Digestive problems treatment online
Common symptoms of digestive problems
Problems with the digestive tract can cause a large number of different symptoms, from mild to more serious. Some of the most common symptoms of digestive problems include:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Cramping
- Gas and flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Incontinence
- Problems swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the stomach
- Bleeding or blood in the stool
- Gaining or losing weight
If you experience any of the above symptoms, or are feeling unwell, it is always best to talk to your doctor. You can also get digestive problem treatment online quickly and easily by connecting with a registered medical practitioner and explaining your symptoms thoroughly. By understanding what you are experiencing, the doctor can help make recommendations about steps you should follow, or prescribe any medications you may need.
Common types of digestive problems
Some digestive problems last only a short while. If you’ve got a case of mild stomach upset, light indigestion, or ate a meal that didn’t agree with you, the symptoms are likely to be uncomfortable but should disappear on their own fairly quickly.
In other cases, digestive trouble is more long lasting, causing discomfort, pain or other symptoms on a regular or recurring basis. Some of the more common digestive disorders include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Gallstones
- Ulcerative colitis (UC)
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Among many others
If you experience pain, discomfort, cramping, nausea, or notice blood in your stool, it is very important to contact a medical professional urgently for diagnosis and treatment.
Similar Conditions
What are digestion problems?
Most of us have gone through the discomfort of digestion problems at one time or another. Whether heartburn, gas, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, digestion problems can be uncomfortable or irritating at best. In severe cases, they can affect our ability to do normal activities and enjoy life.
Running all the way from the mouth to the rectum, the digestive system (also known as the gastrointestinal tract) refers to a group of different organs that work together to help your body both absorb essential nutrients and remove waste.
Because there are many different types of digestion problems, correct treatment is very important. Sometimes, a home remedy or over the counter treatment is more than enough for mild digestive issues. However, for more severe or long-lasting conditions, it’s important to talk to a qualified medical practitioner to get an accurate diagnosis and the right medication or other treatment.
Remember, never be embarrassed when talking about digestive problems you are facing. Doctors have heard it all, and are focused on getting you the treatment you need.
Treating digestive problems
In many cases, you may be able to overcome digestion problems with simple treatment and lifestyle changes. Avoiding certain foods in the case of food sensitivities, increasing your fiber intake in the case of constipation, or making sure you always stay adequately hydrated can all make a significant difference to certain conditions.
In other cases, diseases of the digestive system might be long-term realities, but medications can help reduce symptoms and help make life more enjoyable day to day.
Sometimes, your medical practitioner will be able to diagnose your condition without the need for further testing. With more serious conditions, procedures such as colonoscopies or endoscopies may be needed to look in your gastrointestinal tract and make an accurate diagnosis.
Once you have a diagnosis, treating a digestive issue might involve one or all of the following treatments:
- Special eating plans and diets, including anti-inflammatory diets
- Taking prescription medication
- Taking a daily probiotic or prebiotic supplement
- Stress reduction techniques
- Avoiding certain trigger foods such as dairy or gluten
- Adding fiber or bulking agents to the diet
- Taking antacids or other over the counter treatments
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol, or caffeine, and tobacco products
- Reducing or eliminating spicy or oily foods
- Taking natural supplements to aid digestion such as peppermint
- Surgery, in the case of certain conditions
When using over-the counter medications, follow the directions as listed on the label or box and/or use as directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
No matter what your symptoms are, treating digestive problems is often simple and straightforward. Chat with your healthcare provider openly about what you are experiencing to help get an accurate diagnosis and the treatment you need.
FAQs
Can low iron cause digestive problems?
Can low iron cause digestive problems?
Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance known as hemoglobin. This means that the red blood cells in your body can’t carry oxygen effectively causing a condition called anemia. Some people don’t get enough iron in their diets, causing the deficiency. For others, low iron is caused by blood loss. Women with heavy periods are at risk of iron deficiency because they lose blood during menstruation. However, slow, chronic blood loss within the digestive system, such as from a stomach ulcer, hernia, colon polyp, or other condition can also cause low iron. If you notice bright red blood in the stool, dark-colored, black or tarry stools, if you are coughing up blood, or have abdominal pain or cramping, seek immediate medical attention talk to your doctor. This may be an urgent condition related to GI bleeding and even mild symptoms may escalate into a serious problem very rapidly.
What are the best supplements for digestive problems?
What are the best supplements for digestive problems?
Depending on your digestive trouble, there are a number of supplements available that can help alleviate symptoms, reduce discomfort and help your digestive system work more normally. These include:
- Probiotics – “good” bacteria that help aid proper digestion and reduce the number of problematic or “bad” bacteria in the small intestine
- Prebiotics – specific types of fiber that feed the good bacteria present in the gut and maintain digestive health
- Digestive enzymes – substances that help your body break down fats, protein or carbohydrates more effectively
- L-glutamine – an amino acid that helps keep the cells in your intestines healthy and working properly
- Psyllium husk – a type of fiber that the body can’t fully digest, known to help maintain bowel movement regularity
- Vitamin D – vitamin D plays an important role in the digestive system. Being deficient in vitamin D can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.
- Ginger root – many people claim that taking a ginger supplement helps with nausea and digestion
Can a vitamin D deficiency cause digestive problems?
Can a vitamin D deficiency cause digestive problems?
Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system along with your bone health. If you are vitamin D deficient, you may experience symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, gas or other issues, so it’s always wise to chat to your doctor or have your vitamin D levels checked if you are in doubt. In addition, certain digestive diseases can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from food – another good reason to speak to your doctor or gastroenterologist if you are feeling unwell.
Can digestive system issues cause body odor?
Can digestive system issues cause body odor?
If you’re suffering from body odor, poor digestion may be the cause. Digestive problems can cause an imbalance in the bacteria in our intestines, meaning certain types of foods are not digested completely. A side effect may be that certain chemical by-products are released through our skin’s pores. For this reason, it is always important to chew food properly, enjoy a healthy diet and maintain adequate hydration. However, if you experience ongoing problems with body odor and suspect your digestion may be to blame, talk to your doctor.
Can birth control cause digestive system problems?
Can birth control cause digestive system problems?
Many women around the world take birth control pills to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Stomach and digestive issues are fairly common side effects of birth control pills, as the hormones they contain can affect the digestive system in different ways. If you experience nausea, gas, constipation or diarrhea while taking birth control, talk to your doctor to see if the medication could be to blame. Often, switching to a different brand or type of contraceptive pill can alleviate.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read here.