Signs You Need to See a Gastroenterologist

Bryan Hospital: 419-630-2021

Archbold Medical Center: 419-446-3019

Do you experience frequent abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea or vomiting? If so, you may have a digestive health disorder. Your family doctor may recommend dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes or prescription drugs to prevent your symptoms from worsening. In some cases, they may run tests to determine your condition and recommend treatment. Some gastrointestinal (GI) conditions require more specific care than your family doctor can provide; in this case, you will be referred to a Gastroenterologist.

Common symptoms of digestive health disorders:

• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Bleeding in the GI tract
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Stomach ulcers
• Trouble swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting

Severe symptoms could indicate one of these GI disorders:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a digestive disorder that affects your stomach and esophagus. While it’s common for people to suffer from heartburn or acid reflux once in a while, having symptoms daily or two to three times a week could be a sign of GERD. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call now to schedule your appointment.

• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Acid reflux
• Bad breath
• Heartburn
• Tooth erosion
• Trouble swallowing

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of digestive orders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that causes inflammation in the intestines.

• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight fluctuation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a digestive disorder that does not cause permanent damage or lead to severe disease, but can be a major disruption in people’s lives. Often, IBS can be treated with lifestyle changes. If you have these persistent symptoms, call our Gastroenterology Clinic to schedule your appointment.

• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Cramping

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a serious digestive disorder triggered by consuming gluten, a protein that is commonly found in wheat, barley and rye. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor.

• Anemia
• Depression
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Weight fluctuation

Colon Cancer Screening

You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any of the digestive health disorder symptoms above or if you need to schedule a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is a safe and effective examination that helps to detect and prevent colon cancer and other colorectal conditions. Colon cancer is treatable, and early detection improves your chances of a full recovery. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at the age of 45. Depending on family history, you may need to schedule your screening sooner. Consult with your primary care provider about the best timing for you.

In addition to screening for colorectal cancer and polyps, there are a number of GI treatments available at the CHWC Gastroenterology Clinic at Bryan Hospital and Archbold Medical Center. This includes abdominal pain, reflux (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, celiac disease, anemia, IBS, malabsorption, pancreatic disorders and many others.

Schedule your appointment now!

Bryan Hospital: 419-630-2021

Archbold Medical Center: 419-446-3019

Stomach Cancer: Symptoms and Signs

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about body changes and other things that can signal a problem that may need medical care. Use the menu to see other pages.

People with stomach cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with stomach cancer do not have any of these changes. Or, the cause may be a different medical condition that is not cancer.

Stomach cancer is usually not found at an early stage because it often does not cause specific symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may be vague and can include those listed below. It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by many other illnesses, such as a stomach virus or an ulcer.

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting, particularly vomiting up solid food shortly after eating

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Bloating of the stomach after meals

• Loss of appetite

• Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat while eating

Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer may include:

If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s), in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. It is often started soon after diagnosis and continued throughout treatment. This may be called palliative care or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – UChicago Medicine

Anti-Reflux Surgery Options for GERD

Anti-reflux surgery is very effective for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. The different anti-reflux operations described below are performed by specialized esophageal surgeons at UChicago Medicine through small incisions using minimally invasive techniques. These procedures all work by recreating the damaged valve between the esophagus and stomach.

The different types of anti-reflux surgeries include:

*Patient eligibility for each procedure will be determined after evaluation with surgeon.

Fundoplication. Fundoplication has been the standard operation for GERD treatment for nearly 50 years. This operation involves a wrap of the stomach around the esophagus to reconstruct the lower esophageal sphincter to function as a one-way valve again.

This wrap of the stomach is called a fundoplication. A fundoplication can be a full 360-degree wrap or a partial wrap ranging from 180 to 270 degree, which allows for the best reconstruction of the valve to control reflux.

The degree of wrapping varies based on the patient and their valve function. We use special techniques to customize this wrap to the patient to prevent the valve from being too tight, but still controlling reflux symptoms.

*Patient eligibility for each procedure will be determined after evaluation with surgeon.

LINX Procedure. The LINX System is a new treatment option for patients with GERD. This removable device is a small, flexible ring of magnetic, titanium covered beads that acts as a valve to stop reflux from the stomach. The LINX system is designed to stay closed at rest to prevent acid reflux back into the esophagus, but then will expand with a normal swallowing mechanism to allow food and drink to pass into the stomach.

*Patient eligibility for each procedure will be determined after evaluation with surgeon.

Gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass surgery may be an option in a select group of patients that have other medical conditions in addition to reflux. This operation works to treat reflux as well as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, arthritis and allows for dramatic weight loss. Patients with a BMI 35 or higher may be a candidate for this treatment and can be discussed as a treatment option for you.

Which GERD surgery is best for me? Our surgeons understand that every patient is unique. Depending on each your personal goals after surgery, your comfort with the procedure and your overall health, our team will help you make the right choice for you.

