What Kind Of Follow
- If the person has specific disorders such as hypothyroidism, scleroderma, and lupus, he or she may require regular follow-ups with a health-care professional.
- Elderly people with a history of fecal impaction and fecal incontinence should be followed regularly to ensure that they do not develop further attacks.
What Is The Treatment For Ibs
There is no cure for IBS, but there are things you can do to feel better. Treatment may include:
- Changing your diet
Your doctor may give you medicine to help with symptoms:
- Fiber supplements such as psyllium to help control constipation.
- Anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide , to help control diarrhea.
- Antispasmodic agents such as peppermint oil or dicyclomine to slow contractions in the bowel, which may help with diarrhea and pain.
- Antidepressant medications such as a tricylcic antidepressant or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor if symptoms include pain or depression.
- IBS medication. A medication known as Lubiprostone is approved by the FDA for women with severe IBS-C .
Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. All drugs have side effects and may affect people differently. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines you take.
When Constipation Is A Regular Problem
Regardless of what constipation treatment you use, give yourself enough time to sit on the toilet when you need to go. Holding in the urge can make your constipation worse. Set aside a regular time of the day when you know you’ll be left undisturbed for several minutes.
Also, don’t ignore the problem. Untreated constipation can lead to real problems, such as hemorrhoids and tears in the skin around the anus that make you bleed. If you strain too hard, you might even cause part of your intestines to push out through the anus — a condition called rectal prolapse that can sometimes require surgery.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse : “Constipation.”
American Gastroenterological Association: “Understanding Constipation.”
American Academy of Family Physicians: “Constipation.”
Feldman M. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 9th ed. Saunders Elsevier 2010.
American Academy of Family Physicians: “Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation.”
Legato MJ. Principles of Gender-Specific Medicine, Volume 1. Academic Press, 2009.
Cleveland Clinic: Constipation: Management and Treatment.â
UpToDate: âConstipation in adults .â
Johns Hopkins Medicine: â FODMAP diet: What You Need to Know.â
Harvard Health Publishing: âTry a FODMAPSs diet to manage irritable bowel syndrome.â âProbiotics may ease constipation.â
Mayo Clinic: âConstipation,â âPrebiotics, probiotics and your health.â
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Why Does Belly Pain Happen
Pain is the bodys way of telling us that somethings going on. Belly pain alerts us to something thats happening inside us that we might not know about otherwise.
Some reasons for belly pain are easy to spot, like when someone gets hit in the gut or eats spoiled macaroni salad. Oher times, it might be hard to figure out.
When you get a pain in your stomach, it might be an actual problem right in your stomach, but not necessarily. Your abdomen is more than your stomach. Its more than your intestines. Its the whole area between your chest and your pelvic bones. With so many organs in the abdomen, different problems can have similar symptoms.
What Are Treatments For The Causes Of Constipation
There are several principles in approaching the evaluation and treatment of constipation. The first principle is to differentiate between acute and chronic constipation. Thus, with acute constipation or constipation that is worsening, it is necessary to assess for the cause early so as not to overlook a serious illness that should be treated urgently. 2) start treatment early of constipation and use the treatments that have the least potential for harm, which will prevent constipation from worsening, and it will prevent potential damage to the colon that can be caused by the frequent use of stimulant products. 3) know when it is time to evaluate the cause of chronic constipation. Evaluation for the cause of chronic constipation needs to be done if there is no response to the simple treatments.
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What Should I Do If I Am Constipated
Take these steps:
- Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day, unless your doctor told you to limit fluids for another reason.
- Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
- Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Eat prunes and bran cereal.
- Exercise most days of the week. When you move your body, the muscles in your intestines are more active, too.
- Donât ignore the urge to poop.
You can try taking a laxative, too. There are several types of laxatives, and you can buy many of them over the counter. Each of them works in a different way to ease constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which kind might work for you and how long you should take it.
How To Prevent Constipation Bloating
There are several lifestyle changes you can make that can help you prevent constipation-related bloating:
- Slowly increase your fiber intake. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass. However, if you add too much too quickly, you can experience worsening bloating.
- Increase your water intake. Drinking more water can also add bulk to your stool, reducing constipation.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can increase many gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation.
- Take part in regular physical activity. This will help keep your bowels moving.
You can also make dietary changes to help reduce bloating.
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Side Effects Of Constipation
As mentioned above, constipation is a common condition however, it should be noticed that chronic constipation could be dangerous for peoples health. There are some serious complications that may appear when you are constipated for a long time, including the systematic symptoms listed such as pain, stress, heart diseases and malnutrition. Furthermore, in some cases, constipation also leads to hemorrhoids and even cancer.
