How can you tell if your abdominal discomfort is indigestion or a gallbladder issue. What are the key differences in symptoms between indigestion and gallstones. When should you seek medical attention for digestive problems.

Understanding Indigestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common digestive issue that affects many people. It typically causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially after consuming fatty or greasy foods. While indigestion can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not a cause for serious concern.

What causes indigestion?

Several factors can contribute to indigestion, including:

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Consuming fatty, greasy, or spicy foods
• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain medications

In some cases, indigestion may be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions such as ulcers, pancreatitis, or even cancer. However, these instances are relatively rare.

How can you manage indigestion?

For most people, indigestion can be managed through lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments. Some effective strategies include:

1. Eating smaller, more frequent meals
2. Avoiding trigger foods
3. Managing stress through relaxation techniques
4. Using antacids or other over-the-counter medications
5. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

If indigestion persists or becomes severe, it’s advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation.

Gallbladder Issues: Understanding Gallstones and Their Symptoms

While indigestion is often a mild condition, gallbladder problems, particularly gallstones, can be more serious and require medical attention. The gallbladder plays a crucial role in digestion by storing bile produced by the liver.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones form when substances in bile, such as cholesterol, crystallize and build up in the gallbladder. These stones can vary in size and may cause blockages in the bile ducts, leading to pain and other complications.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstone symptoms can be similar to indigestion but often have distinct characteristics:

• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills (in case of infection)
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Unlike indigestion, gallstone pain typically occurs about an hour after eating and doesn’t respond to over-the-counter antacids.

Differentiating Between Indigestion and Gallbladder Problems

Given the similarities in symptoms, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between indigestion and gallbladder issues. This knowledge can help you determine when to seek medical attention.

How does the timing of symptoms differ?

Indigestion usually occurs immediately after eating, while gallstone pain typically starts about an hour after a meal. This delay is due to the time it takes for the gallbladder to contract and attempt to release bile.

Is the pain location different?

Indigestion often causes a general discomfort in the upper abdomen. Gallstone pain, however, is typically more localized to the upper right abdomen and may radiate to the back or right shoulder.

Do over-the-counter medications help?

Antacids and other over-the-counter remedies often provide relief for indigestion. In contrast, these medications typically have little to no effect on gallstone pain.

Risk Factors for Gallstones: Who’s Most Susceptible?

Understanding the risk factors for gallstones can help you assess your likelihood of developing this condition. While anyone can develop gallstones, certain factors increase the risk.

What are the common risk factors for gallstones?

• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• Age (over 40)
• Gender (women are more susceptible)
• Pregnancy
• Family history of gallstones
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, liver disease)

If you fall into any of these high-risk categories, it’s essential to be aware of potential gallbladder issues and consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent abdominal pain.

Diagnostic Procedures for Gallbladder Issues

When gallbladder problems are suspected, several diagnostic procedures can help confirm the presence of gallstones or other gallbladder issues.

What tests are used to diagnose gallbladder problems?

1. Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging test is often the first step in diagnosing gallstones.
2. CT scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues.
3. HIDA scan: Assesses gallbladder function and can detect blockages in the bile ducts.
4. Blood tests: Can help identify signs of infection or inflammation.
5. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Allows for both diagnosis and treatment of certain gallbladder and bile duct issues.

Your healthcare provider will determine which tests are most appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history.

Treatment Options for Gallbladder Issues

Once gallstones or other gallbladder problems are diagnosed, several treatment options are available. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health.

What are the common treatments for gallbladder issues?

• Watchful waiting: For small, asymptomatic gallstones
• Medications: Ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve small gallstones over time
• Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder, often performed laparoscopically
• Lithotripsy: Use of shock waves to break up gallstones (less common)

In most cases of symptomatic gallstones, cholecystectomy is the recommended treatment. This procedure is generally safe and effective, and most people can live normally without a gallbladder.