Minimally Invasive GERD Surgery

Our expert surgeons at UChicago Medicine with specialized training in minimally invasive techniques use high definition laparoscopy and advanced robotic technology, making anti-reflux surgery a very safe and effective treatment option. These operations are performed using small, less than ½ inch cuts in the skin. This allows for not only less scaring, but also faster and easier recovery and less pain for patients. Using these minimally invasive techniques most patients go home later that day or the next day.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a common symptom in the elderly. It refers to various abdominal discomforts like nausea, bloating, feeling of fullness, stomach ache, loss of appetite, heartburn, and acidic plash.

Factors causing to dyspepsia

• Aged-related factors: Reduced production of digestive juice like saliva, gastric juice, bile and enzymes can reduce the effectiveness of digestion.
• Chewing problems: Poorly fitted denture, dental decay or loss tooth can lead to inadequate chewing.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can reduce gut motility.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Over-eating, irregular mealtime, smoking and alcohol.
• Anxiety: Ingestion of excessive air into the stomach due to hyper- ventilation, causing bloating.
• Medication: Certain drugs like non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin.

Warning Signs

Dyspepsia may be a transient minor problem. It can also be due to underlying disease like peptic ulcer, which, if not properly treated, can lead to perforation or bleeding. Moreover, stomach cancer can give dyspepsia symptoms. Hence, if there is suspicion, seek medical advice. Below are some warning signs that should not be ignored:

• Persistent dyspepsia or poor appetite for an unusual long period;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Loose tarry stool;
• Sudden or persistent excessive stomach ache;
• Dyspepsia appearing in a person on long term aspirin or non-steroid anti-inflammatory treatment;
• Sudden deterioration of symptoms in a person with peptic ulcer under treatment.

How to prevent and relieve dyspepsia

1. Maintain healthy lifestyle:

• Regular exercise and daily routines;
• No smoking or quit smoking;
• Avoid alcohol.

2. Healthy eating

• Eat frequent but smaller meals to avoid overloading the digestive system.
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
• Select softer foods such as congee, noodles in soup, crackers in fluid or soup, fish, tofu, steamed eggs, ground meat, peeled fruit, etc.
• Use appropriate cooking methods such as braising or stewing.
• Cut food in small pieces before cooking or eating.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids during mealtime to help reduce the feeling of fullness.
• Avoid fried food with high fat content.
• Avoid food and drinks with caffeine, e.g. chocolate, coffee, tea.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments.
• Do not eat to the full.
• Do not lie down right after eating to prevent reflux.

3. Emotional & stress management:

• Learn about normal aging to allay unnecessary anxiety;
• Practise relaxation exercise to release tension;
• Proper time management to reduce stress from time constraint;
• Increase life satisfaction by appreciating yourself, others and things around you.

4. Proper use of medication

• Different causes of dyspepsia require different forms of treatment. Follow the advice of the doctor and complete the full course of treatment to reduce the chance of relapse.
• Certain drugs like aspirin and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs can cause peptic ulcer and hence should not be used without appropriate medical advice to relieve joint or muscle pain.

Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy

Many women experience indigestion and heartburn while they are pregnant, which can be painful or uncomfortable. There are ways to help avoid or treat indigestion and heartburn, especially if it is mild. Sometimes the feeling of heartburn can be confused with a more serious condition called pre-eclampsia.

Indigestion, also called ‘dyspepsia’, is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the stomach (upper abdomen, or, tummy). This mostly occurs after eating or drinking but can happen some time after.

If you have indigestion in the early stage of your pregnancy, this may be caused by changes in your hormone levels. In the second or third trimester, indigestion becomes more common and may be caused by your baby pushing up against your stomach. As many as 8 in 10 women may have indigestion during their pregnancy.

Symptoms of indigestion may include:

• heartburn
• reflux or regurgitation (food coming back up from your stomach)
• burping
• feeling heavy, bloated or full
• feeling sick
• vomiting

Heartburn is a burning pain in the throat or chest, behind the breastbone, caused by stomach acid coming up the oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) and irritating the lining.

In pregnant women, indigestion and heartburn can be caused by:

• eating a big meal
• eating high-fat foods
• eating chocolate or peppermint
• drinking fruit juice or caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola drinks)
• doing physical activity soon after eating
• bending over
• feeling anxious

It’s a good idea to take note of the particular foods, drinks or activities that give you indigestion while you are pregnant.

Avoiding indigestion and heartburn

If your symptoms are mild, it’s possible that changes to your diet or lifestyle may help prevent indigestion and heartburn. You could try:

• eating smaller meals, more often
• avoiding eating just before bed
• avoiding foods and drinks that you suspect give you heartburn
• not drinking a lot of coffee at the end of the day
• avoiding eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach more full
• sitting up straight while eating, and not lying down after a meal
• chewing gum, which may cause you to produce more saliva to help neutralise the acid
• stop smoking
• raise the head of your bed by 10 to 15cm
• sleep on your left side

If your indigestion is not helped by diet and lifestyle changes, or your symptoms are more severe, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you take a medicine for indigestion that is safe to use during pregnancy. Medicines can neutralise the acid in your stomach, reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach and stop the acid rising into your oesophagus.

