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In an observational study, the use of Famotidine (Pepcid) was associated with a lower incidence of mortality, a lower chance of intubation, and lower inflammatory markers. The reason for this association is unclear. Famotidine inhibits histamine release which is found in most tissue. The release of histamine causes a cascade of other inflammatory cytokines and […]

Non-alcoholic liver disease (NALD) refers to a range of liver conditions that affect people who consume little to no alcohol. It is characterized by an increase in fat accumulation in the liver without a significant alcohol presence. NALD is associated with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This disease is present in at least 80% […]

Colorectal Cancer is the second most common cancer. If diagnosed earlier, the cancer is curable with colonoscopy or surgical resection. However, once the tumor has spread to regional lymph nodes, liver or lung life expectancy is reduced. Several options are available for colon cancer screening. The stool testing for guaiac has largely been replaced by […]

With effective treatment of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B, fatty liver is now the most common cause of liver disease in the US. Although it has no clear cause, fatty liver is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, heart disease, and elevated cholesterol. Certain ethnic groups, especially Hispanics, have a higher prevalence of fatty liver.  […]

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal disease. It is estimated that 100,000 cases of CRC are diagnosed in the US annually. Approximately 53,000 Americans are expected to die of CRC every year. Although the mortality rate of CRC is decreasing, it remains the third most common cause of cancer-related death in women and […]

Chronic Ulcerative Colitis (CUC) is an inflammatory disease involving the distal colon, although it may extend to involve the entire colon. CUC is characterized by diarrhea commonly associated with rectal bleeding and colicky abdominal pain. Urgency is severe and involves the entire colon; colonic dilation may occur, resulting in perforation. Any type of bloody diarrhea […]

With the national obesity epidemic, bariatric surgery is commonly performed. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery require lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation. Consultation with a GI specialist regarding malabsorption of vitamins and minerals will prevent the development of these complications. After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), a long portion of the proximal small bowel is bypassed. […]

Helicobacter Pylori Infection (H Pylori) is the most prevalent chronic bacterial infection. This infection is associated with chronic stomach inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulceration, and stomach atrophy. Having this infection increases your risk of developing gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma (M A L T). H pylori is often diagnosed by upper endoscopy by a GI […]