Preventing Indigestion and Gallbladder Problems

While not all cases of indigestion or gallbladder issues can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

How can you lower your risk of digestive problems?

1. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
3. Limit fatty and processed foods
4. Stay hydrated
5. Exercise regularly
6. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
7. Avoid rapid weight loss diets

By adopting these healthy habits, you can improve your overall digestive health and reduce the likelihood of developing indigestion or gallbladder issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Digestive Issues

While occasional indigestion is normal, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these warning signs to prevent potential complications.

What symptoms indicate a need for urgent medical care?

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Fever and chills
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or light-colored stools
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination with upper abdominal pain, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.

Understanding the differences between indigestion and gallbladder issues is crucial for maintaining digestive health. While both conditions can cause discomfort, gallbladder problems often require medical intervention. By recognizing the unique symptoms of each condition and implementing preventive measures, you can take control of your digestive health. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Is It Indigestion, or Could It Be My Gallbladder?

in digestive health

December 18, 2020

Tagged With: Gallstones, Gastroenterologists in Brooklyn, Gastroenterologists in Westlake, gastroenterologists near me, Indigestion, Signs of Indigestion

Indigestion and gallstones are two different gastrointestinal conditions that can cause abdominal discomfort after eating, especially after eating certain foods. It is easy to get these conditions confused with one another, because there are many similarities.

Whereas indigestion usually responds well to over-the-counter treatments, problems with the gallbladder – such as gallstones – require medical treatment. Let’s talk about some of the main differences and similarities between indigestion and gallstones, and about where you can go for medical intervention for your digestive issues.

What Are the Signs of Indigestion?

Also called dyspepsia, indigestion causes discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen, especially after overeating foods that are fatty and greasy. Because stress and anxiety can result in an upset stomach, indigestion can also be triggered by psychological causes. Other possible causes include smoking, alcohol consumption, and medication.

Indigestion can affect people of all ages. Eating slowly and opting for healthier food options may help you avoid indigestion.

If you have recurring indigestion, a gastroenterologist can evaluate and diagnose the condition and provide treatment if necessary. Some of the more severe causes of indigestion include ulcers, pancreatitis, or cancer.

How Gallstones Are Different

A common problem with the gallbladder is the development of gallstones. The gallbladder stores bile, which is produced by the liver and is then transferred to the small intestine to digest food. Bile contains cholesterol, and gallstones can form if the body fails to break down bile.

Gallstones can cause blockages, and they may even lead to an infection. Having gallstones is therefore a serious medical condition. Gallstones can cause fever, chills, and pain which may radiate to the back and shoulder.

Gallstones may pass on their own, but there is a risk of the symptoms getting worse and complications such as an infection. A gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat gallstones effectively.

How They Are Similar

It’s easy to confuse gallstones for indigestion, since the gallbladder and the stomach are both located in the upper abdomen. Plus, the physical discomfort and pain they create are equally similar.

Pain from indigestion and gallstones can occur after eating a heavy and greasy meal. However, with gallstones, there is a slight delay of an hour before symptoms develop. Taking over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms will not work with gallstones. However, gallbladder attacks can also cause indigestion.

Note that people who are obese are at a high risk of developing gallstones.

Gastroenterologists in Westlake and Brooklyn, OH

If you are regularly experiencing abdominal discomfort, see one of our board-certified gastroenterologists here at North Shore Gastroenterology. We can quickly diagnose your condition and prescribe a treatment plan that will ease your symptoms.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with an experienced gastroenterologist, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (440) 808-1212 or fill out our online request form. We look forward to taking care of your digestive issues once and for all!

Abdominal pain, is the issue simple indigestion or could it be a gallbladder stones?

You have a strange abdominal pain strike you after a meal, but is the issue simple indigestion or could it be a gallbladder attack? Both conditions are common, and both can leave you feeling nauseous and uncomfortable. So how do you tell the difference, and when do you need to worry?

What’s Indigestion?

