The human digestive system is a very complicated and sizeable component of the body. It starts right at the beginning of the mouth, ending at the rectum. Some of the major responsibilities of the digestive system include absorption of essential nutrients and elimination of wastes.

Not only do digestive problems have embarrassing and unwanted symptoms, serious, chronic diseases can be caused if the minor problems are not treated.

Some digestive problems are listed below:

GERD: This is a burning sensation that results from acids in the stomach being squirted into the oesophagus. A burning sensation is felt, right from the chest to the end of the throat. Frequent heartburns can lead to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), symptoms of which include dry cough, sore throat, chest discomfort and difficulty in swallowing.
Bloating: This is caused due to the presence of excess gas in the colon, small intestines or the stomach.
Dyspepsia: This is an uncomfortable feeling or pain which occurs in the upper abdominal regions, mostly a result of excess food intake. It is commonly referred to as indigestion. Dyspepsia can be discomforting and if prolonged, medical assistance should be opted for.
Chronic Constipation: Persistent constipation (chronic) is a sign that there is a problem with the elimination of wastes. This usually happens when the colon is unable to move or pass stools. Other major causes of chronic constipation can be changes in your usual diet, various eating disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and excessive consumption of dairy products among others.
Food Intolerance: This occurs when the digestive system is unable to tolerate certain food items. This condition is different from food allergies as it only affects the digestive system. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, gas and vomiting.
Possible Serious Conditions-

A gastroenterologist is a type of doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases involving the digestive system. If you continue to experience digestion problems, it s time to make an appointment.

More serious signs could mean an emergency medical problem. Those signs include:

bloody stools
continuous vomiting
severe abdominal cramps
sweating
sudden, unintentional weight loss
These symptoms could be an indication of an infection, gallstones, hepatitis, internal bleeding, or cancer.

Medications-

You may be able to overcome digestion problems with treatment and lifestyle changes. Certain diseases of the digestive system might be long-term, but medications can help alleviate symptoms.

Identifying specific digestion problems and talking with a gastroenterologist can go a long way in terms of helping your doctor give you a proper diagnosis. Remember, you don t have to put up with constant digestive issues.

Know About Digestion Problems!!

When you experience a pain on the side and back just below the ribs that at times radiates to the lower abdomen and is fluctuating in intensity, it is quite unlikely for you to think that the reason could be a kidney stone. One of the early symptoms of kidney stone, when you experience such pain, you must seek medical advice. However, there is no need to panic as it is completely curable. Read on to understand more about this condition.

What is urinary bladder stone?
Vesical calculus, which is more commonly referred to as bladder stones, are formed due to a buildup of minerals. It may occur when the bladder is not entirely emptied after urinating. In the course of time, the residual urine becomes concentrated, and the minerals start forming crystals. When the stones are in a miniature state, they can easily pass out, but at times, when they are quite big, they may get stuck in the walls of the urinary tract and cause severe pain and discomfort.

What are the causes of urinary bladder stones?
Bladder stones start growing when the urine is left in the bladder for a long span of time. This may happen due to some underlying medical condition which can prevent the bladder from completely emptying. Conditions which are responsible for causing stones in the urinary tract are as follows

Enlargement of the prostate: When the prostate is enlarged, it may exert pressure on the urethra and disrupt the flow. It leads to retention of urine and creates an ideal environment for the formation of stones.
Diverticula and enlargement of bladder: Sometimes, pouches form within the bladder, and when they become too large, they can retain urine and prevent the bladder from being emptied completely.
Usage of medical devices: Bladder stones may form when an individual uses catheters or other medical devices.
Inflammation of the bladder: Radiation therapy or infection in the urinary tract that causes inflammation or enlargement of the bladder can lead to the formation of stones. Also, if a person has kidney stones, they can come down to the ureters, and in case they become too large to pass, they would stay in the bladder and cause substantial obstruction. Kidney stones are more common than stones in the urinary bladder.
How are kidney stones treated?
Specific lifestyle changes such as drinking enough liquids, taking calcium supplements, limiting the amount of caffeine and alcohol and reducing body weight are some of the simplest yet effective means of treating urinary stones at earlier stages.

Use of specific medicines can also reduce the calcium and uric acid stones by controlling the amount of alkali or acid in the urine. These medications reduce the amount of calcium released by the kidneys so that they can be retained in the bone. If these treatment options do not work, you must consider undergoing surgical intervention.

Stones In Urinary Tract - 4 Particular Reasons Behind It!

Gastroenteritis, also commonly referred to as infectious diarrhoea, is a gastric disorder. The gastrointestinal tract, which comprises of the small intestine and stomach gets inflamed. Gastroenteritis is indicated by the symptoms such as diarrhea, acute vomiting and pain in the abdomen. Fever, exhaustion and dehydration are also observed. This disease usually lasts not more than two weeks. It is also called the stomach flu. Infections caused by virus, bacteria, parasites or fungi may lead to gastroenteritis. Viruses account for this disease the most. This disease is transmitted mainly from food items and contaminated water. Important electrolytes like sodium and potassium are lost from our body.

