595 Digestive Distress

With 30 feet of digestive tract coiled up inside us, it’s no wonder we experience trouble with it sometimes. But for some people, the issues are particularly serious. Inflammatory bowel disease can be life threatening. What causes it, and how is it controlled? What is the difference between this disease called IBD and the common, uncomfortable, but much less serious problem called IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Many people suffer from acid reflux, which used to be called heartburn. We’ll find out about the best treatment, and the disadvantages of the most popular drugs, like Nexium or Protonix.
We also learn how to cope with ulcers or other sources of bellyaches.
Guests: Mark Pochapin, MD, is the Director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Jane Onken, MD, MHS, is the Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic at the Duke University Medical Center.