Symptoms, Causes, Diet, and Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
• Who Is at Risk for Indigestion?
• What Causes Indigestion?
• How Is Indigestion Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Indigestion?
• How Can I Prevent Indigestion?
• When Should I Call the Doctor About Indigestion?
• More

Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.

Also called dyspepsia, it is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

The symptoms of indigestion include:

• Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (full feeling)
• Belching and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acidic taste
• Growling stomach

These symptoms may increase in times of stress.

People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn is a different symptom that may be a sign of another problem.

People of all ages and genders are affected by indigestion. It’s extremely common. A person’s risk increases with:

• Drinking too much alcohol
• Use of drugs that irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers
• Conditions where there is an abnormality in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer
• Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression
• Obesity
• Smoking

Indigestion has many causes, including:

Diseases:

• Ulcers
• GERD
• Stomach cancer (rare)
• Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in people with diabetes)
• Stomach infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Thyroid disease
• Pregnancy

Medications:

• Aspirin and other painkillers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen 
• Estrogen and oral contraceptives
• Steroid medications
• Certain antibiotics
• Thyroid medicines

Lifestyle:

• Eating too much, eating too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Cigarette smoking
• Stress and fatigue

Indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid.

Swallowing excessive air when eating may increase the symptoms of belching and bloating, which are often associated with indigestion.

Sometimes people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors. This type of indigestion is called functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia.

If you have indigestion, make an appointment to see your doctor. Because indigestion is such a broad term, it is helpful to provide your doctor with a precise description of the discomfort you are feeling. In describing the symptoms, try to define where in the abdomen the discomfort usually occurs.

Your doctor will rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may perform several blood tests and you may have X-rays of the stomach or small intestine. Your doctor may also suggest you have an upper endoscopy to look closely at the inside of the stomach. During the procedure, an endoscope — a flexible tube that contains a light and a camera to produce images from inside the body — is used to look inside your stomach.

Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition causing the indigestion.

Indigestion Medicine

Antacids

Antacids help ease indigestion symptoms. They neutralize, or offset, the stomach acid that causes indigestion. Common over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are:

• Mylanta
• Rolaids
• Tums

Histamine (h3) Blockers

h3 blockers lessen the amount of acid your stomach makes, so they can both stop and prevent indigestion symptoms. They take between 1 and 3 hours to take effect but work for several hours. If you take any prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you use an h3 blocker because they can interact with certain other drugs. Common h3 blockers include: 

• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• Famotidine (Pepcid Complete or Pepcid AC, Zantac 360)
• Nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR)

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

OTC PPIs also work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, but they only treat frequent indigestion that happens two or more times per week. They take from 1 to 4 days to become effective. You can use them for up to 14 days, and up to three times per year. They can also interact with other medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use them. The most common PPIs that you can buy over the counter are: 

• Esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR)
• Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid OTC)
• Omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec OTC)

Indigestion Relief

You might not need any treatment. Indigestion often goes away on its own after a few hours. But let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse.

There a number of home or natural remedies that some people claim will ease indigestion symptoms, including: 

• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar 
• Chewing gum 
• Ginger 
• Bananas 
• Milk
• Aloe vera juice 

But unlike medications that are tested for safety and effectiveness, there are no guidelines to know if these remedies are safe and will work. Many things can affect how a remedy will work for you, including the cause of your indigestion, other medications you may be taking, and whether or not you’re pregnant. Check with your doctor before trying a natural remedy for indigestion. 

The best way to prevent indigestion is to avoid the foods and situations that seem to cause it. Keeping a food diary is helpful in identifying foods that cause indigestion. Here are some other suggestions:

• Eat small meals so the stomach does not have to work as hard or as long.
• Eat slowly.
• Try not to chew with your mouth open, talk while you chew, or eat too fast. This makes you swallow too much air, which can add to indigestion.
• Avoid foods that contain high amounts of acids, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Avoid spicy foods.
• Reduce or avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
• If stress is a trigger for your indigestion, learn new methods for managing stress, such as relaxation and biofeedback techniques.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
• Cut back on alcohol because it can also irritate the stomach lining.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments because they tend to compress the stomach, which can cause its contents to enter the esophagus.
• Don’t exercise with a full stomach. Rather, exercise before a meal or at least one hour after eating a meal.
• Don’t lie down right after eating.
• Avoid late-night eating. Wait at least 3 hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
• Sleep with your head elevated (at least 6 inches) above your feet and use pillows to prop yourself up. This will help allow digestive juices to flow into the intestines rather than to the esophagus.
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your stomach and lower esophagus. 

