The human gastro-intestinal tract usually refers to the stomach and intestine, but it is actually in reference to all of the structures from the mouth to the anus. It is also simply known as the digestive system. Many people suffer from common symptoms to do with the digestive system, such as ingestion, heartburn, diarrhoea, and constipation.
It has been stated that gastro-intestinal problems affect men and women of all ages but tend to be more common in women. Minor problems are easily treatable and simple adjustments in lifestyle are often recommended. Heartburn and indigestion are two terms used to describe discomfort and pain in the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) Tract which are commonly associated with food. Many people do not properly understand the differences between heartburn and indigestion.
Heartburn normally occurs when the lower oesophageal muscle is not functioning properly so the stomach acid escapes and moves up the oesophagus. When the acid comes in contact with the delicate lining of the oesophagus, it causes irritation, discomfort and pain. This sensation is known as heartburn.
There are many causes of heartburn, such as being overweight. In this case more pressure is put on to the stomach, which forces contents up the oesophagus. Other causes such as the foods we eat and drink, especially fatty foods, alcohol and chocolate, seem to be linked to causing heartburn. It is a good fact to know also that heartburn is a common symptom in pregnant woman especially in the first trimester where hormone levels affect the lower oesophageal sphincter.
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (tummy). Indigestion occurs when there is too much acid in the stomach, when this stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive, protective lining (mucosa) of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the mucosa, leading to irritation and inflammation (redness and swelling). This causes the symptoms of indigestion.
In most cases, indigestion is related to eating, although it can be caused by other factors, such as an infection or taking certain medications. The symptoms between heartburn and indigestion normally overlap, however, heartburn is normally regarded with pain in the centre of the chest, while indigestion is generally regarded as pain and discomfort in the stomach area and is normally accompanied by symptoms of bloatedness, nausea and vomiting.
Treatments that can be purchased to treat these symptoms include antacids such as Asilone, Rennie, which by neutralising the stomach, should be taken after meals and before bed time. Of the Alginates, the most popular is Gaviscon, which forms a lining which stops stomach contents irritating the oesophagus. Some Alginate products also contain antacids, such as Gaviscon double action.
H2-receptor antagonist products include Zantac 75 which is very effective if alginates and antacids do not seem to help control the symptoms. The H2-receptor antagonists stop your stomach from creating acid and work very well. They provide a 12-hour action. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are another group of medicines which help to stop acid from being released into the stomach. These work in a slightly different way to H2 receptor antagonists but have the same overall effect.
People can prevent symptoms by eating small portions, not eating late at night or before going to bed and avoiding foods that cause discomfort, in particular rich, spicy or fatty foods. If you are overweight, losing weight should help to reduce symptoms.
Constipation is another common ailment. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about constipation and sometimes feel uncomfortable if their normal pattern of opening their bowels has been disrupted. Constipation occurs when the contents of the large intestine move slowly and more water than normal is absorbed from the faecal matter.
It can also cause your stools to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small. The severity of constipation can vary greatly. Many people only experience constipation for a short period of time with no lasting effects on their health.
Constipation occurs when people do not have enough fibre in their diet or do not drink enough. Liquids add fluid to stools which makes them softer and pass easier but some drugs cause constipation as a side effect, an example of which are pain-killers that contain codeine.
Treatments of constipation
Bulk-forming laxatives include Methylcellulose, sterculia and ispaghula husk, such as Fybogel Hi-Fibre. These products contain natural fibres and help to retain fluid in the stools, encouraging the intestine to work faster. Bulk-forming laxatives work within a 24-36 hour time frame and are safe to take long-term.
Osmotic laxatives, for example Lactulose, are prime medicines which help keep fluid in the bowl and faeces and make them easier to pass. This is the gentle option and often recommended in children and pregnant women. Faecal softners, such as Dulcoease and Glycerin suppositories, work by lubricating the faeces and making them easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives include Dulcolax tablets, Ex-Lax, which contains senna, and Califig.
These work by stimulating the nerve-endings in the walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This causes the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often and with increased force. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves the contents of the intestine through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied. This relieves constipation.
Some of the best tips you can give patients is too eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and to drink plenty of fluid throughout the day.
Diarrhoea, like constipation, is a topic that many people are reluctant to discuss, but it is a common problem faced by many and often occurs at the most inconvenient time, such as on holiday or at work.
Diarrhoea is passing loose or watery faeces more than three times a day. It affects almost everyone from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about.
A common cause in both children and adults is gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel. Gastroenteritis maybe caused by a virus, such as a norovirus or rotavirus bacteria, which is often found in contaminated food.
Diarrhoea occurs when the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and prevents sufficient fluid from being removed from the food in the intestine. This makes the stools much looser or liquid like when they excreted from the body.
A problem that diarrhoea can cause, especially in the young and the elderly, is the potential risk of dehydration – young children and the elderly are most at risk from this. The signs and symptoms of diarrhoea are normally easy to spot and are obvious; these include frequent, loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, sometimes associated with bloating. Other symptoms can also be noticed such as fever, nausea and or vomiting.
Fluid replacement treatments
Children and the elderly are more likely to become dehydrated. People suffering from dehydration are advised to take frequent sips of water even if they are vomiting. They should also rest until symptoms improve. Rehydration therapy, such as Dioralyte which is available in different flavoured sachets for reconstitution in water, helps to replace lost fluids and salts and reduces the chances of dehydration.
Anti-diarrhoeal (drugs) such as loperamide (Imodium) and morphine salts (Diocalm) work very well as they help to slow down the passage of food through the intestine, allowing for more fluids to be absorbed. These products work very well and can be used in combination with rehydration salts. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is useful for bacterial diarrhoea because they are designed to attack the bacteria and provide a protective coating over the stomach.