There are many kinds of stomach problems. The human digestive system is quite complex, and because of this, it can be the cause of numerous problems. But what causes them exactly? Let’s find out some common ones.
1. LPR
The most common cause of LPR is Hiatal hernias (HH). HHs are very common and often go undiagnosed; about 25% of people have them to some degree. But they cause symptoms in only around 10% of those who have it. Here’s how the condition happens: the upper part of your stomach is supposed to be located in your abdomen, but when there’s a hernia, its upper part will slip into the chest cavity. This leaves less room for your esophagus to operate normally, which is what causes acid reflux. The thing about this is that anxiety and LPR can cause panic attacks in people due to the presence of chest pain and difficulty breathing. This is why it’s important to get medical treatment as soon as possible.
How Can You Treat This?
There are two main types of treatment: surgical and non-surgical ones. Surgical treatments include repairing or removing the Hiatal hernias with laparoscopic surgery. LPR symptoms are treated through pharmaceutical methods such as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which reduce gastric acid production and cause muscle relaxation in the stomach, stopping acid from flowing back up. PPIs also prevent ulcers by killing H. pylori bacteria that may be causing them; they’re very effective at suppressing acid. PPI’s come in different forms depending on the condition they’re treating; the most common ones include omeprazole, esomeprazole, pansium, etc.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The second most common group of stomach problems is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s a chronic condition that affects the large intestine (or colon) and causes abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea, or constipation. It is said that around 1 in 5 people have IBS; it’s much more common for women than men. The exact causes of IBS are unknown, but there are many proposed theories about its origin. There are researchers who think it may be caused by an abnormal amount of serotonin in the intestines, which causes nerve cells to communicate with each other too quickly or not at all. Others say a dysfunctional gut microbiota might be the main reason because bacteria found in our guts play a crucial role in digestion and absorption of food-derived nutrients, as well as regulation of the immune system throughout the body. What we do know is that IBS is often triggered by psychological factors such as stress, depression, or anxiety. But there are other causes too.
IBS is not a life-threatening condition, but it does have negative effects on quality of life because its symptoms can last for years and severely affect people’s wellbeing. Long-term discomfort can lead to social isolation, feelings of guilt that you’re not doing what you should at work, etc. Furthermore, having IBS shortens your attention span and memory functions; it can cause problems with work performance, relationships, or leaving the house.
How Can You Treat This?
There’s no cure for IBS yet, but there are many things you can do to manage your symptoms — most important lifestyle changes. Emotional support is also crucial because stress can lead to severe bowel spasms if it’s not managed. Diet plays a large role; foods that are high in fat or sugar can cause IBS patients constipation, while foods that are high in fiber (green vegetables, fruit, legumes, etc.) help improve their symptoms. Some people experience temporary relief with probiotics, which change the composition of intestinal flora and restore digestive functions. Antispasmodic drugs can cut down on abdominal pain, but there’s no evidence they reduce the number of times you need to go to the bathroom during the day.
IBS sufferers should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks because they increase flatulence, which leads to bloating. They should limit their intake of dairy products as well.
3. Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden and serious condition that is often triggered by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms include sudden and severe stomach pain, which you feel all over your abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. There’s a risk of it becoming chronic if pancreatitis isn’t treated right away.
How Can You Treat This?
Most cases of acute pancreatitis are mild. They can be easily treated through a 3-week diet plan to avoid the intake of foods that may cause more inflammation in your pancreas. The most important foods you should cut out are deep-fried food, fatty meats, alcohol, etc.; these things can irritate your digestive system when they’re digested. You will also need to take certain supplements such as calcium carbonate or zinc to reduce the level of harmful enzymes in your bloodstream. However, there are serious conditions that can develop from untreated acute pancreatitis. They include organ failure and sepsis, so you should always speak to your doctor if you suspect you have it.
4. Gallbladder Diseases
Gallstones are hard stones that form in the gallbladder. They’re made of cholesterol, bile pigments, and calcium salts. Gallstones are common among people over the age of 60 years old, but they can affect younger people too. Some risk factors include obesity, diabetes, or rapid weight loss after severe calorie restriction. Symptoms of gallbladder disease include sharp pain when you’re in the right upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting; when stones get stuck in one of your bile ducts,a it can lead to jaundice (yellowing eyes and skin) or liver damage.
How Can You Treat This?
Gallstones aren’t always symptomatic; in some cases, patients may only notice them on a scan done for another reason. When gallstones cause symptoms, they can be treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). However, this is only recommended if you’re sure the stones cause problems. In some cases, it’s possible to dissolve gallstones with special chemicals or medications which reduce cholesterol levels in your blood. This is especially recommended for women who wish to become pregnant.
The most effective treatment options for these conditions are lifestyle changes and dietary modifications that promote regular bowel movements without pain or discomfort. This is not easy, and that’s why we have to take care of our health. As some people will say, happy stomach, happy mind.
Photo via Pixabay
.
.