If you don’t feel better after these changes, your doctor may prescribe medications for you.

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting, blood in vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Discomfort unrelated to eating

Symptoms similar to indigestion may be caused by heart attacks. If indigestion is unusual, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, call 911 immediately.

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8 Easy Ways to Avoid Heartburn

Acid reflux occurs when acid leaks into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest. This is commonly known as heartburn. Most adults experience it occasionally. There are a few simple tricks to avoid heartburn, so you don’t have to suffer the discomfort.

1. Eat more fiber

Eating fiber-rich foods helps prevent heartburn in a couple of different ways. Fiber improves gastric motility, meaning your food moves more quickly through your digestive tract. When you do not eat enough fiber, your food spends more time in your stomach and more acid is produced. This is known as delayed gastric emptying. Fiber may also absorb acid and help you feel fuller sooner, so you don’t overeat. Foods that are high in fiber include whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits.

2. Eat smaller meals

Large meals put pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES closes off your esophagus where it enters your stomach. When there is additional pressure on it, acid can leak up into your esophagus. Small meals prevent this from happening. It’s even better if the smaller meals contain a lot of fiber.

3. Don’t lay down right after a meal

Your stomach contains the most acid right after you eat. By sitting upright or standing, gravity works in your favor to keep acid out of your esophagus. While it is tempting to take a nap or go to bed right after a late-night meal, doing so will often lead to heartburn. When you are lying down, there is more pressure on your LES combined with additional acid in the stomach.

4. Avoid foods and drinks that cause heartburn

There are several foods that are known to cause heartburn. The main culprits are chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, spicy foods, garlic, and onions. Also, acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruit, and citrus juices can lead to heartburn. Coffee and sodas can relax the LES and allow more acid to leak into the esophagus. Alcohol can cause heartburn, too. Avoiding these foods and drinks is helpful in preventing heartburn.

5. Sleep on your left side

Sleeping on your left side can help you avoid heartburn, especially if you do need to nap or go to sleep after a meal. Because of the way the stomach is shaped, lying on the left lets gravity do the work of keeping acid out of your esophagus. Another option is to elevate the head of your bed so that you sleep on an incline.

6. Wear loose-fitting clothing

Tight clothing adds pressure to your stomach and can push acid up into the esophagus. Loose clothing prevents this from happening. It may help improve your overall comfort as well.

7. Maintain a healthy weight

Overweight and obesity are common risk factors for frequent acid reflux and developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It becomes easy to maintain a healthy weight when you are avoiding the foods that cause heartburn and eating more fiber-rich foods to prevent heartburn. Taking a brisk walk after a meal can aid digestion and reduce acid reflux. This will also help you maintain or achieve a healthy weight.

To find out if you are a healthy weight, use this BMI calculator.

8. Stop smoking

Smoking can cause heartburn. It also leads to several different types of gastrointestinal cancers and other serious health conditions. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions for your health you can make. Seek out resources to help – it may not be the easiest thing on this list, but it is one of the most important.

Using the tips above can help you avoid acid reflux. If you are experiencing heartburn more than two to three times a week, you may have GERD. You should schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you suspect you have GERD. The doctor may perform an upper endoscopy to evaluate you for GERD and check for ulcers or Barrett’s esophagus. Don’t delay – schedule an appointment today.

Related:

• 8 Foods That Alleviate Heartburn
• 14 Surprising Facts About Heartburn and GERD
• How Your Heartburn Can Lead to Cancer

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what causes indigestion and intestines?