Heartburn symptoms and pre-eclampsia

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away with medicine, it’s important to see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious, such as pre-eclampsia. A pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia usually has high blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. Pre-eclampsia could also seriously affect a woman’s liver, blood and brain. Any pregnant woman can experience pre-eclampsia – almost 1 in 20 Australian women will develop it.

Because pre-eclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby, you should let your doctor know if your heartburn medicine is not working. This is especially important if you’re also feeling very unwell or you have:

• sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face
• a headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
• problems with your eyesight such as blurring or seeing flashing lights or dots
• a strong pain below your ribs

Find out more about how pre-eclampsia is treated here.

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse.

MKSAP Quiz: Episodic nausea, bloating, epigastric pain | ACP Internist Weekly

A 45-year-old woman is evaluated for episodic nausea, bloating, and epigastric pain
of 5 years’ duration. In the past 3 months, the nausea has been accompanied by occasional
vomiting. She also reports near-daily heartburn symptoms that have not responded to
daily omeprazole. She has a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus that is treated
with metformin and glyburide.

On physical examination, vital signs are normal; BMI is 29. Abdominal examination
shows diffuse tenderness to deep palpation with no guarding. Other findings are normal.

Laboratory studies show a blood hemoglobin A_1c level of 7.5%. The basic metabolic panel is normal. A complete blood count and liver
chemistry tests are normal.

Upper endoscopy shows a moderate amount of retained food in the stomach and patchy
erythema of the gastric mucosa. Biopsies of the stomach are normal.

Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Gastric emptying scintigraphy
B. 24-Hour pH probe
C. Initiation of domperidone
D. Initiation of metoclopramide

Reveal the Answer

MKSAP Answer and Critique

The correct answer is A. Gastric emptying scintigraphy. This content is available
to MKSAP 18 subscribers as Question 65 in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology section. More information about MKSAP is available online.

Gastric emptying scintigraphy is the most appropriate next step in management. The
diagnosis of gastroparesis requires: (1) the presence of specific symptoms; (2) the
absence of mechanical outlet obstruction; and (3) objective evidence of delay in gastric
emptying into the duodenum. Commonly reported symptoms include early satiety, postprandial
fullness, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss, but these
symptoms correlate poorly with the findings on objective gastric emptying tests. Various
other upper gastrointestinal disorders can present with similar symptoms. Exclusion
of other upper gastrointestinal disorders, objective documentation of delayed gastric
emptying, and an attempt to identify the cause of the gastroparesis are essential
before treatment. Retained food in the stomach during upper endoscopy is not objective
evidence of delayed gastric emptying. The three tests to objectively demonstrate delayed
gastric emptying are gastric scintigraphy, wireless motility capsule, and the gastric
emptying breath test. If scintigraphy is pursued, the 4-hour study is preferred over
90- or 120-minute studies due to increased diagnostic accuracy.

A 24-hour pH probe may be considered when heartburn symptoms do not respond to a higher
dose of acid suppression therapy, such as twice-daily proton pump inhibitor therapy
or a proton pump inhibitor plus a histamine receptor antagonist. This patient’s medical
therapy for heartburn symptoms should be optimized before further testing is pursued,
and this test will not explain the patient’s predominant symptoms of nausea, bloating,
and epigastric pain.

Both metoclopramide and domperidone are effective in the treatment of gastroparesis.
Metoclopramide is the only FDA-approved agent for the treatment of gastroparesis.
Domperidone can be used under a special program administered by the FDA. The side
effects of metoclopramide include dystonia, Parkinson-type movements, and tardive
dyskinesia. Domperidone can prolong the QT interval on electrocardiography, potentially
leading to cardiac arrhythmia. Before initiating treatment for gastroparesis, it is
necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Key Point

• The diagnosis of gastroparesis requires the presence of specific symptoms, absence
  of mechanical outlet obstruction, and objective evidence of delay in gastric emptying
  into the duodenum.

When It’s More Than Just Heartburn

By Chinyu Su, MD and Eric Mortensen, MD, PhD. This article originally published on GetHealthyStayHealthy.com

Did you ever wish you could turn back time and stop yourself from eating that bowl of 5-alarm chili, then washing it down with a beer, and immediately kicking back for a nap? Most of us have had occasional heartburn that may result from a series of just such events. It isn’t uncommon. However, if you frequently have heartburn that feels severe or disruptive to your normal activity, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on.

Understanding Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux is a condition that occurs in which stomach acid flows back into the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach – this tube is called the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which there is a frequent pattern of troublesome acid reflux symptoms.

In both acid reflux and GERD, stomach acid washes over and irritates the lining of the esophagus. In GERD, the lower sphincter of the esophagus is often weakened or it relaxes at times when it should not relax: think of it acting as a door that doesn’t shut when it should. As a result, acid gets through and harms the esophagus.

Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of GERD include:

Heartburn or a burning sensation in your throat
A sour or bitter taste in your mouth
The feeling of food, liquid, or stomach acid coming up into your throat (regurgitation)
Other symptoms associated with GERD are:

Bloating, burping, nausea, vomiting, and other stomach discomfort
Pain or difficulty in swallowing
Note that GERD symptoms are often mistaken for a heart attack. If you have heartburn and chest pain in addition to difficulty breathing and a pain in your arm, seek immediate medical attention.

More Serious Complications
There can be long-term effects of chronic, untreated acid reflux and GERD, which can lead to even more serious complications of the disease. As noted, the continual backwash of stomach acid can cause chronic injury and inflammation in the esophagus. This can lead to the narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow or causing an ulcer to develop there. Acid reflux may also cause respiratory problems, such as asthma symptoms or chronic cough, and it can lead to dental problems, as acid tends to erode tooth enamel.

In very rare instances, acid reflux and GERD can lead to cancer of the esophagus. Talk to your doctor about your risk for developing these complications.

When to See A Doctor
Though it may be more common in people who smoke, are overweight, take certain medications, or who are pregnant, heartburn can develop in just about anyone. So, when should you see your doctor? A good rule of thumb is to make an appointment when you experience frequent or severe heartburn that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication. Also, you should see a doctor if the heartburn you have causes pain or frequently disrupts your regular activities.

You should also seek medical attention when your symptoms:

Continue even though you take medication, worsen or become more frequent
Are associated with nausea, vomiting or bleeding
Are accompanied with difficulty or pain with swallowing
Occur with a persistent cough or worsening asthma

Getting a Diagnosis
Recognizing a pattern of frequent or severe heartburn is the first step in addressing the problem. A second step is discussing it with your doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor, or a specialist, called a gastroenterologist, who is an expert in the disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, will ask you to describe your symptoms. This means it is important to think about your symptoms before seeing your doctor.

Depending on the symptoms you have, how severe they are, and how long you’ve had them, your doctor may order a diagnostic test called an endoscopy. This is a procedure involving a thin flexible tube with a small camera that is fed down the throat. With it, your doctor will examine your esophagus and may take a tissue sample from your esophagus for biopsy testing.

Lifestyle Changes
After identifying how and when you experience heartburn, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce the frequency or severity of your symptoms. These may include:

Avoiding foods and drinks that commonly trigger heartburn, such as citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, and limes), tomatoes in any form, chocolate, mint or peppermint, fatty, fried or spicy foods, onion, garlic, caffeine (coffee and tea), carbonated drinks, and alcohol
Eating smaller meals and waiting at least 2-3 hours after a meal before lying down or going to bed
Losing weight, if you are overweight
Avoiding tight clothes that can increase heartburn discomfort
Quitting tobacco and nicotine products by talking to your doctor for help to stop smoking
Keep in mind that lifestyle recommendations may be personalized. For example, if you experience acid reflux symptoms only at night, your doctor may recommend elevating the head of your bed.

Types of Treatments
You and your doctor can discuss a variety of treatment options and management strategies to help relieve symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medicines. These can include:

Antacids: which work by neutralizing stomach acid
h3-receptor blockers: which work by reducing stomach acid production
Proton pump inhibitors: which work by blocking stomach acid production
In some cases where lifestyle changes and medications are not controlling your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.

How To Prepare
You don’t have to suffer with chronic heartburn. If you are uncomfortable, see your doctor, but be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, your eating habits, how your symptoms occur, and any medications you have tried for your heartburn symptoms. Some people find that keeping a food diary and jotting down when symptoms occur can help you and your doctor make important connections.

Chinyu Su, MD is a gastroenterologist and a Senior Director of Clinical Affairs at Pfizer.

Eric Mortensen, MD, PhD, is a gastroenterologist and the Vice President of Global Innovation at Pfizer.

Visit Get Healthy Stay Healthy for more information on Your Health.

90,000 12 Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common complaint and can be caused or complicated by many factors. We present to your attention the 12 most common reasons for this.

1. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

In this case, abdominal pain is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and frequent loose stools. It is most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses, and symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

2. Gassing

Gases occur when bacteria in the small intestine metabolize certain foods. The increased pressure of gases in the intestines can cause severe pain. Gas can also cause flatulence and belching.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

For unknown reasons, individuals with IBS are unable to digest certain types of foods. Abdominal pain is a major symptom for many IBS patients and often resolves after a bowel movement.Other common symptoms include gas, nausea, cramps, and bloating.

4. Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach pass into the esophagus. This process is almost always accompanied by burning and pain. Acid reflux also causes symptoms such as bloating or cramping.

5. Gastritis

When the protective lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or destroyed, pain occurs.Nausea, vomiting, gas, and bloating are other common symptoms of gastritis.

6. Constipation

When problems with bowel movements occur, pressure on the large intestine increases, which can be accompanied by pain.

7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic relapsing disease caused by spontaneous, recurring discharge of gastric and / or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to damage to the lower esophagus.GERD can cause stomach pain as well as heartburn and nausea.