To the elderly, who are suffering cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constipation is even more dangerous as a straining and difficult bowel movement can increase blood pressure, a risk of cerebral embolism, shortness of breath and so on, which may cause sudden death. The stagnation of stool in the colon for long days also cause intestinal obstruction or facilitate the development of harmful bacteria, promoting the risk of other diseases and infections.
When To See A Doctor About Constipation
If increasing fiber intake, exercise and hydration don’t solve the problem, your constipation may be characterized as chronic. Depending on the cause of chronic constipation, you may need physical therapy or even low-dose laxatives to treat the problem.
For chronic constipation, it’s important to meet with a professional who can help guide you to the right kind of therapy. This is especially important if you have any warning signs of disease, such as weight loss, bleeding or pain, or stools that become pencil-thin and stay that way.
All things considered, you should see a doctor if constipation or any other physical discomfort is interfering with your daily life.
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What You Need To Know About The Stomach Liver Gallbladder And Pancreas
To learn why you’re experiencing bloating, indigestion, constipation, and acid reflux, you need to know how the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas work together. Let’s start with the stomach. The stomach breaks down nutrients, absorbs minerals, and kills off harmful microbes. But to do its job correctly, it needs to be very acidic.
Your stomach should have a pH of between 1 and 3. Keep in mind that the lower your pH level, the more acidic your stomach is. A pH level of 1 is highly acidic. If your stomach is more alkaline, meaning not acidic, then you can’t break down protein, absorb minerals, and kill off microbes. This will create numerous gastrointestinal and digestive issues.
One huge issue that many people have because of too little stomach acid is reduced bile. Stomach acid activates the gallbladder’s ability to release bile. Bile is a fluid that’s essential for the gastrointestinal tract because it helps you break down fats.
This is important for two reasons. One, it helps extract fat-soluble vitamins so your body can use them. Without this, you can become deficient in many micronutrients. Two, it helps you absorb healthy fatty acids in the small intestine. Fatty acids basically make up all of your cells.
The last piece of the puzzle is the pancreas. When it comes to digestion, the pancreas’ primary function is to create enzymes. Enzymes help to break down food. The pancreas produces a wide range of enzymes to break down different types of food.
What Lab Tests And Other Medical Tests May Be Done To Find The Cause Of My Constipation
Your doctor can order no tests or many types of tests and procedures. The decision of which ones your doctor might order for you depends on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.
Lab tests: Blood and urine tests reveal signs of hypothyroidism, anemia, and diabetes. A stool sample checks for signs of infection, inflammation, and cancer.
Imaging tests:Computed tomography , magnetic resonance imaging or lower gastrointestinal tract series may be ordered to identify other problems that could be causing your constipation.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy an internal view of your colon with a scope may be performed. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue may be taken to test for cancer or other problems and any found polyps will be removed.
Colorectal transit studies: These tests involve consuming a small dose of a radioactive substance, either in pill form or in a meal, and then tracking both the amount of time and how the substance moves through your intestines.
Other bowel function tests: Your doctor may order tests that check how well your anus and rectum hold and release stool. These tests include a certain type of x-ray , done to rule out causes of outlet dysfunction constipation, and the insertion of a small balloon into the rectum .
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Home Remedies For Stomach Pain May Work For You
Stomach pain is a common complaint that can range from mild stabs of pain to debilitating painful cramps.
Causes of stomach pain may be linked to an underlying health condition such as appendicitis or kidney stones, or it may be a reaction to a food product that irritates the stomach lining.
Many cases of discomfort are mild and may be alleviated by home remedies for stomach pain.
Using natural and widely available products like herbal teas and probiotic yogurt may offer fast relief without causing the additional pain sometimes triggered by the irritants in shelf medications.
Sudden and severe stomach pain may indicate a serious health condition. If it is accompanied by a fever, breathing difficulty, or bloody vomit, seek immediate medical attention.
Either Way Get Thee To A Doc
You likely wont know the true culprit of your stomach pain until you consult a medical professional. If you have an infection, a gyno should be able to prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. If its something else that theyre not able to directly address, theyll likely refer you out to someone who can.
If the issue is due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, a pelvic floor specialist would be able to address the muscles in and around the pelvis, which can provide relief, Dr. Gelman says.
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Does Constipation Cause Gas
Yes, Veloso says. Anything that slows down the digestive process, such as a low-fiber diet, use of opioid medications or an anticholinergic drug can put the brakes on timely bowel function.
Veloso says eating a diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated and exercising is a good long-term approach for beating bouts of gas and cramping. If these measures dont improve constipation and gas, a polyethylene glycol laxative can help, she notes.