Indigestion is generally considered a symptom of an underlying problem and can even be a symptom of gallstones. It is not an unfamiliar feeling for many people. Typical causes of indigestion include overeating or consuming your meal too quickly. It can also be triggered by foods that are fatty or greasy, drinking alcohol or caffeine, behaviors like smoking, certain medications, or anxiety. Indigestion can also be a symptom of a range of digestive concerns including gallstones, ulcers, constipation, pancreatitis, gastritis, or even cancer. It can also have no known cause and simply exist on its own.

Major complications are not common from indigestion, but it is an uncomfortable situation that can impact you if it is frequent or severe. The first line of defense is removing common triggers like the foods or behaviors mentioned above. If this doesn’t result in elimination of or decrease in the severity of your indigestion, discuss your issues with your primary care provider to determine if you should have further tests done or if you should see a specialist. Typically when indigestion is the result of another underlying condition, other symptoms will present.

What Are Gallstones?

The gallbladder is a small organ shaped like a pear that most people know for the trouble it can cause. The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile. When functioning normally, the gallbladder is full before a meal. When digestion starts, the gallbladder releases the stored bile into the small intestine as it deflates and flattens itself. Gallstones occur when bile, the fluid produced by the liver that aids in the breakdown of fats and the absorption of some vitamins during digestion, becomes hardened. If the stones are small, and most are, they do not typically cause problems. When stones grow to be larger, they can block the ducts. As the gallbladder contracts to release bile into the system, the stones cause pain as they obstruct the duct. A gallbladder attack, as it is commonly called, is the result.

The gallbladder attack is characterized by biliary colic pain, recurrent pain near the liver, most likely following a large or high fat meal. The pain is sometimes described as dull, however some patients find it sharp. Some patients experience this reaction after every meal, while others only occasionally. This pain in the right side of the upper abdomen builds in intensity and can last for hours, but usually begins about an hour after the meal and subsides as the gallbladder relaxes. This pain can present in the middle of the abdomen or, in some cases, be felt in the back. Often a gallbladder attack is accompanied by indigestion’s, nausea, or fever. Gallstones that become trapped in a duct can further cause inflammation in the gallbladder, pancreas, or the bile ducts themselves.

If you think gallstones are the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing, discuss your symptoms with your care provider. To diagnose gallstones, blood work and an ultrasound will likely be ordered to view the gallbladder and surrounding systems. If it is determined that gallstones are present and causing issues, the most effective treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder known as a cholecystectomy. This is a routinely performed laparoscopic or robotic surgical procedure. When the gallbladder is removed, bile simply flows directly from the liver to the small intestine, allowing digestion to continue as normal, minus painful gallstone symptoms.

Major Tells That It’s Your Gallbladder

There are a few tells that can help you differentiate if you are suffering with common indigestion or gallstones. First, consider timing. Discomfort immediately following, or even during meal is typically not associated with gallstones, but more likely indigestion. Gallbladder attacks typically takes an hour or so to set in after eating. Pain management is also key. You are not likely to experience any relief with over the counter indigestion medication or changes in position, passing gas or a having a bowel movement. Another red flag for gallstones can be your weight. Rapid weight loss can be a trigger for developing gallstones. Obesity is also a risk factor in itself. Other complications that spell gallstones over indigestion are jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, and pancreatitis, an infection of the pancreas.

Any time you are experiencing symptoms like those described, we encourage you to discuss them with your primary care physician and make an appointment with one of our surgeons. Chronic symptoms can sometimes become “normal” to those suffering, leading to delay in care and worsening of issues. There may be treatment options available to help you feel more comfortable and keep your body functioning as it should.

90,000 symptoms and treatment. For bilious diarrhea, use BAK-SET as an element of complex treatment.. Multi-probiotic BAK-SET

Biliary, or hologenic, diarrhea is an unpleasant phenomenon that can be experienced by both children and adults. However, if diarrhea with bile in newborns can be considered the norm, in adults it can be a symptom of a pathology in the body.