Contents

• 1 What causes diarrhea?
  • 1. 1 Causes of diarrhea
  • 1.2 Viruses and bacteria
  • 1.3 Malnutrition
  • 1.4 Stress
  • 1.5 Chronic bowel disease
  • 1.6 Alcohol alcohol and nicotine
  • 1.7 Medicines and antibiotics
  • 1.8 Allergic reactions
  • 1.9 Tap water
  • 1.10 Gastroenteritis and salmonellosis
  • 1.11 Whooping cough and enterovirus
  • 1.12 Worms and parasites
  • 1.13 Gout and ulcers
  • 1.14 Digestive disorders
  • 1.15 Hemorrhoids and proctitis 900 08
  • 1.16 Toxicosis of pregnancy
  • 1.17 Heat stroke and sunstroke
  • 1.18 Intestinal cancer and adenoma
  • 1.19 Related videos:
  • 1.20 Q&A:
    • • 1.20.0.1

900 02 Find out what causes diarrhea. From food poisoning to bowel disease, it’s important to know what to do and how to prevent symptoms.

Diarrhea is a condition in which a person has frequent stools with or without feces, and the stool may be liquid or semi-liquid. This disorder may occur once and for all, but may recur at regular intervals.

Stomach and intestinal problems are common. They can be caused by various reasons such as infections, poor diet, medications, allergies, stress, and other factors.

In this article, we will look at the main causes of diarrhea, as well as what symptoms and complications can occur with this disorder. Knowing these factors will help you take steps to prevent GI problems and improve your health.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in which the intestines remove large amounts of fluid from the body along with feces, leading to frequent loose stools. There are many causes of diarrhea, including:

• Viruses – Various viruses, such as rotavirus and hepatitis A, can cause diarrhea as well as vomiting, headache, and other symptoms;
• Bacteria – Infections caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli can lead to diarrhoea;
• Parasites – certain types of parasites such as guillardia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea;
• Food – certain types of food, especially poor quality or expired, can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems;
• Medicines – Some medicines such as antibiotics or medicines that increase stomach acid can cause diarrhea;
• Stress – Stress and emotional stress can cause diarrhea as they affect bowel function;
• Other causes – Diarrhea can be caused by certain medical conditions such as chronic colitis or Crohn’s disease, as well as other factors such as alcohol and nicotine.

If you have diarrhea, especially if it lasts more than a few days, you should contact your doctor immediately. In some cases, diarrhea can lead to serious complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance that require medical attention.

Viruses and bacteria

Viruses and bacteria – is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. Some of them can produce toxins that cause inflammation in the intestines.

viruses can be contagious and are transmitted through dirt, food, water, doorknobs, and other foreign surfaces. Some of the most common viruses that cause diarrhea are rotavirus and norovirus. Children can become sick from these viruses, and sometimes vaccinations can protect against them.

Bacteria is also one of the most common causes of diarrhea, especially E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella. These bacteria contaminate animal or vegetable foods, as well as some dirty surfaces. To prevent bacterial diarrhea, wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet, and prepare and store food at the correct temperature.

Safe way to treat bacterial diarrhea – take antibiotics only on the advice of a doctor. However, with diarrhea caused by viruses, antibiotics will not help and may make the situation worse.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is one of the main causes of diarrhea. Foods rich in fat, too sweet, or overcooked can cause stomach and intestinal upset. Overeating can also be a cause of diarrhea as the body cannot handle a large amount of food at one time.

Caution is required for certain foods:

• Raw fruits and vegetables, which may contain bacteria and viruses that can cause diarrhoea. When eating such food, you should clog the water or catch it.
• Unpasteurized dairy products such as cheeses and yogurt may also contain bacteria that can cause diarrhea. It is necessary to check the packaging for the presence of the marking “pasteurized” before use.
• Seafood such as oysters and shrimp may contain harmful substances, especially if stored improperly. When choosing seafood, you need to make sure that it is fresh and cooked properly.

It is important to know that every person is different and what works for one may not work for another. Keep a detailed record of your own reactions to food and avoid foods that cause diarrhea.

Stress

Stress is one of the main factors affecting the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. With constant stress, a person’s levels of the hormone cortisol increase, which can lead to changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and excessive bowel activity.

In other words, stress can cause diarrhea. Excessively high levels of cortisol in the blood block peristalsis, which slows down bowel movement and leads to intestinal dysbiosis. Also, stress can increase the risk of contracting various infectious diseases, which can also cause diarrhea.

