2024-04-08 10:10:31
“Stomach problems are manifested by constant or episodic pain in the upper part of the abdomen, the so-called “pit”, patients develop acidity, nausea, sometimes vomiting, they are accompanied by general weakness, reduced work capacity. As the acids rise, the throat becomes irritated, the person chokes, they may have coughing fits, they also experience a burning and unpleasant taste in the mouth, and drooling may also occur.
Stomach sensitivity develops in people of all ages, but especially in those who are under a lot of stress, have an irregular and unhealthy diet, are overweight, smoke, use alcohol, carbonated drinks or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – such as ibuprofen, etc. It is worth knowing that unpleasant symptoms can also be caused by H. Pylori bacteria”, says V. Košys.
He adds that if the above-mentioned symptoms persist and do not go away within a few days, you should not ignore them and consult your doctor. It is especially important to urgently contact a medical institution when weight loss, painful or disturbed swallowing, vomiting, signs of bleeding from the digestive tract appear together with stomach pain.
Tests to evaluate the causes of stomach ailments
Each patient’s case is individual, so in order to determine the cause of his ailments, he may be prescribed various tests.
“Sometimes, after talking to the patient about his eating habits, it is enough to adjust the diet, prescribe antacids, and the symptoms disappear. However, laboratory tests are also often needed – a general blood test, during which anemia can be detected, liver and pancreatic enzymes, inflammatory indicators, etc. can be additionally checked in order to be able to differentiate with other diseases”, says the family doctor.
Another test that is useful for patients complaining of stomach ailments is the test for H. Pylori infection, which can be detected in several ways.
„H. Pylori the bacteria can be detected by blood and stool tests, as well as during endoscopic or other tests. Endoscopic examination is one of the main methods to determine the cause of epigastric pain, however, other instrumental examinations can be performed in search of the cause of pain, such as echoscopy of the abdominal organs, etc., notes V. Košys.
The most common diseases are identified
One of the most common diseases diagnosed when a patient complains of the aforementioned symptoms is gastroesophageal reflux disease. During it, the contents of the stomach or duodenum uncontrollably return to the esophagus, which is constantly irritated and damaged.
“Gastritis is also often diagnosed – inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be acute or chronic. Unpleasant symptoms can also be caused by other diseases – stomach or duodenal ulcer, during which ulcers appear in a person’s stomach or duodenum, and if they are not treated, the patient may develop stomach cancer”, emphasizes V. Košys.
How to take care of your health?
How can you take care of your health to avoid this ailment? The family doctor reminds us of several important rules:
– Avoid stress as much as possible;
– 3 o’clock after a meal, do not lie down or engage in extremely active physical activity, and also avoid eating 3 hours before bedtime;
– Try to eat as much protein as possible and as little fat as possible, such as lean meat and fish. Avoid fatty, spicy, fried foods, such as baked goods made from fresh yeast dough, smoked, pickled products, cocoa, chocolate, spicy spices, onions, etc.;
– Avoid carbonated drinks as well as caffeinated drinks.
2024-04-08 10:10:31