8. Ulcers

Ulcers (peptic or stomach) usually cause severe and prolonged abdominal pain. The most common causes of ulcers are bacteria H. pylori and excessive and / or long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

9. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is accompanied by inflammation of the digestive tract, which leads to pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and bloating.Given its chronic nature, this condition can lead to malnutrition, causing weight loss and wasting.

10. Celiac disease

Allergy to gluten, a protein found in cereals that causes inflammation in the small intestine. This, in turn, is accompanied by painful sensations.

11. Menstrual cramps or endometriosis

Menstruation may be accompanied by abdominal pain.Bloating, gas, cramps, and constipation can also occur during your period, causing discomfort. Patients with endometriosis may experience severe or chronic pain due to inflammation.

12. Urinary tract and bladder infections

Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by bacteria. Symptoms include pain, pressure in the lower abdomen, and bloating. Most infections cause painful urination.

Unusual and more serious causes

In some cases, abdominal pain is a symptom of a serious illness that, without timely medical attention, can lead to fatal consequences.

Less common causes of abdominal pain include:

• appendicitis;
• kidney stones;
• hepatitis;
• gallstones;
• food poisoning;
• parasitic infections;
• infections of the abdominal cavity;
• ischemia of the abdominal organs;
• atypical angina or congestive heart failure;
• cancer, in particular cancer of the stomach, pancreas or intestines;
• cyst.

Based on materials from www.medicalnewstoday.com

The doctor listed the symptoms of “gastric coronavirus”

https://ria.ru/20210414/simptomy-1728220337.html

The doctor listed the symptoms of “gastric coronavirus”

The doctor listed the symptoms of “gastric coronavirus” – RIA Novosti, 04/14/2021

The doctor listed the symptoms of “gastric coronavirus”

Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 have become more common, an assistant at the Department of Gastroenterology said in an interview with the Dr. Peter portal… RIA Novosti, 04/14/2021

2021-04-14T13: 05

2021-04-14T13: 05

2021-04-14T14: 11

The spread of coronavirus

society

health

coronavirus covid- 19

coronavirus in russia

gastrointestinal tract

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MOSCOW, April 14 – RIA Novosti. Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 have become more common, Yulia Kokovina, an assistant at the Department of Gastroenterology at the Mechnikov Northwestern State Medical University, said in an interview with Dr. Peter. how they got the coronavirus infection. So, for example, the malaise could last only a day, but then antibodies were found in the patients. In addition, quite often those who had had COVID-19 without symptoms attributed the malaise, for example, to an exacerbation of chronic gastritis.The doctor drew attention to the fact that those infected with the coronavirus often experience pain, usually cramping, in the abdominal area. (without vomiting), because it can also be caused by high blood pressure, which often occurs with covid, “Kokovina explained. In patients with urolithiasis with COVID-19, exacerbations sometimes begin.Other symptoms include reflux (acid-bile reflux into the esophagus), heartburn, bloating, and gas. The doctor emphasized that the reason lies not only in the effect of coronavirus on the gastrointestinal tract, but also in stress. The duodenum suffers the most from infection: SARS-CoV-2 affects it until ulcers appear. Previously, Dmitry Bordin, the chief freelance gastroenterologist in Moscow, urged people with digestive diseases to be especially wary of COVID-19.

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society, health, covid-19 coronavirus, coronavirus in Russia, gastrointestinal tract

MOSCOW, April 14 – RIA Novosti. Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 began to occur more and more often, an assistant at the Department of Gastroenterology, North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikova Yulia Kokovina.

According to her, people usually go to a gastroenterologist after they have had a coronavirus infection. So, for example, the malaise could last only a day, but then antibodies were found in the patients. In addition, quite often those who had had COVID-19 without symptoms attributed the malaise, for example, to an exacerbation of chronic gastritis.

The physician drew attention to the fact that those infected with the coronavirus often experience pain, usually cramping, in the abdomen.

“Stool loosening can occur – without mucus and blood, as a rule. Moreover, it can recover the next day. It is not yet clear whether nausea (without vomiting) can be considered a symptom, because it can also be caused by increased pressure, which often occurs with covid “, – explained Kokovina.

April 14, 07:12 Spread of coronavirus Epidemiologist explained the difference between antibodies M and G to coronavirus

In patients with urolithiasis with COVID-19, exacerbations sometimes begin.Other symptoms include reflux (acid-bile reflux into the esophagus), heartburn, bloating, and gas. The doctor emphasized that the reason lies not only in the effect of coronavirus on the gastrointestinal tract, but also in stress. The duodenum suffers most from infection: SARS-CoV-2 affects it until ulcers appear.

“Probably, the theory that the virus settles where it is thin is correct. And given that everyone has problems with the gastrointestinal tract in one way or another (statistics say 85 percent, but I think that the remaining 15 percent is just were not examined), many were at risk, “said Kokovina.

Earlier, Dmitry Bordin, the chief freelance gastroenterologist in Moscow, urged people with digestive diseases to be especially wary of COVID-19.