To reduce the risk of diarrhea caused by stress, it is important to exercise regularly and avoid unnecessary physical and emotional stress. It is also necessary to give up smoking, alcohol and other habits that can worsen the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Chronic bowel disease

Chronic bowel disease such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease can be one of the causes of diarrhea. Chronic bowel disease is characterized by long-term, recurring inflammation in the gut that can lead to diarrhea.

Gastric and duodenal ulcers cause diarrhea in many people. These bowel diseases cause various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and frequent diarrhea. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are caused by infection, and are also often caused by stress, certain medications, smoking, and other factors.

Colitis and Crohn’s disease are diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Colitis and Crohn’s disease can be very devastating in the gut, causing a host of health problems.

The treatment of chronic bowel disease requires a comprehensive approach. Some people may use medication, while others require surgery. The choice of treatment method depends on the severity of the disease and other factors necessary to understand the health of the patient.

Alcohol and nicotine

Alcohol and nicotine are one of the most common causes of diarrhea. These substances have a negative effect on the functioning of the stomach and intestines, causing various disorders.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can cause diarrhea for various reasons. First, alcohol changes the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can lead to dysbiosis and, as a result, diarrhea. Secondly, alcohol is a diuretic, i.e. increases the excretion of fluid from the body. It can also lead to diarrhea.

Nicotine

Nicotine has a negative effect on the stomach and intestines, causing a decrease in digestive function. This can lead to disruption of the balanced intestinal microflora and, as a result, to diarrhea.

How to avoid diarrhea from alcohol and nicotine?

• Moderate drinking.
• Smoking cessation.
• Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
• Proper nutrition with restriction of fatty and spicy foods.
• Avoid stressful situations that can aggravate indigestion and bowel problems.

Medicines and antibiotics

Medicines and antibiotics may cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Some drugs can change the composition of the intestinal microflora and cause dysbiosis, which can lead to diarrhea.

Older people and children are more likely to develop diarrhea when taking medications, especially antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which leads to dysbacteriosis and the development of diarrhea.

There are also other medicines that can cause diarrhea, such as heart medications, anticoagulants, thyroid medications, and others.

If you experience symptoms of diarrhea while taking any medication, see your doctor so they can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment.

Allergic reactions

Diarrhea can be caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods or medicines. As a rule, an allergic reaction causes not only diarrhea, but also other symptoms, such as skin rash, itching, swelling, runny nose.

If you have already been diagnosed with allergies to certain foods, you should eliminate them from your diet. If you notice that after consuming a certain product you experience allergy symptoms, you should contact an allergist for additional research and an individual diet.

Medicines may also cause allergic reactions, including diarrhoea. If you notice diarrhea after taking any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor. Medicines are prescribed only after a thorough analysis of the patient’s condition and an assessment of all possible risks and side effects.

The Society for the Study of Allergy and Immunology recommends that people with food or drug allergies carry an epipen syringe with them at all times and have a plan for dealing with anaphylactic shock.

Tap water

Tap water can cause diarrhea because it can harbor microbes and bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections. This is due to improper water treatment at water treatment plants or the use of flowing water sources, where pathogens can be found.

To avoid diarrhoea, it is recommended to drink only filtered or boiled water, you can also use water filters at home. It is important to pay attention to the expiration date of bottled water and its storage conditions, as it can also cause diarrhea if the expiration date and storage conditions are violated.

In addition to pathogenic microbes, tap water may contain chlorine, which is used for disinfection, which can also cause diarrhea in people who are sensitive to this chemical.

Drinking water tips

Gastroenteritis and salmonellosis

Gastroenteritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. It can be caused by various factors such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxins. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and general weakness. Certain bacteria, such as salmonella, can cause gastroenteritis.

Salmonellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella. This bacterium can be carried by food, water, and contact with infected animals. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, and abdominal pain. Often, salmonellosis can cause serious complications such as dehydration, sepsis, and infectious arthritis.

If symptoms of gastroenteritis or salmonellosis occur, seek medical attention. Treatment includes diet, increased fluid intake, and, in some cases, antibiotics. Precautions should also be taken to avoid contamination, such as regular handwashing and proper cooking of food.

