IBS Potentially Linked to Migraine and Tension Headaches
Migraine and tension headaches could share some genetic links with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to recent study results presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Vancouver, Canada.
Migraine and tension headaches could share some genetic links with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to recent study results presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Vancouver, Canada.
The study analyzed data on 107 patients with episodic migraine, 53 with tension-type headache, 107 with IBS, and 53 without any of these conditions. After examining the migraine and tension headache participants for IBS symptoms and asking the participants with IBS about headaches, the researchers found that 54% of the migraine group and 28% of those in the tension headache group also had IBS and that of the patients with IBS, 38% also had migraine and 24%, tension headache. The research team also looked at the participants’ serotonin transporter gene and the serotonin receptor 2A gene, finding that patients in the IBS, migraine, and tension headache groups had at least 1 gene that differed from those of the healthy participants.
“Since headache and irritable bowel syndrome are such common conditions, and causes for both are unknown, discovering a possible link that could shed light on shared genetics of the conditions is encouraging,” said study author Derya Uluduz, MD, in a press release. “Further studies are needed to explore this possible link. Discovering shared genes may lead to more future treatment strategies for these chronic conditions.”
Knock Out Aches and Pains From Cold
October 30th 2019The symptoms associated with colds, most commonly congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats, are the body's response when a virus exerts its effects on the immune system. Cold symptoms peak at about 1 to 2 days and last 7 to 10 days but can last up to 3 weeks.
COPD: Should a Clinician Treat or Refer?
October 27th 2019The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines the condition as follows: “COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases.â€
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Is Preventable With Proper Treatment
October 24th 2019Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease account for a large portion of the $3.3 trillion annual US health care expenditures. In fact, 90% of these expenditures are due to chronic conditions. About 23 million people in the United States have diabetes, 7 million have undiagnosed diabetes, and 83 million have prediabetes.
What Are the Latest Influenza Vaccine Recommendations?
October 21st 2019Clinicians should recommend routine yearly influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months or older who has no contraindications for the 2019-2020 influenza season starting at the end of October, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
What Is the Best Way to Treat Pharyngitis?
October 18th 2019There are many different causes of throat discomfort, but patients commonly associate a sore throat with an infection and may think that they need antibiotics. This unfortunately leads to unnecessary antibiotic prescribing when clinicians do not apply evidence-based practice.
