Recurring Intestinal Infections on the Rise in U.S.: Study

FRIDAY, July 7, 2017 -- Recurring Clostridium difficile intestinal infections are rising sharply in the United States, researchers warn.

These infections sicken about 500,000 people a year, cause tens of thousands of deaths, and cost the U.S. health care system about $5 billion, according to investigators at the University of Pennsylvania.

$100 Sweetens the Pot for a Colonoscopy

TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 -- It appears that $100 might go a long way toward convincing someone to get a colonoscopy.

New research found that such a cash incentive doubled the chances that older adults were screened for colon cancer.

Country Kids Less Likely to Develop Bowel Disease Than Their City Cousins

MONDAY, July 31, 2017 -- People in rural areas may be less likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than those in cities, Canadian researchers report.

"Our findings show that children, particularly those under the age of 10, experience a protective effect against IBD if they live in a rural household," said study author Dr. Eric Benchimol.

Easier Colon Exam Boosts Screening, But Insurers May Not Pay

TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 -- People with insurance that covers virtual colonoscopy are nearly 50 percent more likely to get screened for colon cancer, a new study shows.

Scientists Spot Genes Behind Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis

THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 -- Researchers say they've come closer to pinpointing genes linked with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.

For the study, the investigators examined the genomes of nearly 68,000 people. Of the regions of the genome associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 18 could be traced to a single genetic variant with more than 95 percent certainty.

Can Your Heartburn Meds Shorten Your Life?

MONDAY, July 3, 2017 -- Popular heartburn medications like Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid may increase your risk of early death when taken for extended periods, a new study suggests.

Further, the longer you take these drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the greater your risk of early death, said senior researcher Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly. He is a kidney specialist and assistant professor of medicine with the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis.