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Home > Resources > FAQ

FAQ

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy?

The difference between colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy is related to which parts of the colon each can examine. Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to view only the lower part of the colon, while colonoscopy allows doctors to view both the upper and lower sections.  Recent research suggests that colonoscopy is superior to flexible sigmoidoscopy as a colon cancer screening method.

 
My son has Type I diabetes. I have heard that this may put him at increased risk for developing celiac disease. What I can do to reduce his risk of developing celiac disease? What risk(s ) should be aware of as a diabetic living with celiac disease?
Yes there it is recognized that there is an increased risk of celiac disease associated with those living with Type I diabetes. There is likely a genetic basis and hence it is improbable that there is anything you can do to decrease the risk. A serology blood test (tissue transglutaminase antibody) is very useful to screen for celiac disease and if the test is positive a endoscopic duodenal biopsies should be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and assess any damaged to the villi that may have already occurred. Once diagnosed with celiac disease, following a strict gluten free diet for life is recommended to prevent the risk of malabsorption and the development of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) complicating the management of your son’s diabetes.
 
What is the appropriate diet for someone who has pancreatitis?

The majority of pancreatitis is due to alcohol or gallstones. There are less common causes which require appropriate investigations by a specialist. Avoiding alcohol is extremely important for anyone with pancreatitis.

Below are diet recommendations to adhere to following an episode of pancreatitis:

  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat low fat meals - but keep a well balanced diet
  • Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids to keep well hydrated

Additional recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle include:

  • Eating well balanced meals at least 3 per day
  • Being sure to adhere to a high fibre diet
  • Including calcium in your diet
  • Choosing meals low in saturated fats
  • Aiming for a healthy weight (BMI 20-25). Note: rapid changes in weight (increase or decrease) can cause stone formation so be sure to make modifications in your weight gradually.
 
My symptoms are frequent diarrhea with undigested food in stool. What would cause this?

Diarrhea is a symptom that can result from many different causes. You would be wise to see your doctor. Below are some questions you may be asked by your doctor are:

  • How long have you had this problem?
  • Where you have traveled in the recent past?
  • Were you taking antibiotics before the onset of the diarrhea?
  • Has a new medication been prescribed for you? If so, what and when?
  • What other symptoms are you experiencing? (ie. bleeding, weight loss)

The answers to these questions will help your doctor decide whether you need to be referred to a specialist for further investigation. You may need to have routine blood work done as well as stool tests for bacterial cultures looking for parasites and a special bacterial infection called Clostridium difficile.

 
Do you recommend colon hydrotherapy or enemas in support of colon health?
There is no scientific basis that colonic hydrotherapy or enemas benefit a person's health. On the contrary, if a person has undiagnosed colonic symptoms and tries this approach, it can be associated with significant adverse consequences in the presence of underlying disease.
 
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  • FAQ
    • Barrett's Esophagus
    • Celiac Disease
    • Colon Cancer
    • Constipation
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Diarrhea
    • Diverticular Disease
    • Dyspepsia
    • Esophageal Cancer
    • Gastric Ulcer
    • GERD
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    • Lactose Intolerance
    • Liver Disease
    • Pancreatitis
    • Peptic Ulcer
    • Ulcerative Colitis


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© 2012 Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.
There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.