21 March 2020, 07:57

Other causes of stomach pain

• Pancreatitis. Localization of pain (strong and constant) in the upper abdomen, spread to the back, most often during meals.Concomitant symptoms – bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, general weakness;
• Duodenitis. Characterized by pain in the upper abdomen, general weakness, nausea, and distention in the stomach. Acute attacks can stop by themselves, but in this case, the disease becomes chronic;
• Duodenal ulcer. Painful sensations of slight intensity are localized in the epigastric region, which are aggravated during the intake of spicy food;
• Colitis.Minor painful sensations of a cramping character, accompanied by upset stools, bloating.

Stomach pain can occur both for the most common reasons (overeating, fear when visiting a doctor or before a performance, etc.), and for more serious ones. To understand why the stomach hurts constantly (or rarely, but very badly), you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary examination and identify the cause.

Self-medication is very dangerous because the frequent use of pain relievers dulls the pain without addressing the root cause of your condition.In this case, you can skip the development of very serious diseases.

Nausea – when to go to the hospital

Isolated cases of nausea and vomiting (usually associated with overeating, eating poor-quality food, a single food poisoning) do not require contacting a medical facility.

But if nausea becomes constant and, moreover, is accompanied by painful sensations, constant heartburn and belching, then it is most likely that this is a symptom of diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gastroduodenitis, inflammation of the gallbladder and many others.

In case of repeated vomiting, you should immediately consult with a specialist who should send you for a full examination – gastroscopy, ultrasound, laboratory tests. If the doctor makes a diagnosis only on the basis of examination and questioning, we recommend that you seek help from another specialist. Diseases diagnosed at an early stage of development are completely cured, neglected forms threaten the development of serious complications.

90,000 A delicate question.Intestinal problems during pregnancy

It’s no secret that during pregnancy, women have to deal with all sorts of ailments: toxicosis, and convulsions, and increased urination, and frequent unmotivated mood changes … All organs and systems of the expectant mother experience increased stress. It is not easy for the digestive system.

The most common problems in this area during pregnancy include constipation, hemorrhoids, heartburn, and intestinal upset and associated bloating, diarrhea, gas, discomfort and pain.Even if the overtaken disease does not pose a danger to the health of the mother and baby, it can deliver a lot of unpleasant sensations, significantly reducing the quality of life. And that means letting ailments take their course!

Constipation

From a medical point of view, constipation is considered to be the absence of stool for three or more days. In this case, the act of defecation is usually difficult, accompanied by painful sensations. Frequent companions of constipation can be abdominal pain, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, bloating, nausea, and bitterness in the mouth.

Where is the problem? One of the reasons provoking disturbances in natural bowel emptying is hormonal changes in the body. The hormone progesterone, against the background of which the pregnancy proceeds, has a relaxing effect on the intestinal muscles, which helps to slow down the movement of feces. Over time, the growing uterus begins to press on the intestines, which disrupts its motor function, further exacerbating the problem. Improper nutrition also contributes – it is known that during this period, expectant mothers change their taste preferences, and their appetite increases.Experts do not deny the psychological nature of constipation. Fears that expectant mothers are exposed to, an unstable emotional background can also contribute to the development of constipation.

What to do? The main method of dealing with constipation should be the correction of the diet. In no case should you allow large intervals between meals, as well as overeating. It is imperative to include in your diet every day foods that enhance intestinal motility: bread with bran, raw vegetables and fruits (especially apples, carrots, pumpkin), dried fruits, buckwheat, barley and oatmeal, meat with a large amount of connective tissue, dairy products containing bifidobacteria.It is important to ensure that you are getting enough fluid. Preference should be given to non-carbonated drinking water, as well as unclarified juices with pulp rich in fiber (apricot, peach, etc.). In the morning on an empty stomach, it is useful to drink a glass of raw cold water with the addition of a spoonful of honey.

Will have to give up products that contribute to constipation. These include flour, sweet, salty, spicy, smoked, fried, etc. It is recommended to exclude from the diet foods that cause increased gas production: legumes, cabbage, onions, garlic, radishes, radishes, apple and grape juices.

Please note that laxatives are rarely prescribed during pregnancy, since by increasing intestinal motility, they can tone the uterus. However, in some cases it is more advisable to resort to drug treatment than to suffer from constant constipation, which threatens to lead to the development of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the anus. According to statistics, more than 50% of expectant mothers have to deal with this problem during pregnancy.

The main symptoms of this unpleasant pathology include mucous discharge, cramps, burning, itching and discomfort in the anal area. There may also be painful sensations during bowel movements, the appearance of blood in the feces.

Clinical manifestations of the disease also depend on its stage. At stage 1, a woman, as a rule, does not care about anything, hemorrhoids do not come out or come out a little when straining. At the 2nd stage, the nodes come out when straining, but they adjust back on their own.When the disease is started up to stage 3, hemorrhoids come out and do not correct back.

If a woman does not have any complaints, then during an external examination, the doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids only in the 2nd stage, since only then the inflammatory process is visible. To make a diagnosis at the 1st stage of the disease, the doctor relies on the patient’s complaints and examination of the rectum.