The most common remedy in case of gastroenteritis is having ORS. However, homeopathy is also considered very effective if you have got infectious diarrhoea. Homeopathic medicines are considered very safe and result yielding in case of gastroenteritis. Homeopathy is a form of medicine, which is always given preference by all experts, as it is natural with no side effects. After conducting various surveys, it has been proven that homeopathic treatment is far more effective than other forms of medication for gastroenteritis.

Here is a list of the best homeopathic remedies for the treatment of gastroenteritis. There are many categories of homeopathic medicines for diarrhoea each with their own significance.

1. Aconite: This must be used for diarrhea caused in the season when the days are hot, and the nights are comparatively cold. The symptoms appear in the middle of the night. Heavy diarrhoea along with high-intensity  fever occurs and anxiety.
2. Aloe: This remedy should be used in case of a continuing urge for stool because of weakness of the anal sphincter. Mucus is accompanied along with pain in the rectum area. In case of adults, this diarrhoea is also characterized by blue hemorrhoids.
3. Arsenicum album: This medicine is used in case of food poisoning. The affected person feels cold, tired and panicky. Vomiting and diarrhoea take place after midnight. Burning pain in the abdomen is also observed.
4. Cinchona: Used in case of diarrhoea with the presence of excessive exhaustion and abdomen gas. The abdomen gets bloated up. 
5. Ipeca: When there is nausea and non stop vomiting or your mouth gets filled with saliva, Ipeca can be used. Thirst is lost, and the color of the stool may be green or bloody.
6. Podophyllum: This medicine is usually used by tourists in case of diarrhoea.  Abdominal vibration and frequent stools are indicated. The stool is characterized by an unpleasant smell.

Homeopathy is a very effective category of medication when it comes to gastroenteritis, however, still it is advisable to get regular full body check up done.

Best Homeopathic Remedies for Gastroenteritis Treatment

Problems of the large intestine are very common and patients should usually consult gastroenterologists for the proper diagnosis and treatment

1. Bleeding per rectum: Bleeding through the anal canal or rectum is usually the most common problem of the patients. It can be due to following reasons: 

A. Piles also known as Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are dilated venous channels of the anal canal. They occur due to long term constipation or chronic cough or due to less fibre intake in the diet. Sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy is required for diagnosis. Treatment options include medicines and high fibre intake, Injection therapy(Sclerotherapy) for stopping bleeding from piles and Stapler hemorrhoidectomy if the piles are large.

B.  Polyps: Polyps are soft tissue growths seen in the large intestine. They are usually silent but can present with bleeding or anaemia. Polyps usually grow slowly in size and large polyps can turn into cancer of large intestine also known as colorectal carcinoma. Colonoscopy is required for the diagnosis. The gastroenterologists can diagnose the presence of polyps by colonoscopy. Smaller polyps can be removed by polypectomy by gastroenterologists without the need for open surgery. However large polyps or those polyps with suspicion of cancer require surgery.

C. Large intestine Ulcer: They can occur due to early cancer, SRUS, Infections or drugs. They require colonoscopy for the diagnosis. The gastroenterologists usually take Biopsy from the ulcer to know the cause of the ulcer. The mere taking of biopsy does not mean cancer and biopsy samples are seen in the microscope for better diagnosis.

D. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn s disease: Ulcerative colitis is one form of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other IBD is known as Crohn s disease. Whereas ulcerative colitis involves only large intestine, Crohn s disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract including small intestine. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn s disease present with Loose stools(diarrhea), bleeding , abdominal pain, weight loss, Anemia and Perianal fissures and  fistula. The diagnosis of IBD is challenging and involves blood tests, CT Scan abdomen, Colonoscopy with biopsy and clinical history. Management includes Medicines which control the inflammation such as Pentasa, Rowasa, Mesacol etc. Severe disease requires additional drugs such as Azathioprine and Anti TNF sich as Infliximab and Adalimumab. Occasional cases require surgery such as those with tight stricture of the intestine, severe dilatation of Large intestine (also known as Toxic megacolon), excessive bleeding, the disease not responding to medical management, or presence of cancer with IBD.

E. Anal fissures: Cut in the anal skin (fissure) causes severe pain in the anal area during passing motions. It is usually due to constipation or straining. It is usually treated by Gastroenterologists initially by medicines and ointments. If the pain continues Surgery is required named as Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS).

2. Loose motions or Diarrhea: Excessive passing of liquid motions is known as diarrhea or commonly lose motions. It is usually due to Infections caused by contaminated food and water. It is usually self-limiting. Severe cases with dehydration require admission for IV fluids and antibiotics for the infection. Loose motions for more than 6 to 8 weeks is known as chronic diarrhea. It is evaluated by blood tests and colonoscopy. Usual causes include tuberculosis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, Malabsorption such as chronic pancreatitis and small bowel bacterial overgrowth.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is very common and at least 20 to 30 percent of Indian patients suffer from it. Symptoms include altered bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain which is usually relieved or increased by defecation. Weight loss or bleeding is not the feature of IBS. Few simple blood tests are required and good medicines are now available for IBS. Few cases may require colonoscopy to rule out alternative causes of the symptoms.

