Autoimmune enteropathy and colitis: is there a generalised autoimmune gut disorder?

Article Abstract:

Autoimmune diseases form a class of disorders in which the body does not recognize one or more body cell types, and inappropriately forms antibodies directed against that cell type. Many children who suffer from extended episodes of diarrhea associated with one form or another of gastrointestinal disease also have personal or family histories of autoimmune dysfunction. To further investigate the role of autoimmunity in the development of colitis (inflammation of the colon, or large intestine), eight children (seven boys and one girl) were studied. The children had protracted (extended) diarrhea and evidence of autoimmune disease (for example, in appropriate expression of antibodies by the mucosa, or inner lining, of the intestine). They underwent colonoscopy, a technique for viewing the interior of the colon by means of an illuminated fiber-optic device. Six children with protracted diarrhea and no evidence of autoimmune dysfunction served as a control group, and underwent the same tests. In all eight of the children with autoimmune symptoms (but in none of the control patients with diarrhea) there was evidence of a generalized intestinal disorder (colitis) which appeared to involve much, if not all, of the length of the intestine. There was also evidence in the autoimmune group of altered functioning of the mucosal immune system. These results indicate that autoimmunity may be an important causal factor in the development of colitis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Autoimmune diseases, Colorectal diseases, Intestinal diseases, Colitis, Immunologic diseases

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Self hypnotherapeutic treatment of habitual reflex vomiting

Article Abstract:

Psychogenic vomiting is persistent or recurrent vomiting in the absence of an underlying physical cause and often indicates a psychological factor. Possible causes of these vomiting episodes include stress avoidance, anxiety, depression, and secondary benefits obtained from being ill. Treatments used to treat psychogenic vomiting in children include not reinforcing the vomiting by ignoring the situation, giving praise (positive reinforcement) when the child does not vomit, mild electric stimulation, forcing the child to vomit, and giving the child substances that taste bad. Hypnotherapy has been used to treat many psychological conditions such as habit disorders and vomiting associated with cancer therapy. A recent case study described a nine-year-old boy who consistently vomited after eating and was taught a self hypnotherapy method that incorporated relaxation techniques, mental imagery, and suggestions of symptom relief. This method was recorded on a cassette tape and played after eating. The boy's vomiting was completely eliminated within four weeks and had not recurred a year later. Self hypnosis has virtually no side effects and may be more acceptable to the patient and their family than other aversive techniques. These results suggest that self hypnotherapy be considered in the treatment for psychogenic vomiting. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Health aspects, Care and treatment, Case studies, Vomiting, Hypnotism, Hypnosis

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