The appearance of bile in the feces primarily indicates violations in the gallbladder. Some factors provoke an excessive release of secretion, which irritates the intestinal mucosa and causes diarrhea. These factors include:

• dysbacteriosis;
• viral diseases;
• food or alcohol poisoning;
• eating fatty foods in large quantities;
• diseases of the gallbladder;
• consequences of operations.

How to detect hologenous diarrhea?

The treatment of the disease depends on the symptoms of bilious diarrhea. About severe violations in the work of the gallbladder they say:

• yellow or green liquid stools;
• stitching pains in the region of the right hypochondrium;
• painful bowel movements;
• nausea, weight loss;
• high temperature.

If the symptoms persist for several days, you should immediately consult a specialist. Otherwise, the disease threatens with severe dehydration!

With dysbacteriosis, pathogenic microorganisms affect the function of the gallbladder, which leads to the ingress of secretions into the intestines. In this case, the patient’s condition is accompanied by bloating, bad breath and a general deterioration in health against the background of weakened immunity.

Symptoms and treatment of bilious diarrhea in dysbacteriosis

To get rid of the symptoms of dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of the disease. To normalize the microflora, experts prescribe a diet, antibiotics and probiotics.

Proper nutrition plays a huge role in restoring the flora. A person’s daily diet should include:

• eggs;
• fresh vegetables;
• fermented milk products;
• butter and vegetable oils;
• boiled meat and fish of low-fat varieties.

Do not know how to restore the intestinal microflora after diarrhea? Many doctors in such cases prescribe probiotics. Experts recommend choosing the latest generation of drugs, such as BAK-SET forte and BAK-SET baby. A complex of active beneficial bacteria will help to quickly restore the balance of flora in the intestines.

Constipation: habitual situation does not mean normal…

According to various researchers, constipation occurs in 40% of children in the first year of life.

Disorders of the stool

Constipation in dysbacteriosis in a child: how to restore normal stool?

Constipation causes severe discomfort in children. Especially if it develops against the background of dysbacteriosis. How to deal with a delicate issue?

Stool disorders

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When to run to the gastroenterologist?! – Euromed Clinic

— Elena Evgenievna, what complaints do patients most often make?

The most common are abdominal pain and heartburn.

There are many causes of abdominal pain: from functional disorders due to stress to serious diseases.

Often worried about pain in the right hypochondrium due to dysfunction of the biliary tract, a feeling of discomfort in the epigastric region due to gastritis. In spring and autumn, peptic ulcer often worsens.

The situation can worsen against the background of stress and errors in nutrition. Moreover, as a rule, these two factors are interrelated: for many, stress is a trigger for eating disorders: someone has an increase in appetite or, conversely, disappears, and a person eats irregularly or overeats, reduces control over food quality, etc. All this inevitably leads to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Heartburn is not a separate disease, but a symptom: burning sensation behind the sternum. In fact, this is a chemical burn by the acidic contents of the stomach when it is thrown into the esophagus, where the environment is often alkaline. This leads to damage to the esophageal mucosa by hydrochloric acid and the protein-cleaving enzyme pepsin. Sometimes with reflux disease, there is no heartburn, but there is a sensation of a lump in the throat, difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, which are confused with angina pectoris. All this significantly reduces the quality of life of the patient. This disease can and should be treated. Frequent reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, especially with an admixture of bile from the duodenum, can even lead to oncological diseases of the esophagus.

Treatment is usually long-term, since the situation has developed over the years, and it will not be possible to change it instantly. In addition to medication, a change in lifestyle and eating habits is required. With the help of drugs, we can reduce the amount of acid products produced, which will lead to the fact that less of it will be thrown into the esophagus, respectively, heartburn is less manifested. There are also a number of drugs that absorb acid and remove it. These are fast acting tools. They help get rid of heartburn for 30-40 minutes. Usually, it is these drugs that are actively promoted in advertising and they will also be offered by a pharmacist in a pharmacy. The patient must, of course, be guided by the recommendations of the doctor.

