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Common Gut Problems
Below we are going to take a look at the more common gut problems the symptoms associated with them.
What are the symptoms:
The most common symptom is gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, it is painful and can cause damage to the oesophagus if left untreated. A hot or burning feeling that rises up from the middle of your abdomen area and into the area under your breastbone. Some people experience a sour or vomit taste in their mouth or throat, or even bringing up a little liquid into your mouth. Some people experience this when bending over or lying down. Pregnancy, some medications, certain foods and alcohol can cause reflux.
If you do have a peptic ulcer then the worst thing you can do is take painkillers!
If you do think that you have an ulcer then medical treatment is necessary. Left untreated ulcers can cause internal bleeding and can lead to serious infection.
What are the symptoms:
· Most people suffer from a burning pain in the abdomen and breastbone, much like reflux or heartburn.
· A feeling of indigestion and feeling sick
· Loss of appetite and weight loss
· And blood in the faeces or vomit
Some of the causes of peptic ulcers are smoking, which elevates the acid in the stomach and overuse of NSAID. Alcohol may also be a contributing factor.
What are the Symptoms
· Pain- especially between the shoulder blades or under the right shoulder.
· Fever, vomiting and nausea
· The pain lasts more than 5 hours
Only a few people with gallstones require treatment. Gallstones are little pebbles, which are made up of cholesterol and bile salts. Removing gallstones requires the removal of the gallbladder.
Removal may be necessary if the gallstones are causing inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, pancreas or liver. This can happen if a stone gets stuck, which can block the flow of bile between the liver and the small intestine. The gallbladder removal is performed laparascopically.
Obesity is a risk factor for gallstones. Losing weight and then regaining it also seem to set the stage for gallstones. Pregnancy and taking birth control pills also increases the likelihood of gallstones.
What are the Symptoms
· Cramping
· Bloating
· Gas
· Nausea
· Diarrhoea
These symptoms usually occur 30 minutes to two hours after the person ingests dairy products.
This condition is more common among Australian Aborigines and people from Asia, Africa, the Middle Eat and some Mediterranean countries. Ranging in severity from person to person.
Doctors can perform tests for lactose intolerance using a breath test, which detects heightened levels of hydrogen. A blood test which is done before the patient drinks a lactose drink and a test of stool acidity.
What are the Symptoms
Diverticulosis usually has no symptoms. When symptoms are present though they include:
· Abdominal pain and bloating
· Constipation and diarrhoea
· Flatulence
· Blood in the faeces, this is usually minor, but bleeding can sometimes be heavy if a diverticulum gets inflamed or is near a blood vessel
· Anaemia from repeated bleeding may occur
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
· Sharp pain, often located in a specific area, like the lower left hand abdominal region
· Fever
· Distension or bloating of the abdomen
· Nausea and vomiting
More than half of Australian adults over the age of 70 have diverticulitis. However most of these people are unaware that they have it.
Diverticulosis is where an abnormal pouch forms in the wall of the bowel. Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of these pouches. It is also known as diverticular disease. It is common and frequently causes no symptoms. On the other hand it may also be very painful and disabling and is often a medical emergency.
How is diverticular disease diagnosed
· Medical history
· Physical examination , including a rectal examination
· Colonoscopy
· Barium enema, which is where a special contrasting dye is flushed into the bowel
· CT scan
· Blood tests
· Stool tests
What are the symptoms
· Abdominal cramps and pain
· Bloody diarrhoea
· Severe urgency to have a bowel movement
· Fever
· Loss of appetite
· Weight loss
· Anaemia
Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative
colitis are the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases. People with either of these diseases complain of abdominal pain and diarrhoea and sometimes experience anaemia, rectal bleeding and weight loss.
Both of these disorders can arise from having a mixed up immune system that leads the body to attack the gastrointestinal tract.
Crohn's involves ulcers that may burrow deep into the tissue lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to infection and thickening of the intestinal wall, causing blockages that require surgery.
Ulcerated colitis afflicts only the colon and the rectum. It also causes ulcers; colitis is characterized by bleeding and pus.
What are the symptoms
Constipation means different things to different people. Some people make reference to constipation regarding the frequency of passing stools, others on how hard their stools are and how difficult it is to pass them.
Firstly let’s get straight how many times any normal person has a bowel movement. Anywhere between 3 times a day and 3 times a week is said to be normal.
Sticking to a diet high in fibre, grains, fruits and vegetables should keep you frequent. Constipation is also avoided through regular exercise and don’t forget to drink lots of water too.
If constipation continues then see your doctor.
What are the symptoms
· Abdominal pain and cramping
· Changes in bowel movements
· Abdominal pain
· Fullness
· Gas
· Bloating that has been present for at least 6 months
Symptoms of IBS range from mild to severe.
These symptoms will often:
· Occur after meals
· Come and go
· Be reduced or go away after a bowel movement
People with IBS often switch between constipation and diarrhoea.
IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease and Ulcerated colitis.
There are many causes of IBS. There may be a problem with muscles in the intestine or the intestine may be sensitive to stretching or movement.
Sometimes IBS occurs after an intestinal infection. This is called postinfectious IBS. There are also other factors that contribute to IBS.
Stress can worsen IBS. The colon is connected to the brain through nerves of the autonomic nervous system. These nerves become more active than usual in times of stress and can cause the intestines to contract more.
IBS can affect people of any age, but it usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is also more common in women.
People with IBS may switch between constipation and diarrhoea, or mostly have one or the other. Those with diarrhoea will have frequent loose and watery stools and will often have an urgent need to go to the toilet, which is difficult to control
Those with constipation will experience difficulties in passing stool with less frequent bowel movements.
Some people find that symptoms get worse for a few weeks or months and then decrease for a while. Others find that their symptoms are present most of the time and may even slowly increase.
Changes in your lifestyle may help IBS. Regular exercise and improving your sleeping habits can help relieve bowel symptoms. Changes in diet can also be helpful. Although there is no specific diet recommended for IBS.
The following diet may help:
Avoidance of:
· food and drinks that stimulate the intestines such as caffeine drinks, teas and cola
· large meals
· wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk product and alcohol
Also increasing your fibre can go a long way.
If you experience any of these symptoms listing in this article please see your doctor.