Gastroenterological Problems

Nowadays with the change in lifestyle, consumption of junk food, eating irregularly has led to a very common problem among us – gastric problems such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, and nausea. These gastric problems arise due to inflammation in the mucosal lining of the stomach, any bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori etc. Sometimes these problems are often confused with indigestion which is temporary but prolonged infection in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to severity of the diseases if not detected at the earliest.

What are the causes? –

1. Bacterial infection- which causes the destruction of the stomach cells and leads to peptic ulcers.
2. Due to bad lifestyle such as extreme junk food consumption at regular basis, skipping meals or eating irregularly, severe consumption of alcohols and smoking etc.
3. Due to physical and mental stress
4. Self- medication like regular intake of NSAIDs to relieve the chronic pain
5. Bile reflux- It is a reflowing action when the bile bypasses the small intestine and instead rushes back into the stomach.

What are the common symptoms observed?-

1. Abdominal pain
2. Vomiting
3. Bloating
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Unexplained weight loss
6. Blood in the stool
7. Stomach ulcers

What are the Diagnostic tests and Treatments available?-

1. Pathological examinations such Blood tests and Stool tests for the detection of the pathogen.
2. Upper Gastrointestinal tract endoscopy- An endoscope is a lengthy, thin tube with a camera attached inserted from the mouth and passes through the food pipe and gives the images till the upper part of the small intestine.
3. Upper abdomen ultrasonography to check the possibility of epigastric hernia or suspicion of any abnormality in the digestive tract.
4. Medications as prescribed by the medical practitioner.

Prevention and Control-

1. Avoid consumption of oily, fried and spicy foods.
2. Consuming a number of little meals throughout the day.
3. Reduction of alcohol consumption and caffeine.
4. Management of stress.
5. Avoid resting down for two to three hours immediately after a meal.