Heartburn Drugs Again Tied to Fatal Risks

THURSDAY, June 6, 2019 -- People who use common heartburn drugs for months to years may face heightened risks of dying from heart disease, kidney failure or stomach cancer, a new study suggests.

The study included more than 200,000 U.S. veterans. It's the latest to raise concerns over drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They include prescription and over-the-counter drugs like Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole). And they rank among the top-selling medications in the United States.

Could You Have a Sensitive Gut?

WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2019 -- If you've ever wondered why emotional distress causes stomach cramps or a mad dash to the bathroom, know that there's a direct line of communication that runs from your brain to your digestive tract.

It's called the enteric nervous system, and it can have a powerful effect.

Swallowed Batteries Should Be Removed to Avoid Stomach Damage: Study

SATURDAY, May 18, 2019 -- Doctors might want to be more aggressive about treating children who swallow a button battery and appear to be out of danger, a preliminary study suggests.

The small, round batteries -- found in everything from watches to remote controls to toys -- have become an increasingly common cause of young children's trips to the emergency room.

Colon Cancer Increasingly Striking the Young Worldwide

FRIDAY, May 17, 2019 -- The rise in colon cases among younger adults that's been seen in the United States is also occurring in wealthier nations worldwide, new research shows.

In the decade leading up to 2014, the number of cases of colon cancer among people under 50 increased by 3% a year in Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, and by 1% per year in Britain.

Does Removing Your Appendix Put You at Risk for Parkinson's?

THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 -- It's a connection few have probably considered, but new research suggests that having your appendix removed may up your risk for Parkinson's disease down the road.

The finding follows an analysis that examined health records for roughly 62 million patients. Of these, about 488,000 had an appendectomy. Among those who had the surgery, just under 1% developed the progressive nervous system disorder later.