Symptoms of osteoarthritis are frequently treated with nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), but chronic use of these drugs can cause serious damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. An abundance of literature clearly delineates the causative role of these medications in triggering dyspepsia, ulcers, lesions, and other problems.1-5 Increased permeability and inflammation are also associated with chronic NSAID use.6

Once the intestinal mucosa is damaged, bacteria, toxins, and allergens normally prevented from penetrating the GI system can permeate into the bloodstream, where they are carried into all parts of the body, both triggering and exacerbating symptoms.

One study of osteoarthritis patients taking NSAIDS found that over 50% exhibited at least one type of gastroduodenal damage.7 Another study found an even higher rate--68%--and concluded that "fairly severe gastroduodenal injury occurs in asymptomatic patients with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis"8. Most importantly, these researchers also noted that symptoms do not necessarily predict the degree of GI tract damage.

Because endoscopy is a costly and invasive procedure, clinicians have recommended using non-invasive tests of intestinal permeability to first identify patients who may benefit from further analysis, as well as to monitor response to treatment.9

The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis provides an in-depth look at digestive function, microbial balance, absorption, immunology and other parameters of gut health that can be impacted by the etiology and treatment of osteoarthritis.