GI Health Maintenance

Question 1

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

Answer 1

No direct risk to the colon
No bowel prep needed
Sampling done at home
Colonoscopy done if abnormal
Avoid NSAIDs for 7 days prior to testing
Avoid vitamin C in excess of 250mg daily
Avoid red meats for 3 days prior to testing

Question 2

If colonoscopy refused or contraindicated pick one of the following:

Answer 2

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
Virtual colonoscopy every 5 years

Question 3

Increasing dietary fiber can be beneficial for treatment of:

Answer 3

Hemorrhoids
Constipation
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis

Question 4

Meds that can worsen GERD

Answer 4

NSAIDs
Beta-blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Bronchodilators
Dopamine active drugs (treatment of Parkinson’s)
TCAs
Some muscle relaxants