Where is the problem? Well, of course, hormones are to blame again! All the same hormones of the progesterone series have an antispasmodic effect: they relax all organs, including the veins.In addition, during pregnancy, the blood supply to the uterus increases, and, as a result, blood flow to the pelvic area. And the gradual growth of the fetus contributes to the fact that its head presses on the vessels and impairs blood flow.

Since the volume of circulating blood and its clotting ability significantly increase during pregnancy, thrombosis of any localization can become a very formidable complication!

What to do? Treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the stage of the disease.If we are talking about little symptomatic hemorrhoids of the 1st and 2nd stages, then in most cases it is enough to solve the problem of constipation by adjusting the diet, and resort to physical exercise.

With uncomplicated hemorrhoids of the 2nd and 3rd stages, the patient most often has to be hospitalized, but without surgery. Complicated hemorrhoids with bleeding require surgical intervention, however, the disease rarely reaches such a neglected state.

Of course, the disease is easier to prevent than to cure.Avoiding hemorrhoids is easy. To do this, you need to monitor regular bowel movements – at least once, and preferably twice a day. Ideally, it should happen at the same time. After each act of bowel movement, be sure to wash yourself using soap and cold water. A large role in the prevention of constipation is played by the rejection of a sedentary lifestyle. Moderate physical activity – special exercises for pregnant women, walking, swimming – can help you avoid many problems. Kegel exercises are also useful – drawing in and relaxing the muscles of the perineum and anus.

A separate item in the measures for the prevention of hemorrhoids should be a proper balanced diet.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, sometimes reaching the esophagus and throat, caused by the acidic stomach contents being thrown into the esophagus. In addition, heartburn may be accompanied by flatulence, nausea, belching, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Usually, the feeling of discomfort occurs after eating or lying down.

Where is the problem? Unfortunately, heartburn is a frequent companion of pregnancy.Under the influence of progesterone already known to us, the smooth muscles of the sphincter located between the stomach and the esophagus relax, which contributes to the reflux of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. In the second half of pregnancy, the problem is further aggravated by the growing uterus pressing on the stomach.

Overeating, insufficient chewing of food, unhealthy diet can also provoke heartburn.

What to do? To combat heartburn, experts recommend paying attention to your diet.First, food should be fractional: you need to eat often and in small portions. Secondly, you should refuse too fatty foods (especially meat and fish), carbonated drinks, fresh bread, muffins, black coffee, as well as sour and spicy foods. After eating, you should not take a horizontal position for 30-40 minutes. To relieve heartburn symptoms, your doctor may recommend taking an antacid medication.

Bowel disorder

An intestinal disorder is most often taken to mean banal diarrhea.However, depending on the severity of the disorder, it may be accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, fever, symptoms of body intoxication (pallor of the skin, weakness, sweating, etc.).

Where is the problem? An upset bowel movement can be caused by two main reasons. The first includes supply errors. As we have already noted, during pregnancy, taste preferences often change significantly, and appetite increases.As a result, overeating and a combination of incompatible foods may well cause indigestion with subsequent upset. The second reason is associated with an infectious factor, that is, the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body, for example, through the use of poor-quality food.

What to do? If the symptoms of the disorder are minor and not associated with a bacterial nature, it will be enough to temporarily restrict the diet, drink as much liquid as possible.Most likely, the doctor will prescribe a therapeutic diet. For the investment of the condition, you can take activated charcoal and an antispasmodic.

If the intestinal upset is caused by a bacterial infection, serious medications cannot be dispensed with. In any case, only a doctor can determine the nature of the disease – in this case, self-medication is not worth it.

To avoid intestinal upset, it is enough to adhere to simple rules. Remember that pregnancy is not the best time to experiment with new foods and get acquainted with exotic dishes – try to stick to the usual foods.Wash vegetables, fruits and berries thoroughly in warm water before use. Carefully study the expiration dates of the products, observe the storage conditions. If you doubt the look, smell or taste of a product, don’t risk it – send it home.

Be healthy!

Head of the antenatal clinic Korban A.G.

Ganaton patient reviews about the drug, prices, instructions for use

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• Naida
  2020-04-26 12:01

  Cool drug effect already on the 3rd day of use.

• Vaschenko Elizaveta Andreevna
  2017-03-03 20:43

  My husband has a very sensitive stomach. After eating at work, he usually had heartburn. No pills helped. On the advice of a doctor, we decided to try Ganaton.This is a wonderful drug. He takes them three times a day and no longer complains of heartburn. There are no side effects. Now you can safely eat and not worry about the consequences. The price pleasantly pleased

• Egor
  2017-03-02 16:31

  I am not eating very well, as a result I have earned problems with the gastrointestinal tract.Ganaton is an expensive medicine, his gastroenterologist prescribed for me. After taking the drug, abdominal pain and nausea began to disappear. Before that I suffered from heartburn. I had to take it often enough to eliminate all the resulting problems. But it helped me to cope with poor health.

