Skip to main content

Common Digestive Disorders



Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

Heartburn happens, but if it occurs regularly, you may need to be evaluated for GERD. A medical provider can often diagnose GERD based on a description of symptoms alone, but if the problem has been ongoing for some time, additional diagnostic testing may be necessary to evaluate if the disease has caused damage to the esophagus.
GERD most often presents as heartburn, but uncontrolled GERD can erode the lining of the esophagus and lead to bleeding. The condition can also cause pain in the chest so extreme that it is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack.
Controlling GERD usually begins with simple lifestyle changes, including avoiding food for at least two hours before bedtime. Over-the-counter remedies can also provide some short-term relief for occasional heartburn, but for chronic or serious GERD, a prescription medication or even surgery may be necessary.

Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea: it’s never the topic of polite conversation, but when it happens, it’s impossible to ignore. Occasional urgency to go is normal, but loose stool  often three or more times a day that lasts for at least four weeks could be cause for concern.
Diarrhea is tricky to treat because it can have so many possible causes. It could be a result of the body’s inability to absorb foods  as with celiac disease and foods containing gluten  or a disease or disorder, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Infections  often viral  and even parasites can also be to blame.
Besides making it difficult to carry on daily living, chronic diarrhea can be an indication of a more serious problem that may need medical intervention and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Chronic Constipation

At the other end of the spectrum, sometimes it’s the inability to go that troubles us.
Chronic constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week for three weeks or longer. It may also be the case that stools are hard and difficult to pass.
And like diarrhea, the cause of chronic constipation can be difficult to diagnose. Treating the condition can begin with over-the-counter remedies, such as stool softeners and fiber supplements. Adding more fluids to your diet  namely, water  may help. If those fail to bring relief, a physician may recommend some exercise to strengthen the muscles that move the stool through the bowels.

Gastroenteritis

With symptoms like a fever, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches, it’s no wonder most people call this the stomach flu.
Gastroenteritis is caused by an infection  either viral or bacterial in the gut. Bacterial infections can be caused by E. coli or salmonella, while viral infections can include rotavirus or that infamous scourge of cruise ships, norovirus. Parasites, too, can cause gastroenteritis.
If the symptoms last for a few days, the best advice is to drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration and try to make the best of it. Use good hand hygiene to prevent spreading the infection and, if at all possible, ask others not to use the same bathroom facilities until your symptoms stop and you have a chance to sanitize the facilities. Symptoms lasting more than a few days require further observation, which may include testing for antibodies that could indicate an allergy or signs of infection in the stool that can help a physician prescribe the most effective treatment.

Ulcers

We used to attribute peptic ulcers to lifestyle factors, like stress or diet, but research in recent years indicates that peptic ulcers are most likely caused by either bacteria in the stomach or heavy use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
The bacteria or NSAIDs can damage the mucus that lines the inside of the stomach, exposing the interior of the stomach to acid which irritates the tissue and causes the peptic ulcer. Essentially a sore on the inside of the stomach, these can be very difficult to resolve because of the constant exposure to stomach acid.
A physician can run tests to determine if the peptic ulcer is caused by an infection (usually H. pylori) and prescribe antibiotics for treatment. A proton pump inhibitor to reduce the acid in the stomach is also often prescribed. Untreated, ulcers can not only cause pain, but may bleed, leading to anemia.

Hemorrhoids

Some three-quarters of individual’s age 45 and older experience hemorrhoids. There are several causes for these small, swollen rectal veins, from straining during bowel movements to family history to just plain spending too much time sitting on the toilet. They’re also very common during pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids tend to cause pain or itching around the anus. You may notice a hard knot near the anus or even bright red blood in the toilet bowl.
You can try treating hemorrhoids at home. Over-the-counter ointments and cold packs can shrink the inflamed tissue. Soaking in plain, warm water can help make the tissue softer, enabling it to heal.
If these don’t work, consult a physician. He or she can recommend additional treatment, including rubber band ligation, which uses rubber bands to prohibit blood flow to the hemorrhoid, and sclerotherapy, in which a small needle is used to inject medication into the vessels and cause them to shrink.

WA: +65 3158 6820

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Healthy child makes healthy Nation Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common in children and adolescents with complaints of abdominal pain. The most common pediatric functional GI condition is functional abdominal pain. Children with this disorder usually experience recurrent pain in the middle of the abdomen. When the abdominal pain or discomfort is relieved by stooling or is connected with a change in the frequency or consistency of the stool, we call that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients with this condition can have mucus (but not blood) in the stool and feel and look bloated. When the pain is in the upper abdomen and not related to stool changes, the term “functional dyspepsia” is used. If the child is taking medications called “NSAIDs” also known as NSAID medications, it may be reduce the pain. Treatments for functional gastrointestinal disorders differ based on what symptom is affecting the patient the most. Parenteral nutrition may be prescribed for c
Lose Weight Feel Great!! Every day, Liver helps the body by providing it with energy, fighting off infections and toxins, helping clot the blood, regulating hormones and much more. It helps digest food and turns it into energy. By converting proteins, carbohydrates, fat and vitamins into energy. Coffee: Coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink to promote liver health. Grapefruit: Grapefruit contains antioxidants that naturally protect the liver. Grapes: especially red and purple grapes, contain a variety of beneficial plant compounds. Prickly Pear: Prickly pear, known scientifically as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a popular type of edible cactus. Its fruit and juice are most commonly consumed. Beetroot: Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which may benefit heart health and reduce oxidative damage and inflammation Exercise regularly: It helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat. Have a Healt