Gastro forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright It had been known, from early in the history of microbiology, that the gut of humans and other animals is inhabited by microbial species, mostly bacteria and fungi. Louis Pasteur expressed his views to the French Academy of Sciences in 1885 on the [...]
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Diverticulitis or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Gastro forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright “Doctor, I have that pain on my left-hand side again and I have been eating tomatoes. It must be my diverticulitis. Do I need an antibiotic?” Diverticular disease is a common condition. However, diverticulitis, i.e. inflammation of the diverticula is very much rarer. [...]
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Acid Reflux Disease: Clinical Challenges
Dr Chris Kassianides, Physician/Gastroenterologist in private practice at Mediclinic Morningside Extra-oesophageal reflux disease is an increasingly recognised complication of acid reflux disease presenting with a variety of symptomatic manifestations. In view of the increased morbidity and lack of understanding, a nationwide series of symposia were recently held with the assistance of a generous educational grant from a [...]
Pathology of Reflux Oesophagitis
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is very common. Estimates based on the assumption that reflux-like symptoms are the indicator of the disease suggest a prevalence of 20%-40%. Clinical features Typical reflux symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation. Slowly progressive dysphagia may suggest a complication, such as a peptic stricture. Extra-oesophageal manifestations include asthma, hoarseness and chronic cough. [...]
Managing the Deteriorating Patient with Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Gastro forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright One of the nightmares in gastroenterology is the rapidly deteriorating patient with a severe attack of ulcerative colitis. The speed with which a patient can deteriorate can shock both physician and patient. The patient’s family can only look on in horror as their [...]
Should Probiotics be Used in IBD?
Gastro forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright Probiotics are a group of nonpathogenic bacteria that are functionally and genetically defined by their ability to reduce inflammation in the intestine. Many probiotic strains have been used for various medicinal purposes, however only recently have they been considered as potential mainstream therapies. [...]
There is More to Heartburn than Acid
Gastro forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright For most people a burning sensation radiating up into the chest from the epigastrium is usually recognised as being due to acid reflux and the natural reflex is to grab for an alkaline such as milk or antacids. Characteristically, this brings rapid relief [...]
Grasping the Nuances of Paediatric GORD
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) affects both adults and children in a similar manner in relation to its mechanism of action and, to a lesser extent, its complications. However, its presentation and definition tends to vary between the two age groups. Unraveling physiological reflux According to Dr Benjamin Gold, paediatric gastroenterologist at the Children’s Centre for Digestive [...]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Why me? Why now?
Gastro forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright In the past 50 years, much epidemiological information has been gathered about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, many questions still remain regarding the condition. Observations consistently show that IBD is more common in Scandinavia and the UK than around the Mediterranean. It is [...]
Heartburn, Normal Endoscopy – What Next?
Gastro Forum authors: Prof Reid Ally, Dr Keith Pettengell and Dr John Wright Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is becoming an increasingly common clinical problem. The current prevalence is estimated to be between 10% and 20% in western countries and 5% in Asia. Consultation rates have been estimated at only 20%-40% of sufferers, as the majority self-medicate. [...]
