Dr. B R Prakash

Many times we forget about the importance of our health in the race to pursue our careers and goals. We take our bodies for granted and keep working them without stopping for a breath. While some may have mastered this art, there are many who may not be able to cope with such a lifestyle and may end up falling ill. The most common problem that most people suffer from is stomach upset, gas, or stomach pain, and all of this may be because of not eating right or having irregular eating habits.

It is due to such problems that people fall ill and then go to the doctor with a problem that may take much longer to treat. However, if the patient starts to check in with the doctor before the stomach pain worsens, it may be easier to treat because very often the pain arises from stomach ulcers. Ulcers are sores that are caused on the lining of the stomach or the oesophagus or even on the intestines. In serious cases, the sores may cause great damage to the stomach and may lead to much worse issues. However, with the right intake of food, the damage may be controlled in combination with medicines and treatment from experts.

Foods to avoid
In controlling the spread of stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers, it may be important to know the food that should be avoided so that the medicines and treatments taken for controlling the problem may work better. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid:

1. Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa and milk should be avoided because they cause acid imbalance in the stomach.
2. Anything that may contain caffeine should also be avoided.
3. Alcohol should be completely avoided by those suffering from peptic ulcers.
4. Citric or sour drinks such as grape or orange drinks should also be avoided for remaining at ease.
5. Any spicy powders or seasonings, such as pepper, chilli powder and garlic should be excluded from the diet.
6. Anything that is made from milk or cream and is extremely fatty in nature should not be consumed.
7. Flavoured cheese that is strong and spicy should not be eaten.
8. Meats that include high levels of fat or those that are highly seasoned should be completely avoided.
9. Chillies or peppers in any form should be kept away from your diet.
10. Anything that is made from tomato should also be avoided, such gravy, sauces or raw tomatoes.

When you start to keep your diet clean and healthy, it may be much easier for your doctor to cure you of stomach ulcers. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gastroenterologist.

When a hole develops in the wall of the gallbladder, rectum, large bowel, small intestine, stomach or oesophagus, it is called gastrointestinal perforation. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation (GP) usually include
1. Serious stomach pain
2. Chills
3. Fever
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting

Peritonitis (abdominal cavity lining inflammation) can also accompany the abovementioned condition. So in addition to the above symptoms, you may also experience peritonitis symptoms such as:
1. Fatigue
2. Passing less gas, urine or stools
3. Breathing difficulties
4. Fast heartbeats
5. Dizziness

Certain diseases can cause Gastro-intestinal perforation, such as:
1. Appendicitis
2. Diverticulitis (A type of digestive disorder)
3. Stomach ulcer
4. Gallstones
5. Gallbladder infection
6. Inflammatory bowel diseases (inflammation in the small intestine and the colon)
7. Swollen Meckel’s diverticulum (abnormal bulging of the small intestine at birth)
8. Gastrointestinal tract cancer

Besides diseases, the following conditions can also lead to Gastro-intestinal perforation:
1. Blunt abdominal trauma
2. Gunshot or knife wound to the abdomen
3. Abdominal surgery
4. Stomach ulcers caused by excessive consumption of steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin
5. Ingestion of caustic substances or foreign objects
Other than these, drinking alcohol, smoking and bowel injuries (caused by colonoscopy or endoscopy) can lead to GP as well.

Treatment options available
This condition is mostly treated with surgery. The goal of the surgery is to repair the anatomical problem and cause of peritonitis, along with removal of any foreign object in the abdominal socket, such as food, faeces and bile. However, if your doctor deems surgery unnecessary (in instances where the hole closes voluntarily) you will be only given antibiotics.
In some cases, a section of the intestine might need to be removed. An ileostomy or colostomy is performed where a portion of the large or small intestine is removed, which grants intestinal contents to empty or drain into a bag implanted on the wall of your abdomen.

The complications include:
1. Bleeding
2. Sepsis (Critical and fatal bacterial infection)
3. Belly ulcers
4. Wound infection
5. Bowel infarction (impaired supply of blood to the bowels)
6. Permanent colostomy or ileostomy 

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor and ask a free question.