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There are several types of gastric problems:
Gastro-esophageal reflux, more commonly known as heart burn, which happens when contents of the stomach rise up in the throat causing a burning sensation and difficulty swallowing.
Gastric or duodenal ulcers which affect the surface of the digestive tract causing pain and bleeding.
Motility problems which occur when the stomach has difficulty emptying itself which causes nausea and vomiting and can lead to reflux.
These problems resemble each other and cause similar symptoms: pain, nausea, regurgitation, gas, loss of appetite and weight. They can, however, be distinguished from one another by the time of their onset, their exact location, their frequency, etc. So it's important to be as precise as possible when describing symptoms to your doctor.
MEDICATION AND TREATMENT
Medications treat gastric problems
in different ways:
+ They reduce stomach acids which
reduce irritation and help heal lesions.
+ They regulate the speed at which
the stomach empties itself, thereby reducing nausea and the risk
of reflux.
+ They increase the natural
protective coating in the stomach and the intestines, which helps
heal lesions.
+ They destroy bacteria that may
cause ulcers.
Most symptoms usually disappear
after only a few days of treatment. It takes four to eight weeks,
however, for lesions and ulcers to heal completely. It is vital
that patients follow their treatment to the letter.
If the problems recur following an initial treatment, the doctor may choose to prescribe a more long-term treatment method or alter the treatment approach.
| It is
important to be precise when describing symptoms to your doctor or pharmacist.
|
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOURSELF + Avoid excess milk. If any of the following foods are increasing your symptoms or distress, decrease their consumption or avoid them altogether: caffeine (coffee, chocolate, colas, tea), fried or fatty food, alcohol and mint. Sometimes, symptoms may also be exacerbated by tomatoes, citrus fruit, other acidic food, and food that is highly spiced . + Avoid smoking; nicotine stimulates acid reflux in the esophagus. + Eat smaller meals, with occasional snacks if you must. + Avoid Aspirin and anti- inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. If you need pain relief, try acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead. + Raise the head of your bed six inches or so by propping up the legs of the bed with blocks; this will reduce reflux problems while you sleep. + Avoid eating right before going to bed. + Avoid clothes that fit tightly around the waist or abdomen. + If you are overweight, try to lose a few pounds! Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach which increases the risk of reflux. |
Brought to you by your:
Provincial Pharmacy Regulatory Authority, - responsible for promoting and
administering standards of pharmacy practice for the health and well-being of
the general public.
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