Food for reflux disease should be in small portions so that the volume of food eaten does not exceed the volume of the stomach, and for better control of appetite – frequent: 4-5 times a day. Food should be chewed thoroughly for maximum grinding and release of more saliva, which, having an alkaline reaction, neutralizes the acid.

With reflux disease, boiled, baked, stewed vegetables, liquid cereals, pasta, lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, cottage cheese, stale bread and crackers, jelly, mousses, jelly, mashed soups, dairy products are recommended.

They increase acid formation in the stomach and therefore are not recommended: smoked meats, fatty, spicy, salty, mushrooms, raw vegetables, sour fruits and juices, carbonated drinks, black bread, muffins, fast food, strong tea and coffee

– Does a nutritional error lead to heartburn, or is its appearance genetically determined?

– Both.

The peculiarity of the sphincters between the esophagus and the stomach is genetically determined. A fairly common problem is connective tissue dysplasia, that is, its increased elasticity, resulting in flat feet, varicose veins, “unstable vertebrae”, weakness of many sphincters, including the esophagogastric and esophageal openings of the diaphragm. That is, they do not close tightly enough, and food easily enters the stomach from the esophagus.

The number of parietal cells in the stomach is also genetically determined, which determines the quantity and quality of hydrochloric acid produced by them.

Heartburn in pregnancy

Pregnant women often complain of heartburn. This is due to two main points. Firstly, as the baby grows and the uterus grows, intra-abdominal pressure increases, the load on the stomach and intestines increases, which can provoke the reflux of acid and bile into the esophagus. By the way, this often leads to constipation in pregnant women. Secondly, pregnant women have a special hormonal background, aimed at reducing the tone of the uterus and, at the same time, the sphincters of the esophagus also relax, as a result of which acid reflux can occur.

If you have such problems, you don’t have to endure and wait that “it will go away by itself after childbirth” … Immediately contact a gastroenterologist. The doctor will select the treatment: there are drugs approved for use during pregnancy. Also, together with a gastroenterologist, you will discuss how you need to change your diet and lifestyle in order to get rid of this problem.

Ideally, you should contact a gastroenterologist at the stage of pregnancy planning – this way you can avoid many problems with the gastrointestinal tract that occur during this period in a woman’s life.

– One of the most common diagnoses is “gastritis”. What is it connected with and how is it treated?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This diagnosis, indeed, is very often made, and often without proper reason. This diagnosis is made morphologically, that is, after the morphologist describes the existing inflammatory changes as a result of a biopsy of the gastric mucosa. Then it’s gastritis. Only on the basis of complaints, a competent doctor can only write “functional dyspepsia syndrome” in the diagnosis.

Complaints with gastritis are quite diverse: it can be pain, a feeling of a full stomach even with a small amount eaten, belching, vomiting, etc. individually.

Myth

Probably everyone has heard the opinion: “if you eat dry food, you will get gastritis. ” In fact, it is not! Food should just be without additional liquid, it should not be washed down with water, tea, coffee, etc. The liquid dilutes the acidic contents in the stomach and impairs the quality of food digestion. But eating “on the run” is really not worth it – the most important thing for a good digestion process is thorough chewing of food! A large amount of saliva released during chewing is necessary for the assimilation of food.

What provokes gastritis? Stress, systematic violation of the diet, violation of the frequency of nutrition, abuse of semi-finished products, concentrates, spices, sour, spicy, peppery, salty, smoked, fried, too hot, too cold or otherwise thermally, chemically or mechanically irritating food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol, smoking; lack of thorough chewing of food.

In addition, gastritis is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium needs acid-free conditions to exist, for this it “envelops” itself with a cloud of urease, an enzyme that creates an alkaline environment. All this damages the mucous membrane up to its atrophy, and can also lead to the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers, significantly increasing the risk of developing stomach cancer. 95% of gastric ulcers and 85% of duodenal ulcers worldwide are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Other causes of damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum is the frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcer, drugs are used that reduce the acid production of the gastric mucosa, improve its healing, and if Helicobacter pylori is detected, a course of antibiotic therapy is used. The patient must be prescribed a sparing diet.

All these activities are prescribed only by a doctor. Self-medication can be not only ineffective, but also harmful to the patient.

– Is stress also one of the reasons for the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

– Yes, the classic triad for making this diagnosis: stress, pain, stool disorders (diarrhea, constipation or their alternation). The very name of the disease contains its essence: the intestine is irritated, the sensitivity is increased.

The peculiarity of this disease is that the patient does not have a visible lesion of the intestinal mucosa. No examinations can establish what is actually happening with the human body, and the disease is clearly manifested.

The mechanism of occurrence of symptoms is associated with the characteristics of the intestines. The intestine has its own nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system. In stressful situations, failures in the work of the entire nervous system of the body begin, the brain gives the wrong signals to the intestines, and the latter incorrectly informs the brain about the processes taking place in it. As a result, intestinal motility is disturbed, the threshold of pain sensitivity decreases, and even slight discomfort causes severe attacks of pain.

In addition to stress and a low pain threshold, the risk of developing IBS is increased by eating disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal disruptions (for example, in pregnant women), and genetic predisposition. IBS can also develop after certain infectious bowel diseases.

The main difficulty in IBS is that the symptoms are very unpleasant, and the correction must be carried out, first of all, the psycho-emotional state, which is quite difficult without the help of a competent psychologist. At the same time, there is still a problem that often patients do not even admit to themselves that they need psychological help.

When making this diagnosis, it is very important to show oncological vigilance. However, in our time it is always important, even in young patients, but especially in older people. IBS is more common in young people, so if these symptoms are observed in mature patients, first of all, the doctor should rule out cancer.

– When taking antibiotics, doctors often advise taking probiotics or prebiotics. Is it really necessary?

– Antibiotics affect the intestinal flora, this is indisputable. Often, against the background of antibiotic therapy, the patient develops dysbiosis (“dysbacteriosis”), that is, a qualitative and / or quantitative change in the ratio of microorganisms that live in the intestine. Dysbiosis is manifested by a violation of the stool, flatulence (excessive gas formation), the presence of inflammation on the mucosa. As a preventive measure for the development of this unpleasant condition, it is recommended to take pro- and prebiotics.

Probiotics are medicinal products or biologically active food supplements that contain live microorganisms that are representatives of the normal human microflora. They are designed to restore the disturbed balance of microorganisms that inhabit various human mucosa, and therefore are used to treat and prevent immunodeficiency, dysbiosis and related diseases. Probiotics stimulate the immune system at all levels, as proven by numerous clinical studies.

Prebiotics are food ingredients that are not digested by human enzymes and are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. They stimulate the growth and vital activity of beneficial microflora: breaking down into fatty acids, they increase the acidity in the colon, inhibiting the growth of opportunistic microflora, which also creates favorable conditions for the development of normal microflora.

Prebiotics are found in dairy products, corn flakes, cereals, bread, onions, field chicory, garlic, beans, peas, artichokes, asparagus, bananas and many other foods. They also exist in the form of dietary supplements.

There is an opinion that probiotics in tablet and liquid forms are less effective, since they cannot always pass through the highly acidic environment of the stomach, bile aggressive to bacteria. And only capsules are designed to dissolve in the colon – where bacteria should live.

Not so long ago, synbiotics appeared on the market – combined preparations that combine pre- and probiotics. To date, they are considered to have the most advanced mechanism of action.

I recommend choosing preparations that normalize microflora together with a doctor – because it is quite difficult for a non-specialist to understand all the variety of existing remedies, and it is unlikely that you will be able to understand what is suitable in each specific case.

— Why is constipation dangerous?

