Digestive System Disorders: Ulcers

Digestive System Disorders: Ulcers

An ulcer is an open sore, commonly found in the mucous membranes of the body. Canker sores are one form of ulcer, that occurs in the mouth. If an ulcer occurs in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, then it is called a peptic ulcer, which is probably what most people think of when the hear the word ulcer.

Peptic ulcers do not necessarily cause any noticeable symptoms, but when they do, the most common symptom is a burning pain between the breastbone and navel. Other symptoms of a peptic ulcer may include belching, nausea, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and a tired and weak feeling.

It used to be thought that ulcers were caused by stress and/or spicy food. Now, however, primary cause of stomach ulcers is believed to be a bacteria, called Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria lives in the mucous lining of the stomach, and usually causes no problems. But sometimes, this bacteria weakens the mucous coating of the stomach, which protects it from the acids present in the stomach. These acids then start to irritate the stomach, eventually causing an ulcer. Some factors that may cause or aggravate peptic ulcers are: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, regular use of pain relievers, and stress. Although stress does not cause ulcers, it may aggravate the symptoms, and delay the healing of an ulcer.

As with any digestive disorder, if you think you have an ulcer, you should see a doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment.

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Digestive System Disorders: Celiac Disease

Digestive System Disorders: Celiac Disease

Perhaps you may have seen several food products in the store that state "gluten free" on the labels. Or you may also have heard of the term gluten free diet and might wonder what it is. Gluten is a protein substance that is often found in wheat, rye, and barley as well as other products. In people with celiac disease, this protein is the cause of many undesirable symptoms that are painful. In the lining of the small intestine, finger like protrusions, called villi, normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream. In celiac disease, these villi become damaged or destroyed upon the ingestion of gluten. Regardless of the quantity of food eaten, a person can become malnourished without healthy villi. Since the immune system is responsible for damaging the small intestine in the condition, Celiac Disease is considered an auto immune disorder as well as a malabsorbtion disorder due to the nutrients not being absorbed. It is a genetic condition which can be triggered by surgery, pregnancy, severe emotional stress or viral infection. Celiac disease is also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, celiac sprue or nontropical sprue.

Symptoms of celiac disease are varied and affects people in different ways and therefore might be very difficult to diagnose. It can mimic such diseases as Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, parasite infections, anemia, gastric ulcers, skin disorders or even a nervous condition. Some people with Celiac may have no gastrointestinal symptoms at all, some develop symptoms as children, while others develop it as adults. It is also noted that the symptoms can occur in the digestive system while other symptoms occur elsewhere in the body. Among the wide variety of symptoms of celiac include the following:

- chronic diarrhea
- recurring abdominal bloating and pain
- pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
- gas
- fatigue
- weight loss / weight gain
- unexplained anemia
- osteoporosis, osteopenia
- bone or joint pain
- infertility, recurrent miscarriage
- missed menstrual periods (often because of excessive weight loss)
- seizures
- tingling numbness in the legs (from nerve damage)
- muscle cramps
- behavioral changes
- pale sores inside the mouth, called aphthous ulcers
- tooth discoloration or loss of enamel
- itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
- failure to thrive in infants
- delayed growth

Before the diagnostic tests for celiac disease, it is advisable that the patient should continue to eat a regular diet that includes foods with gluten, such as breads and pastas for an accurate diagnosis. Several tests for celiac disease would include a blood tests that measures anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTGA), IgA anti-endomysium antibodies (AEA), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and possible a Complete Blood Count (CBC) (to look for anemia). If celiac disease is suspected due to the symptoms and the blood tests, more tests would be done for conformation. These tests can be done by examining the tissue (in particular, the villi), which is acquired through a biopsy of the small intestine. Other tests might include a CRP (C-Reactive protein) to evaluate inflammation, a CMP (complete metabolic panel) to determine electrolyte, protein, and calcium levels, and to verify the status of the kidney and liver, Vitamin D, E, and B12 levels to measure vitamin deficiencies, an evaluation of stool fat, to help evaluate malabsorption as well as an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to evaluate inflammation.

Treatment begins immediately once the diagnosis has been made. Unlike many conditions, celiac disease does not require any special medications, frequent visits to the doctor or surgery. The only treatment that is known is the "gluten free" diet; meaning the elimination of foods that contain the protein gluten. This elimination is lifelong commitment and can be difficult at first, but the results of good health are very rewarding. Some of the foods that contain gluten include those that contain wheat or wheat flour. However, there are several more foods that need to be avoided as well due to the fact that they still contain gluten. There are still many products available that are gluten free which the person can still enjoy.

Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease

Digestive System Disorders: Acid Reflux Treatment Options

People who visit their physician for symptoms of acid reflux are given tests to confirm diagnosis. Tests include an examination of the throat and larynx, x-rays, esophageal acid testing, biopsies and an endoscopy (a tube that is inserted down the throat and into the stomach). Endoscopies can also identify the complications of GERD such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and strictures.

Once the diagnosis of acid reflux has been made, several treatment options are available for the sufferer. among these treatments include:

Antacids: These antacids neutralize the acid in the stomach therefore leaving no acid to reflux. It is recommended to take these one hour after meals or just before the symptoms of reflux begin after a meal.

Lifestyle changes: A change in eating habits may be helpful for those with GERD. It is also one of the easiest of treatments. Change in eating habits includes smaller and earlier evening meals so the food would have already passed by bedtime. The patient should also avoid certain foods that can aggravate the condition. Among these foods include caffeine drinks, peppermint, fatty foods, alcohol and chocolate. If the patient is a smoker, it is also advised that the patient should quit smoking (although the patient should quit smoking anyhow, whether suffering from GERD or not). Other foods that might aggravate the condition include spicy or acid containing foods such as soft drinks citrus and tomato juices.

Histamine antagonists: Histamine antagonists are the first medications developed for more effective and convenient treatment of acid-related diseases. These medicines work by blocking histamine from stimulating the acid-producing cells. Histamine is an important chemical that stimulates acid production in the stomach. Histamine antagonists are best taken 30 minutes before a meal. They can also be taken at night before going to bed. The four known Histamine antagonist include Tagamet, Axid, Pepcid and Zantac.

Proton pump inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors block the secretion of acid in the stomach by the acid producing cells. This medicine can also be used when the patient suffers from complications such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and strictures. It is also given when histamine antagonists do not work. Proton pump inhibitors are usually taken when the stomach is most actively producing acid, which occurs after meals. Such proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid, Aciphex,Nexium, Protonix and Prilosec.

Pro-motility drugs: Pro-motility drugs work by stimulating the muscles of the digestive tract from esophagus to the small intestine and/or colon to speed up the stomach emptying process. These are taken 30 minutes before a meal and at bedtime. One such drug that has been approved for GERD is Raglan.

Foam barriers: These medications are tablets that include antacids with a foaming agent. When the tablet is taken and it reaches the stomach, it turns into foam that floats on the top of the liquid contents of the stomach. This foam serves as a barrier to the reflux of the liquid. When the acid comes in contact with the foam, it neutralizes. These foam barriers are taken after meals and the known foam barrier that is prescribed is Gaviscon.

Surgery: Sometimes surgery is an option when all other treatments are ineffective. It is very effective at relieving the symptoms of GERD. Most patients will experience relief for 5 to 10 years.

Heartburn can be only a minor nuisance to many people. However, many have what is called chronic heartburn that should be treated. For heartburn to be considered chronic, symptoms would occur 2 or more times a week. If you are experiencing the symptoms of acid reflux, please see your physician for diagnosis and a treatment that is right for you.

Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux