About Digestive Diseases
What
Is Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia, which means "bad" (dys) "digestion" (pepsia)
is a term which is often used by doctors to describe a set of symptoms
which are believed to have their cause somewhere in the upper part of
the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms are a gnawing or burning stomach
pain, burping and bloating (a feeling of fullness in your stomach), heartburn
(stomach contents coming back up into your throat), and generally an upset
stomach (nausea) and even vomiting. Dyspepsia affects approximately 25%
of the population.
What
Causes Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia can be caused by a chronic peptic ulcer, by bacteria in the
stomach, or by gallstones. Chronic Functional Dyspepsia is diagnosed when
a person suffers the symptoms of dyspepsia but with no identifiable explanation
for their symptoms.
What
Can I Do to Help My Symptoms?
The best treatment for dyspepsia is avoiding the foods and behaviors that
worsen the symptoms. Don't smoke, eat meals at regular times but do not
rush meals, overeat or over indulge in alcohol. Do not take aspirin for
headaches, colds and coughs - take paracetamol instead avoid taking anti-arthritis
pain killers if at all possible. And try not to let stressful situations
upset you.
What
we are doing at CNS/WH:
Links
and Information:
What
Is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents splash back,
or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom
of the esophagus that acts like a camera shutter between the esophagus
and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, which can eventually lead to more serious health problems.
The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, like you are choking or your throat is tight. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath.
What
Causes GERD?
A hiatal hernia could be one cause of GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when
the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall
that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the LES
keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present,
it is easier for the acid to come up causing the symptoms of GERD.
Other factors that may contribute to GERD include alcohol use, being overweight, pregnant and smoking. Certain foods can be associated with GERD including citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy and tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza.
What
Can I Do to Lessen My Symptoms?
The best way to treat GERD is to avoid the foods that cause the symptoms.
Avoid sodas that contain caffeine, chocolate and peppermint, spicy or
acidic foods and fried or fatty foods. Avoiding food 2 to 3 hours before
bed may also help.
What
We Are Doing at CNS/WH:
Links
and Information:
AboutGerd.org
What
Is Chronic Constipation?
Chronic constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficult
stool passage and/or seemingly incomplete evacuation. Straining, hard
stools, or the feeling of needing to go, but can't, or having less than
3 bowel movements per week or spending a long time on the toilet with
no episodes of diarrhea are symptoms of constipation. Constipation occurs
in up to 20% of the population. Functional constipation is diagnosed when
symptoms persist for 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, within a
year, and IBS or other medical conditions causing the symptoms are ruled
out.
What
Causes Chronic Constipation?
Constipation can be caused by medications, constipating drugs such as
opiates, psychotropics, anticovulsants, anticholinergics, dopaminergics,
and calcium channel blockers. In these cases switching to a new medication
can relieve the symptoms. Constipation can also be caused by depression,
a low fiber diet, poor general health, a medical disease such as diabetes,
hypothyroidism, or a structural problem within the bowel. In people over
50, the onset of constipation could be caused by a more serious bowel
disease or a structural disorder, so it's important to see a health professional
to rule out any serious causes.
What
Can I Do to Improve Constipation?
Understand that some individuals do use the bathroom less than others
and this can be the way your body functions normally. If you do suffer
from chronic constipation, a fiber supplement is recommended and can usually
help.
What
We Are Doing at CNS/WH:
We are currently offering a Clinical Trial for those who suffer from Chronic
Constipation, or Constipation predominent IBS. Click
here for further information.
About IBS
About Dyspepsia
About GERD
About Chronic Constipation