– Constipation is a condition characterized not only by a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements: less than 3 times a week, but also by the appearance of dense, dry feces or the absence of a feeling of complete bowel emptying or emptying of the bowel with tension or by patients using additional techniques to empty the bowel.

Prolonged constipation causes:

• chronic intoxication (poisoning), which leads to sleep disturbance, unmotivated fatigue, increased fatigue and, finally, to depression, deterioration of the skin and hair;

• the formation of intestinal diverticula (protrusions of the wall), which can cause abdominal pain, and when an infection is attached, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa (diverticulitis) and the need for intensive antibiotic therapy or surgical treatment in case of intestinal obstruction;

• varicose hemorrhoidal veins, chronic anal fissures;

• colon cancer.

It is necessary to start solving the problem of constipation not with self-treatment, but with a visit to a gastroenterologist. There are many reasons for constipation. These can be very serious illnesses. Only a competent specialist can understand this. Solving the problem of constipation on your own, you can significantly worsen your condition.

– Is such a delicate problem treated as flatulence?

– Flatulence (increased gas formation) is associated with fermentation. There can be many reasons: insufficient bile secretion, insufficiently concentrated bile, violations of the secretion of pancreatic juice – as a rule, problems with the sphincter of Oddi. All this leads to a change in the bacterial flora of the intestine. As a result, flatulence develops. This is a common problem, but it can be solved. Although I will not say that it is always simple and fast. The main thing is to find the root cause, since flatulence can be a symptom of various diseases.

– Sometimes a person suffers from bad breath or bad taste in the mouth. Is this a symptom of some disease?

– Halitosis – bad breath – can occur for various reasons. First of all, I would recommend contacting a dentist and checking the condition of the teeth and oral cavity. In second place are ENT diseases. If everything is in order in these areas, then, indeed, halitosis may be the result of digestive problems.

As for the taste in the mouth, it can be a symptom of certain diseases. But here everything is very individual: the taste can be sweet, bitter, sour, metallic, etc. It can be constant or appear only after eating or, conversely, on an empty stomach, etc. Therefore, you need to look and look for the cause.

– It is not uncommon for patients who have had an abdominal ultrasound to find out that they have a kink in their gallbladder – how serious is that?

– Deformities of the gallbladder – inflection, membranes, etc. increase the risk of bile stasis. The gallbladder should normally empty almost completely after each meal. Because this gallbladder has to work harder to contract, some patients may experience pain. After its reduction, part of the bile may remain behind the inflection and “stagnate”, which can lead to the formation of stones. I recommend patients with gallbladder deformity to control their condition: to be observed by a doctor, to do an ultrasound of the abdominal organs once a year to see the state of bile and gallbladder. If the ultrasound diagnostic doctor notes that the bile is “viscous”, “heterogeneous”, “inhomogeneous”, etc., it is important to immediately contact a gastroenterologist and undergo a course of therapy to prevent the formation of stones. It is especially important to take gallstone prevention seriously if someone in your immediate family has these problems.

– What methods of preventing gastrointestinal diseases can be used? Maybe you need to take medications or do tubazhi?

– Do not use any prophylactic drugs without a doctor’s prescription. All medicines have side effects and are not recommended to be taken without indications.

To carry out tubage (a procedure that is the intake of choleretic agents for the simultaneous emptying of the gallbladder), certain indications and contraindications are also necessary. More often, the doctor prescribes this procedure in combination with other therapeutic measures, selects drugs, etc.

The best prevention of gastrointestinal diseases is proper nutrition: in small portions, with thorough chewing of food to gruel. You need to eat at least 4-5 times a day, be sure to have breakfast within an hour after a night’s sleep. The volume of water drunk per day should be at least 1.5 liters.

Try to minimize the amount of food that provokes the development of diseases. We have already listed them above: fast food, pickles, smoked meats, fried, spicy, etc. Add some physical activity: a sedentary lifestyle has been proven to contribute to digestive troubles, while abdominal exercises, brisk walking, and yoga have a beneficial effect on bowel function.