality rates among people with coeliac disease.

Sugar bug may treat bowel disease

A genetically modified bacterium that turns into a drug-delivery vehicle in the presence of a type of sugar may offer a new way to treat bowel disease, scientists have said.

Vinegar no magic bullet

We've long loved to think that vinegar is a weight loss weapon. Now a new study suggests there's something in that.

Virtual colonoscopy gentler

So-called virtual colonoscopies detect tumours and pre-cancerous lesions almost as well as standard colonoscopies using a camera threaded through the colon.

Heartburn meds, hip fractures link

Even short-term use of popular acid-reducing heartburn drugs may raise the risk of hip fractures, US researchers said.

Celiacs can eat gluten: study

Researchers in the Netherlands have made a startling suggestion: children with celiac disease might not need to start a gluten-free diet until they begin to develop symptoms.

Prune juice not necessary

If you hate prune juice and chalky fibre supplements, just sit down and relax. Help is on the way.

New IBS guidelines released

A leading organisation of gastroenterologists has released new guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).