• faith
  2017-03-02 16:20

  Once there was a very strong bloating, heartburn and all this was accompanied by pain in the upper abdomen and nausea.I started looking for information about drugs that help with such symptoms, rummaged through the entire Internet and, as a result, adding up all the pros and cons, I came to the idea of ​​buying the drug Ganaton. The price turned out to be reasonable and I took it, the tool is really very effective.

• Katerina
  2017-03-02 15:18

  For about a week I suffered from heartburn and bloating every night.I decided that I was probably eating something wrong lately. I only eat in the evening, and during the day I can have a snack at McDonald’s. The pharmacy recommended some little-known medicine, Ganaton, I had never heard of it before. I began to take it according to the instructions. The symptoms decreased a little, the next day I felt much better. The sensations in the stomach became habitual, the heartburn disappeared.

• Oksana
  2017-03-02 15:06

  Constant bloating caused incredible discomfort at work, and bloating was also accompanied by discomfort in the upper abdomen.I decided to try this drug Relenza so as not to go to the doctor. The drug turned out to be good for the price. I took the drug three times a day, one tablet. After I started taking the pills, there was no more bloating and other symptoms. Recommend!

• Victor R.
  2017-03-02 10:10

  I have known Ganaton for a very long time, about five years.As a mono drug, I can’t say much, as I have always taken it in complex treatment in cases of exacerbation of gastritis. Nausea, bloating, vomiting, Ganaton copes with this with ease. They assigned me to take it to the course for fourteen days, three times a day, twenty minutes before meals. Good Japanese medicine.

• Sophia
  2017-03-01 23:16

  Ganaton helped me with digestion, I have difficulty digesting, and I turned to the hospital for help, where Ganaton was prescribed for me.I can say that he saved me from the problem, he acts very quickly. I no longer have heartburn and swelling, the main thing is to take it before meals, then the effect of the pills will be maximum. The price is average, there are funds and more expensive, but this drug suits me.

• And Ganaton does not have active advertising, and in pharmacies it is rarely offered, although the price is acceptable, and in fact it is simply irreplaceable for the stomach.Especially for me, when any meal can cause a minimum of bloating. But with this drug I forgot about all the problems: I just felt discomfort – I immediately take a pill, and without fear I can continue to go about my business.

• Raisa
  2017-03-01 16:29

  Hello.I would like to share my feedback on the drug “Ganaton 50mg”. We went to the doctor with complaints: bloating, pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. I didn’t know where to run to, but the doctor recommended “Ganaton” to me. I went and bought it at the pharmacy, it is not particularly expensive. I drank this drug 1 tablet 3 times a day. After the first dose, relief came substantially. I had a course of treatment for 2 weeks. All unpleasant symptoms are gone, I feel good.

• Gregory
  2017-03-01 16:20

  A course of treatment was prescribed at a gastroenterologist’s appointment.The drug Ganaton. The reception was calculated for about a month, however, already on the third or fourth day, gastric motility began to improve and chronic gastritis decreased. There were no side effects, but some, judging by the reviews, have some burning sensation, so if this symptom appears, I advise you to stop taking the drug and consult a specialist again. By the way, the price is quite good for Ganaton, I recommend it!

Road Clinical Hospital

This is a progressive inflammatory process in the pancreas lasting more than 6 months, which persists after the elimination of the cause that caused it.Chronic pancreatitis leads to the gradual replacement of an organ with tissue that does not perform the necessary functions.

Symptoms.

Pain in the depths of the abdomen, spreading upward, of a shingles nature is the most important manifestation of chronic pancreatitis. More often, pain occurs 1.5-2 hours after a plentiful, fatty or spicy meal. May be disturbed by nausea, decreased or lack of appetite, vomiting that does not bring relief, belching, less often – heartburn, bloating, excessive gas formation, a feeling of transfusion and rumbling in the abdomen.With severe exacerbations, there is loose stools and weight loss.

Consequences.

The most common complications in chronic pancreatitis include the development of infectious seals in the pancreas, purulent inflammation of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. The formation of erosions in the esophagus, ulcers in the stomach and intestines, which can be complicated by bleeding, obstruction of the duodenum, pancreatic cancer, the formation of free fluid in the abdomen, in the chest cavity, a sharp decrease in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), the formation of chronic cysts in the pancreas gland, sepsis (blood poisoning).In some patients, fistulas form in the pancreas that extend into the abdominal cavity. There are persistent infectious and inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity, accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in it, poor health, high fever. Chronic pancreatitis can be complicated by blockages in the veins that carry blood to the liver and spleen. In this case, especially severe bleeding from ulcers and erosions of the stomach and esophagus develops, due to increased blood pressure in the vessels of these organs.Long-term chronic pancreatitis can change the shape of the gland so that it, squeezing the duodenum, causes obstruction of food through it. This may be the reason for surgical intervention. A third of patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis for a long time develop neuropsychic disorders: disorders of thinking, memory, intelligence.

Treatment.

First of all, you need a comprehensive examination in order to establish an accurate diagnosis (in the first two to three years of the disease, many laboratory and instrumental parameters may be within the normal range, and clinical signs are not characteristic only of this disease).