T.J. Samson | Destination Health | April 2018

April 2018 7 Digestive health Gut check What’s upsetting your digestive system? T urning that tasty meal into fuel for your body is a complex job efficiently done every day by your digestive system.That system—made up of long, looping tubes; hollow organs, like the stomach; and solid organs, like the liver—usually goes about its job quietly and behind the scenes. But when there’s a problem like heartburn, ulcers or diarrhea, the digestive system is hard to ignore.The following are a few common digestive system disorders and some ideas about how to handle them. HEARTBURN AND GERD The digestive system is supposed to be a one-way street. Occasionally, though, something unexpect- edly reverses itself and winds up back where it doesn’t belong. When this happens between the stomach and esophagus, the result is acid reflux. Digestive acids escape from the stomach and cause a burn- ing sensation behind the breastbone and in the back of the throat.This is heartburn, the main symptom of acid reflux. Usually it’s no cause for concern. But if acid reflux occurs more than twice a week for a few weeks, it may signal a more serious condition known as GERD— gastroesophageal reflux disease. Untreated, GERD can cause a narrowed or obstructed esophagus, as well as bleeding, and may set the stage for esophageal cancer. GERD may also contribute to asthma, chronic cough and scarring of the lungs. Your doctor may suggest these lifestyle changes: ●  ● Avoid problem foods and beverages, such as chocolate, coffee, peppermint, spicy foods, to- mato products and alcohol. ●  ● Don’t smoke. ●  ● Lose weight if you’re overweight. ●  ● Wait three hours after a meal before lying down. ●  ● Take antacids or other over-the-counter medication. ●  ● Prop up the head of your bed about 6 to 8 inches. If these changes don’t help and you’re tak- ing nonprescription medicine more than twice a week, see your doctor. He or she may prescribe medication or suggest more tests. In some cases, surgery may be an option. ULCERS These sores in the stomach or small intestine are usually no larger than a pencil eraser. The most common symptom is a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen between meals. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Ulcers used to be blamed on stress or spicy food, but actually most are caused by the Is your gut bothering you? Call 270-651-4444 to meet with one of our doctors who specialize in digestive disorders. bacterium Helicobacter pylori , which can be de- tected with a blood, breath or stool test. Treat- ment usually involves taking antibiotics for a couple of weeks, as well as medicines to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach. If H. pylori isn’t found, the ulcer is likely caused by the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Signs of serious ulcer complications—such as bleeding, perforation or obstruction—include sharp, persistent stomach pain; bloody or black stools; bloody vomit; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) Women have a higher risk of developing IBS than men do. It’s a different sort of digestive problem: It’s not a defect, it doesn’t show up on tests and its cause is unknown. Instead, IBS is marked by a group of symp- toms, including abdominal pain, bloating, con- stipation and diarrhea.These unpredictable and sometimes life-disrupting symptoms may come from a problem with how the brain and gut in- teract. Diet, stress and menstrual cycle hormones may make symptoms worse. There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can often be managed by: ●  ● Eliminating gas-producing foods—like beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks—and adding more fiber. Eating smaller meals more often may also help. ●  ● Reducing stress. ●  ● Taking fiber supplements, laxatives or antidepressants. Talk with your doctor about finding what works best for your symptoms. GET HELP In general, you should contact your doctor if your digestive symptoms include: ●  ● Abdominal pain that is steady, severe or recur- ring; interferes with your routine; or wakes you up. ●  ● Appetite loss or unexplained weight loss. ●  ● A fever. ●  ● Trouble swallowing. ●  ● A change in bowel habits. ALL IS WELL You can help keep your digestive system work- ing smoothly by drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet with lots of fiber and exercising. Sources: American College of Gastroenterology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases