I think I can safely say that every person in the world has suffered a digestive problem at least once within their lifetime! Whether it be from a touch of food poisoning to a lifelong chronic condition, the effects are extremely uncomfortable, to say the least! The truth is when a person is suffering from some sort of digestive problem they can find it difficult to talk about. Whether that is due to the fact they may be a little embarrassed or frankly just do not want to discuss it, who knows? However, did you know that digestive problems are in fact extremely common? It’s true and in all honesty, gastrointestinal problems can be not only uncomfortable but also darn right painful!
Whether you are struck down with a minor digestive condition or one that is more on the severe side, in all honesty, it can affect a person’s quality of life. It can cause you to be bedridden for days on end, be glued to the toilet seat for the duration of the day, and in the worst of cases can put major restrictions on a person’s lifestyle such as having to stay clear of specific foods they ultimately crave to devour! Yes, gastrointestinal illness surely is a force to be reckoned with.
Here are some of the most common digestive problems you could find yourself facing in the future and information on just how to treat them as quickly as possible!
Gastroesophageal Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal disease, otherwise known as GERD usually presents itself as a case of heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid basically does a u-turn and backs up into a person’s esophagus and is extremely unpleasant, to say the least. Experiencing symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn twice a week or more could be an indicator that you are suffering from GERD. Other common symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Chest Pain
- Pain in the abdomen
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
There are many options when it comes to treating GERD but for quick relief, the best idea would be to buy protonix advantages (PPIs) or get your hands on some form of OTC antacids or other meds designed to reduce stomach acid. You could also take drugs known as H2 receptor blockers and when suffering extreme GERD consider undergoing surgery. Sufferers of the condition may also have to implement changes into their current lifestyle such as elevating their head whilst in bed, avoid lying down right after a meal, stay clear of any foods or drinks that may be a trigger, and even quit smoking.
Gastroenteritis, also known as “the winter vomiting bug” is an extremely nasty illness indeed! It is caused by an infection in the gut which could be either viral or bacterial. If viral it can be caused by parasites, rotavirus, or norovirus, and when bacterial it could be due to suffering from salmonella or E. coli. The terrible condition is accompanied by some pretty horrendous symptoms that include:
- Abdominal Cramps
Depending on the cause of gastroenteritis, treatment options for the illness include drinking plenty of fluids, rehydration drinks, antibiotics, if the illness is caused by bacterial infection, and adhering to the diet known as (BRAT).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an unpleasant condition that can flare up due to stress or after suffering a severe bout of diarrhea due to contracting gastroenteritis. This nasty condition may make you feel like your stomach is extremely bloated and comes with a list of other unpleasant symptoms which can include:
- Abdominal Pain
The fact is, there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome however when suffering the effects, OTC medications such as Buscopan are the quickest option to relieve symptoms. You can also adopt a few lifestyle changes that include cutting down on caffeine, avoiding eating specific foods, taking probiotics, and engaging in a little regular exercise to lessen and relieve symptoms.
Ulcers of the stomach otherwise known as peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and also on the upper intestine. The common causes of stomach ulcers are infection, caused by the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). They can also develop due to a person using specific drugs known as (NSAIDs) over a long period of time. Peptic ulcers can cause some pretty nasty symptoms such as:
- Burning pain in the stomach
- Feeling bloated
The correct treatment for stomach ulcers totally comes down to what has actually caused them to develop and the good news is, most ulcers do tend to heal within a couple of months. When caused by H. pylori antibiotics will be needed to treat the ulcer and if caused also by a combination of H. pylori and long-term usage of NSAIDS then treatment is usually the same. However, when an ulcer is developed through the excessive usage of NSAIDS alone, then the ulcer must be treated by taking a course of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
So when suffering from any of these common digestive conditions take the advice mentioned into account. However, be sure to seek advice from your local healthcare professional as you may need prescription meds or may have to even undergo surgery