Hemorrhoidssimple Solutions Can Offer Relief
When it comes to GI problems, hemorrhoidsswollen blood vessels in the lower wall of the rectum and anuscan be uncomfortable, causing itching, rectal bleeding, and pain. But hemorrhoids, in and of themselves, are actually a part of everyones normal anatomy and at baseline we dont even know they are there, says Anne Mongiu, MD, PhD, a Yale Medicine colorectal surgeon.
However, pressure on the pelvis from heavy lifting, long periods spent sitting on the toilet, difficult-to-pass bowel movements, excessive straining during childbirth, or just from being pregnant can cause them to enlarge dramatically and cause symptoms.
External hemorrhoids often feel like large balls or grapes outside of the anus. They usually dont bleed, but are very tender and can make sitting very difficult, says Dr. Mongiu. Internal hemorrhoids usually cause painless bleeding, and can sometimes be felt as soft tissue that may stick out from the anus after a bowel movement. But they most often return to the rectum on their own or with a small push.
You shouldnt be sitting there reading text messages because it takes so long. If you have to throw some Miralax in your coffee, then do that, too, says Anne Mongiu, MD, PhD, a Yale Medicine colorectal surgeon.
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What Are The Primary Causes Of Constipation
Dairy. Cows milk and dairy products are largely responsible for our constipation epidemic. Contrary to popular belief, our bones wont crumble without them. In fact, there are studies showing excluding them makes our bones stronger.Medications are a big contributor as well: aluminum-containing antacids, high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anti-seizure medication, opioids like codeine and morphine, antihistamines like Claritan and Zyrtec, iron supplements, anti-nausea medications, just to name a few. ~Dr. Struble
There are many different causes of constipation. The most common cause is dietary, specifically not having enough fiber intake. However there are many other causes and contributing factors such as thyroid problems, diabetes, certain medications, increasing age and not getting enough exercise.It is less common, but still possible to have a physical problem involving the intestines, the anal and rectal area, or the muscles that control pooping. Adding to this are the incorrect bathroom habits that have become part of our culture that contribute to the countless people that suffer from constipation. ~Dr. Tejirian
Hormones in pregnant, menopausal and postpartum women as well as poor diet and behaviors. Incorrect defecation posture and positioning can also contribute. ~Marianne Ryan PT, OCS
When To Take Stomach Pain And Other Gi Issues Seriously
Everyone experiences stomach pain or other gastrointestinal issues from time-to-time. Many times, these can be minor issues that resolve themselves over time. However, if you or a loved one are experiencing troubling gut pain for more than a few days, it might be time for you to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a gastroenterologist. Common GI issues include food poisoning, a stomach virus, irritable bowel syndrome , celiac disease, or any number of other conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease , such as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis.
The information below will help you understand your symptoms and provide tools for you to find a physician and share your GI symptoms with them. Below are descriptions for the most frequently experienced symptoms of IBD.
Jump to:
Abdominal pain | Change in bowel movement frequency | Chronic diarrhea | Chronic constipation || Bloody bowel movements | Mucus in stool | Tenesmus | Nausea/vomiting | Other symptoms | Find care
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Using Hot Water Bottles To Relieve Stomachache
Hot compresses can help soothe stomach pain. The word hot is used loosely here, since the desired level of heat will depend on both the level of pain and personal preference.
Fill the bottle or similar object with warm or hot water, place a cloth between it and your skin, and find a comfortable place to lie down.
- Place the hot water bottle, or a cloth soaked in hot water, on stomach for a five- to 10-minute treatment throughout the day.
- Take a warm shower or bath twice a day for 15- to 20-minute intervals.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic abdominal pain?
Signs and symptoms of chronic abdominal pain will come and go. You may feel pain in all areas of your abdomen, or just in one place. You may not want to eat. You may not want to do your daily activities. You may also have any of the following:
- Cramping.
- Nausea and vomiting.
How is the cause of chronic abdominal pain diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may ask about your family history of abdominal pain. Tell your healthcare provider what medicines you take, and what your symptoms are. Tell the provider what makes your symptoms better or worse, and if you have tried any treatments. The provider will examine you. Based on what your provider finds after the exam, and your symptoms, you may need any of the following:
How is chronic abdominal pain treated?
Healthcare providers may not find a medical problem that is causing your abdominal pain. If no problem is found, they will prescribe treatments to decrease your symptoms. With treatment, your abdominal pain may decrease, happen less often, or go away. You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to decrease pain and manage your symptoms. Medicines may also be given to manage anxiety.
- Therapy can help you learn to cope with stress and anxiety. This may help decrease your abdominal pain.
- Surgery is rarely needed, but may be done if there is a problem with an organ in your abdomen. Examples include an organ that is stuck to tissue or a hernia.
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