Stomach & Digestive Disorders

Stomach conditions and digestive problems can put a damper on your day, and may even necessitate a permanent lifestyle change, as is the case with celiac disease. Many conditions can be managed or improved with dietary changes. There are also a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications that you can evaluate to help you treat your disorder. If you suspect you have a digestive disorder because of stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or other symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner you can start feeling better.

Celiac Disease

• People with celiac disease have an intolerance of gluten. Gluten is present in foods such as oats, rye, barley and wheat. In people with celiac disease, gluten damages the intestines, which causes nutrient deficiencies. Common symptoms of celiac disease include fatigue, depression, irritability, abdominal pain, nausea and dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin blisters), among others. Many people with celiac disease also suffer from osteporosis and anemia. Blood tests and tissue biopsies can pinpoint the diagnosis. To treat celiac disease, you will need to remove all gluten from your diet.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term for an assortment of disorders, in which the intestines become inflamed. Two common types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Common symptoms of both of these disorders include abdominal pain, cramps, unexected weight loss and diarrhea. Your doctor can diagnose your condition by testing your stool for blood and bacteria, as well as using X rays and special instruments to examine your intestines. The treatment for these disorders can include diet modification, anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, occurs when food does not move at a normal pace through the intestines--either too fast or too slow. This can happen when the intestines do not squeeze the food in the manner that they normally should. IBS patients may experience constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and mucus in their stool. IBS can be treated by eating a healthy diet, managing your stress (which can make symptoms worse) and avoiding trigger foods. You can also ask your doctor about medications that can help control your symptoms.

Heartburn

• Normally when you eat, your food goes down the esophagus and through a "gate" into the stomach. If the "gate" doesn't close as it normally should after food passes through, then your stomach acid may travel up the esophagus. Heartburn results when stomach acid irritates your esophagus. Symptoms include a sour taste in your mouth and a burning sensation in your chest. To treat heartburn, try taking over-the-counter antacid tablets, avoid eating large meals. Do not lie down soon after eating. Also, quit smoking, eat less fatty meals and avoid your trigger foods--the foods that commonly cause your heartburn. You can also ask your doctor about prescription medications.

Ulcers

• Anti-inflammatory medications, excess stomach acid and a kind of bacteria are all causes of ulcers. Ulcers are painful sores that are located on the lining of your stomach, esophagus, or intestines. An ulcer on your stomach lining will hurt when you eat or drink and an ulcer in your intestines will feel worse a couple of hours after you eat. You may also experience abdominal pain at other times, vomiting, bloating and weight loss. Stress can make an ulcer worse. If you drink alcohol or smoke, your doctor will recommend that you quit, as these activities can weaken your digestive tract. You may also need to take antibiotics to kill bacteria, as well as alter your diet to reduce your stomach acid. Your doctor can also discuss your prescription medication options, which can help to neutralize acid.