Understanding colonoscopy: Colonoscope is a flexible tube with a camera at its tip to see the inside of the large and small intestine. Bowel preparation is required at least 8 hours before the procedure so that the inside of the large intestine can be seen clearly without the interference of stools.colonoscopy is an OPD based procedure where the patients are discharged the same day. A colonoscopy helps in evaluation symptoms of the large intestine such as loose stools, bleeding and abdominal pain.

In Detail About Colorectal Disorders!

The liver is a vital organ within the body, which functions as a filter for the blood that comes from the digestive system. One of the conditions that afflict this organ is fatty liver, which occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides within it. There could be multiple reasons behind this, such as alcoholism, obesity, pregnancy, hepatitis among many others. Homeopathy has some great treatments for fatty liver disease, depending on the cause.

1. Nux vomica: one of the major reason of developing a fatty liver is alcoholism. While drinking moderate amounts of alcohol isn't harmful, the tendency to drink very regularly will lead to fatty liver disease. In such cases you may feel pain in the abdomen, especially a few hours after eating. You may also suffer from constipation with cravings for fatty and spicy food. Nux vomica is thus prescribed in these conditions.

2. Phosphorus: fatty liver has many symptoms, which may manifest differently in different people. Many people complain about indigestion and sour belching. Your liver area may be painful and you may also vomit. You may constantly crave for foods such as ice-creams, juices and cold drinks. In such case, s you may feel weak after passing stool. Phosphorus is a great remedy in such cases.

3. Chelidonium: this is one of the best overall remedies for fatty liver. Some of the symptoms where chelidonium may work are as follows:
A) pain in upper right abdomen
B) enlargement of liver
C) constipation
D) jaundice along with fatty liver
E) feeling excessively weak
F) craving for hot drinks and hot foods

4. Calcarea carb: if you are obese or fairly overweight and suffer from fatty liver, calcarea carbonica can be very effective in treating the symptoms. Some of the symptoms exhibited by the patients where this medication is effective would be a yearning for eggs, profuse sweating and sensitivity to air if it's cold.

5. Lycopodium: this medication is very effective in treating fatty liver disease, especially if you suffer from gastric issues and acidity. You may have symptoms like, bloating of the stomach, burning of the esophagus when belching or burping and pain in the upper right abdomen. You may also exhibit cravings for hot drinks and sweets.

5 Homeopathic Remedies for Fatty Liver

Consuming too much alcohol can cause people a lot of problems like nausea and headache. Additionally, it can also mess up with your bowel movements and affects your motions by giving you loose motions or constipation. Alcohol hinders digestion, causes dehydration and drying out, discourages glucose metabolism and compromises the working of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The combined effect of these components is the primary reason for chronic constipation, identified with alcohol misuse. 

Here are a few reasons why and how alcohol can mess up with your poop:

Dehydration: Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body almost as much as a session in a sauna does. That is the reason your mouth feels so dry the next morning. Once your body gets dehydrated, it works extra minutes to recover the liquids and electrolytes from any place it can find them, including from the substance of your stomach. Accordingly, stools become dry, hard and difficult to pass.
Powerlessness to move bowels: Alcohol smothers intestinal peristalsis and kills the urge to move your bowels. For the same reason, it kills your decision making ability. Inability to move your bowel when you want, expands, impacts and solidifies the already dried out stools until it gets too difficult to go out without straining and subjecting yourself to anorectal harm. These are the two issues that usually precede chronic constipation.
Loss of electrolytes: Alcohol causes loss of electrolytes that are vital to hold dampness in the poop. Eg. Sodium and potassium. Water maintenance in the body and stools requires sodium and potassium, the minerals known as electrolytes. These are not stored in the body for the same prolonged way as calcium or magnesium and they require constant replenishment. Since alcohol stimulates urination and regularly causes diarrhea and nausea, these minerals are rapidly lost.
Occupies digestion: Alcohol in excess causes extreme vomiting that encourages the majority of the above conditions. Liquor hinders stomach absorption and causes deferred stomach emptying. This condition is known as gastroparesis. After around 8 to 10 hours inside the stomach, undigested proteins begin to spoil. This can lead to loss of appetite and the inability to eat proper meals.
Diarrhea: Alcohol affects your glucose level to such a degree that it might bring about loss of bowel capacity control and result in loose bowels, with symptoms like vomiting and nausea. Just like sometimes the knees go powerless on you from an excessive amount of alcohol, so does your bowel movement. In turn, diarrhea and vomiting are caused due to excess intake of alcohol may bring about serious irritation of the whole GI tract and digestive system, and fester in the body for quite a while.

Can Drinking Alcohol Mess with Your Poop?

Don't wait any longer, manage your Gastroenterologist online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Gastroenterologist - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES