Tag: Asthma

The Gut-Lung Connection

katejohnsonmednews1 Comment

How Respiratory Disease is Informing Gastrointestinal Research

June 3, 2010

By Kate Johnson

For a gastroenterologist, Nicholas Talley takes an unusual interest in his patients’ respiratory symptoms. He also considers their dermatologic history a vital part of his work-up. As professor and chair of internal medicine at Jacksonville’s Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Dr. Talley is refreshingly willing to step outside of his field of specialty to gather clues and gain insight into the roots of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

In a recent issue of Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, he and his colleagues shared their observations about the common co-occurrence of certain gut and lung disorders, suggesting complaints from both ends might share the same cause and perhaps, in the future, might also share one treatment.

In fact, now that spring has sprung, if you suspect that asthma and allergies may also be upsetting your stomach, Dr. Talley believes you may be right.Read More »

Swine Flu – Getting a Grassroots Grip

katejohnsonmednewsLeave a comment

By Kate Johnson

As headlines flicker and experts bicker over the science, politics and economics of swine flu policies, let’s not forget that we, the populus are not helpless and defenseless against this threat.

While we wait for national and international action, perhaps the most significant weapon against swine flu is already in our hands. But using it effectively will require a group effort – a grassroots mentality that reaches beyond our normal comfort zone.

With back-to-school and the second wave of the swine flu both looming – on a collision course ahead of us – as a mother and a medical reporter, I am worried.Read More »