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.
Comments
Post a Comment