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Ask an Expert
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
In the past I've take steroids for my irritable bowel syndrome, but since I've stopped, my IBS has returned. What are your thoughts on long-term steroid use for IBS?
It would be most important to distinguish your problem by its full diagnostic name. You refer to "IBS", which stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Steroids are rarely used for this condition. If the letters are... continue reading about In the past I've take steroids for my irritable bowel syndrome, but since I've stopped, my IBS has returned. What are your thoughts on long-term steroid use for IBS?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?
It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet ex... continue reading about My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
From 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium is recommended every day during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, you will need to look for other good sources of calcium, such as legumes (starchy beans), dark green vege... continue reading about I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
Vinod K. Kurupath, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and I may be a candidate for an endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of this procedure?
In conventional endoscopy, the gastroenterologist can only view the innermost lining of the digestive tract. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows a doctor to look at more than the inner layers of the gastrointest... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and I may be a candidate for an endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of this procedure?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?
About 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids, which are veins in the rectum and anus that swell and can itch and bleed. Some hemorrhoids get small blood clots (thromboses) and these are exquisitely painfu... continue reading about I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?
Karen Pantazis, M.D.
Sutter Amador Hospital
I have severe bloating from taking pain medication. Is this normal?
I would need to know more about what symptoms are being described as "bloating". If it is referring to constipation or an expanding abdomen, yes - many pain medications, especially opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodo... continue reading about I have severe bloating from taking pain medication. Is this normal?
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Taking care of your GERD is like calming your inner volcano. Let's get that stomach acid eruption under better control! Even though you can't link your symptoms with specific foods, it may be time to take a loo... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Sanjeev Tummala, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What causes this and can this condition be reversed?
A functioning liver is vital to human life. Your liver filters harmful substances out of your blood and converts the food you eat into nutrients your body uses. A liver with too much fat - over 5 to 10 percent ... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What causes this and can this condition be reversed?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm a senior citizen in good health. I stopped taking estrogen two months ago. Within 10 days I started having soft, gray colored stools and gas. A recent colonoscopy test was normal. I don't eat dairy products. Could stopping estrogen be the cause?
Estrogen, or the withdrawal of estrogen, is not known to change stool or bowel habits as described. That said, I think of estrogen as all-powerful. Anything is possible. One way to know would be to go back on e... continue reading about I'm a senior citizen in good health. I stopped taking estrogen two months ago. Within 10 days I started having soft, gray colored stools and gas. A recent colonoscopy test was normal. I don't eat dairy products. Could stopping estrogen be the cause?
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