If
you regularly experience abdominal bloating, gas, constipation, or heartburn,
you may have a chronic disorder of your digestive system. Although these types
of conditions can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, digestive disorders are
very common — affecting 60 to 70 million Americans, according to theNational Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — and many can be
managed effectively by your family doctor.
Among
my patients, I see the following digestive health problems most frequently:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)— Gas, cramping pain, bloating, and painful constipation or
diarrhea are some of the most prevalent symptoms ofIBS, which is more common in women than in
men. Symptoms of IBS can range from mild to debilitating and vary from person
to person. Medical professionals are unsure of the exact cause of IBS, but
symptoms can be triggered by emotional stress and diet.
Although there is no specific blood test or medical procedure used to diagnose
IBS, doctors may perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to look inside the
colon and rule out other causes of symptoms. Researchers have yet to discover a
cure for IBS, but laxatives, fiber supplements, prescription medications,
dietary changes, or stress-management techniques may provide symptom relief.
Gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) — Occasional heartburn (after a spicy, fatty, or acidic meal, for
example) usually is not a cause for concern. But if you experience heartburn or
acid indigestion on a constant basis, you may be suffering fromgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD
is caused by the chronic backing up, or reflux, of stomach acid into the
esophagus. This reflux can cause the pain and discomfort of heartburn and may
appear after you eat, when you lie down, or when you bend over. Frequent
burping and a bitter taste at the back of your throat are other common warning
signs of GERD.
A
class of prescription medicines known as proton pump inhibitors, which reduce
production of stomach acid, is widely used to treat GERD. In my patients with
GERD, I also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding food triggers,
quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Elevating the head of your bed
may help to prevent acid reflux while sleeping.
Gallstones -- Maintaining an
appropriate weight yields greater health benefits than reducing your risk for
cardiovascular disease and diabetes. People who keep their weight in check also
are less likely to developgallstones, which are caused by
the buildup of hardened bile in the gallbladder or small intestine.
In
addition to obesity, gender and age are risk factors for gallstones. They occur
more often in women than men, although all adults face increased risk as they
age.
You
can develop gallstones and not know it for many years, until the gallbladder
becomes inflamed and symptoms come on suddenly one day. Common warning signs of
a gallbladder attack include chronic indigestion, nausea, and intense pain in
the upper right abdomen, in the back between the shoulder blades, or under the
right shoulder. Sometimes this pain mimics the feel of a heart attack. Because
our bodies can function without a gallbladder, surgical removal of the gallbladder
is the most common treatment for gallstones. This usually can be done as a
minimally invasive procedure in most patients.
If
digestive health problems are limiting your lifestyle or causing frequent pain
and discomfort, talk to your family doctor about the symptoms you are
experiencing.
*Joshua Feinberg, D.O., is a family
medicine physician in practice at the Crozer Health Pavilion,
145 Brinton Lake Road, Suite 201, Glen Mills, PA 19342, 610-459-1619
About Crozer Keystone Staff
Crozer-Keystone Health System’s physicians, specialists and advanced practitioners are committed to improving the health of our community through patient-centered, quality care across a full continuum of health services. Crozer Brinton Lake is Crozer-Keystone’s comprehensive outpatient care facility in western Delaware County, offering primary care, specialty services, outpatient surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Contact us: 300 Evergreen Drive, Glen Mills, PA 19342 http://www.crozerkeystone.org/Brinton-Lake 1-855-254-7425
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As I read your very interesting article about the many health problems caused by poor eating habits, smoking, alcohol, and obesity, and as what you and many doctors are saying has fallen on ‘deaf ears’, maybe the following comment will jolt people into caring properly for themselves:
IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL INSURANCE COMPANIES (and hospitals and health care providers) WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO COVER ‘DISEASES’ THAT WILL BE CONSIDERED (and indeed are) SELF INFLICTED.
Why else is there an ongoing escalation of required warning labels, articles, television shows and very public investigations regarding everything from tobacco to partially hydrogenated oil etc. It will become a matter of “you made you bed, now lie in it”. Literally.
Wake up people.