Whooping cough and enterovirus

Whooping cough (an old cough disease) is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It can cause a severe cough that can last up to 10 weeks. Whooping cough often leads to diarrhea and vomiting in children and can be fatal in children under 1 year of age.

Enteroviruses cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and acute respiratory viral infection variants such as the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia. They can cause diarrhea and vomiting, as well as spots and sores on the skin and mucous membranes in some people.

Doctors who suspect that the illness is caused by whooping cough or enterovirus usually do additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. If these viruses are found, treatment may include antibacterial drugs for whooping cough and treatment of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Worms and parasites

An extremely common cause of diarrhea is parasites and worms in the human body. According to WHO, about 3.5 billion people in the world are infected with helminths and other parasites.

Symptoms of diarrhea due to parasites and worms may include loose stools, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss. Among the most common types of parasites that cause diarrhea are worms, giardia, enterobiasis, amoebiasis and others.

Parasite and worm prevention includes several activities: personal hygiene, avoidance of raw or improperly cooked food, water quality control and placebo, pet grooming, and more.

In case of illness, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including preparations for worms and parasites, a special diet, normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and strengthening of the immune system.

Gout and ulcers

Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism that results in the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and connective tissue. One of the symptoms of gout can be diarrhea, caused by a violation of the absorption of food and disruption of the intestines.

Gastric and duodenal ulcer is a violation of the structure and functioning of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. An ulcer can be caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the use of certain medications (such as aspirin), or stress. One of the symptoms of an ulcer can be diarrhea, which is caused by a malfunction of the intestines and the excretion of more fluid into the intestines.

In case of diarrhea caused by gout or ulcers, it is recommended to consult a doctor, undergo appropriate examinations and prescribe the correct treatment. You can also take prebiotics or preparations containing probiotics to restore normal intestinal microflora.

Digestive disorders

Diarrhea can be caused by various digestive disorders. One cause may be lactose intolerance, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. The body’s inability to absorb milk sugar leads to indigestion, leading to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Another cause of diarrhea may be an inflammatory process in the intestines. An intestinal infection can cause diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, seizures, and vomiting. Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract can also cause diarrhea in people with chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

If the body does not get enough water, this can also lead to diarrhea. Poor diet, insufficient fluid intake, and alcohol and caffeine intake can cause dehydration, leading to diarrhea.

If you have recurring symptoms of diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, you may have some kind of chronic gastrointestinal disease. It is recommended to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Hemorrhoids and proctitis

Hemorrhoids and proctitis are among the most common causes of diarrhea.

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins around the anus that can lead to bleeding, pain and discomfort. Diarrhea associated with hemorrhoids may be due to frequent use of soft toilet papers, excessive straining during the toilet, overeating spicy foods, or certain medications.

Proctitis is an inflammatory disease of the rectum. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an unhealthy diet, an allergy, or an autoimmune disease. The cause of proctitis can also be an injury or the use of low-quality drugs for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of diarrhea associated with hemorrhoids or proctitis may include watery or bloody stools, anal pain and discomfort, bowel fullness, and inability to hold stool. To avoid or reduce these symptoms, you need to watch your diet, avoid stress during the toilet, exercise moderately, and see a doctor to treat hemorrhoids or proctitis.

• Avoid spicy foods.
• Drink more water.
• Use gentle toilet paper.
• Try to relax while using the toilet.
• Exercise in moderation.

Toxicosis of pregnancy

Toxicosis of pregnancy is a disorder in the body of a woman, which manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, dizziness and hypersensitivity to odors. It is believed that toxicosis is associated with a change in the level of hormones and the body’s response to neoplasms that appear in the body of a pregnant woman.

Symptoms of toxemia usually appear in early pregnancy and can be observed in 70-80% of women. However, some women may experience this problem throughout their pregnancy.

Toxicosis can lead to diarrhoea, as nausea and vomiting disrupt the digestive process and slow down intestinal motility. In addition, the increased amount of the hormone progesterone that is produced during pregnancy can also cause diarrhea.

It is important to remember that in the presence of toxicosis, pregnant women should take care of their health and nutrition. It is necessary to eat easily digestible food, to pause between meals and be sure to drink enough fluids. If diarrhea lasts more than 2-3 days, you should consult a doctor.

Heat stroke and sunstroke

Heat stroke is a condition where the body temperature rises above normal (37°C) as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and high humidity. This can happen during prolonged physical exertion, especially in hot weather. Symptoms of heat stroke may include: weakness, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and diarrhea. It is important to start treatment for heat stroke immediately to avoid serious complications such as organ failure and stroke.

Sunstroke is a serious condition resulting from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Sunstroke usually occurs at elevated temperatures and high humidity. Symptoms of sunstroke may include: headache, extreme thirst, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to start treatment for sunstroke immediately to avoid serious complications such as organ failure, coma, and death.

9In order to avoid a thermal blow and sunny blow, it is necessary: ​​
• remain in cool rooms
• Drink enough water during the day
• Wear light clothing, which allows the skin to breathe

,

• Avoid long -term physical loads in hot weather
• Wear the headdress and apply sunscreen

Intestinal cancer and adenoma

Intestinal cancer is a malignant neoplasm that can occur in any part of the intestine. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world.

Predisposing factors for bowel cancer can be: family predisposition, the presence of polyps in the intestines, bowel disease, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, smoking, alcohol, etc.).

Bowel adenoma is a benign neoplasm that can develop into bowel cancer. Adenoma is formed from polyps and can be highly traumatized, which leads to bleeding and further occurrence of diseases.

To prevent cancer and bowel adenoma, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, monitor nutrition (rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain products and low in fats and sugars), regularly monitor your health and undergo medical examinations.

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Q&A:

Traveler’s diarrhea

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In winter, the thirst for the sun is especially great. Everything around is gray and dull, the day is short, cold… And so, in search of warmth, we are going to distant countries – to India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali or the Dominican Islands. Yes, you never know where you might want in winter!

Such a trip will be good for health and mood, but only if you remember the precautions. Going to hot countries, people forget that it is the warm and humid climate that contributes to the rapid reproduction of pathogens. A careless sip of tap water, a recklessly eaten unwashed fruit, an exotic dish in a cafe – and now the rest turns into torment! Together with drinks and food, pathogens treacherously penetrate into our gastrointestinal tract.

Traveler’s diarrhea is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs during a change of permanent residence and stay mainly in warm countries.

Signs of traveler’s diarrhea

The main symptom is loose stools for several days. In this simple way, the body tries to get rid of the infection. Most often, diarrhea is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Signs of severe traveler’s diarrhea are blood in the stool, high body temperature (up to 38-39oC) and the occurrence of convulsions due to a significant loss of fluid and salts.

What to do about diarrhea?

First of all, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you are traveling with small children – babies get dehydrated very quickly, which leads to serious consequences. To prevent the condition from becoming critical, traveler’s diarrhea should be treated as soon as possible.

The main rule of therapy is to restore the amount of fluid lost. For this purpose, the patient is given special solutions containing salt components and glucose in the optimal ratio for the body.

The second important point in the treatment of diarrhea is the impact on its immediate cause: the intake of enterosorbents will reduce the absorption of toxins, and the appointment of an antimicrobial drug and a prebiotic will eliminate harmful bacteria and restore normal intestinal microflora.

How to avoid diarrhea while traveling?

Follow the rules of personal hygiene

When brushing your teeth, do not use tap water

Take with you on a trip all the basic medicines necessary for first aid: enterosorbents in tablets and capsules Ecofuril ^® .

Ecofuril ^® is an effective antibacterial drug for the treatment of diarrhea. The main active ingredient of this drug, nifuroxazide, acts only in the intestines and is not absorbed into the blood, so its use does not affect the entire body, as with systemic antibiotics. As an excipient, Ecofuril ^® contains lactulose, a prebiotic known for its ability to restore normal intestinal microflora.

Ecofuril ^® eliminates pathogenic bacteria that cause diarrhea, and also helps the normal intestinal microflora quickly recover from illness, therefore, it is possible that after treatment with Ecofuril ^® , additional pre- and probiotics will not be required.