List of some correct gi tract problems.

The rate of Vietnamese people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases is quite high. Gastrointestinal diseases not only cause discomfort but also affect the patient's daily life and work.

Gastrointestinal diseases are diseases that directly affect the organs of the digestive tract. Some gastrointestinal diseases last only a short time and can be corrected at home. Screening for gastrointestinal diseases is a necessary job to help protect health and detect many dangerous diseases early, timely detection and treatment will help you dispel worries about these diseases and have a healthy life. live healthier.

Some common problems in the digestive tract such as: Constipation; Gastroesophageal reflux; Hemorrhoids. These digestive problems are very common, but with lifestyle changes and treatment, they can be easily managed.

1. Constipation

Constipation causes difficulty in defecation, difficulty passing stools, hard or dry stools (<3 times/week). In addition, you also have symptoms such as abdominal distension, bleeding during or after defecation.

1.1. Causes of constipation

Common causes of constipation include not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, using certain medications, stress, and lack of exercise. Constipation can occur during pregnancy. Increased hormone levels during pregnancy can interfere with the functioning of the digestive system.

1.2. How to prevent constipation?

You can do the following to prevent constipation:

•     Drink a lot of water.
•     Eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day (fruits, vegetables).
•     Exercise regularly (Walk: 30 minutes a day.)
•     Avoid using over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines.
•     Make it a habit to take the stairs every day at a fixed time.
•     Laxatives help soften stools and make it easier to pass stools. This is the safest laxative. Besides, you can also use stimulants containing chemicals to increase bowel activity, making it easier for stool to move through the intestines.

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passage of loose stools more than three times a day. The disease usually has symptoms of dull abdominal pain, loose stools, dehydration, a large amount of stool and possibly cramps.

2.1. Causes of diarrhea

Some of the main causes of diarrhea include:

•     Eating and drinking contaminated, rancid, expired food….
•     Harmful bacterial or viral infection, which can be caused by eating unsanitary food or drinking contaminated water
•     Drinking water or eating foods that your body can't tolerate (for example, when traveling abroad)
•     Use of dairy products, caffeine, artificial sweeteners or some additives
•     Taking drugs, especially antibiotics
•     Intestinal diseases.

2.2. What should I do if I have diarrhea?

•     Drink plenty of fluids to replace fluid lost after diarrhea.
•     If your condition is not good, you should drink liquids containing high sodium content such as broth, soft drinks. (Salted lemon, roasted rice water with salt & sugar)
•     Avoid drinking dairy products, sodas, and sugary juices as they can make diarrhea worse.
•     Use an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication. (Smecta, activated carbon tablets...)
•     However, they should not be taken if you have a high fever or bloody diarrhea, as it is very likely that you have a bacterial infection.
•     If the diarrhea lasts more than 2 days without any signs of improvement, there is blood in the stools, or you have signs of fever, severe abdominal pain, dehydration (frequent thirst, dry skin, fatigue). fatigue, dizziness, little urination, or dark urine) you should see your doctor immediately for an examination and treatment before serious complications occur.
•     If you use birth control pills, diarrhea can make them less effective. You should see your doctor if you develop vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for 48 hours or more after taking oral contraceptives or for 3 hours or more after taking a progestin-only pill.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the muscles in your esophagus open and close at the wrong time when you swallow. Once there, food and digestive juices, which contain acids, flow back up into your esophagus. Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation behind the breastbone, also known as heartburn.

Left untreated, the disease can lead to complications, including ulcers in the esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus, and a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus.

How to control gastroesophageal reflux?

You can control or even prevent acid reflux by taking these steps:

•     Sleep with your head elevated.
•     Divide into several meals throughout the day.
•     Stop smoking.
•     Avoid foods and drinks that stimulate acid secretion such as high-acid fruits, carbonated drinks, hot spicy foods, fats, fried foods, etc.
•     Avoid lying on your back immediately after eating.
•     Progressive mutations require intervention with acid-suppressing drugs and acid-neutralizing drugs.

4. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by an enlarged or dilated plexus of the veins in the tissue surrounding the anus, causing pain, burning, and discomfort. Hemorrhoids also cause extreme pain and itching in the anus

4.1. Causes of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can result from a number of factors:

•     Overweight
•     Pregnant
•     Standing or sitting for long periods of time
•     Stress in physical labor
•     Constipation.

4.2. How can hemorrhoids be treated?

    Symptoms of hemorrhoids can be relieved by applying ice, sitting in a warm bath, using hemorrhoid creams, or having surgery to remove the disease.

    Also adding fiber and fluids to your diet can help prevent hemorrhoids.

5. Some other common digestive disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Mainly in women between the ages of 30-50. The disease causes symptoms such as bloating, loose stools, or constipation, symptoms often appear when eating foods that are difficult to tolerate, anxiety, stress, ...

Celiac disease: People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. When gluten is eaten, the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestine. Due to this damage, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly. It can cause diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, or abdominal pain and bloating. If left untreated, the disease can increase your risk of serious health problems, including osteoporosis, anemia, and cancer. Treat it by avoiding gluten in your diet.

Colon cancer: Malignant lesions that develop in the lining of the colon. It usually starts with a polyp, which over time develops into cancer. You can screen or treat colon cancer early with a colonoscopy.

Hope CarePlus's article provides you with the most useful information. Symptoms can be mild at first, but if not treated promptly, they can get worse and affect the client's life. If you have any of the above symptoms, take the initiative to schedule an early visit at CarePlus so that experienced doctors can diagnose and intervene as soon as possible.

REGISTER DOCTOR HO THI VAN HANG
BS. CK2. Ho Thi Van Hang

• Title: Head of Department of General Internal Medicine
• Specialties: Department of General Internal Medicine, Department of Hepatology - Gastroenterology
• Clinic: Tan Binh Clinic
• Experience: More than 40 years of experience in examination, consultation and treatment of diseases of General Internal Medicine, Gastrointestinal - Hepatobiliary. Perform gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques in diagnosis and treatment. Former Head of Gastroenterology - Hepatobiliary Medicine Department of People's Hospital 115. Medical Doctor, Lecturer in Gastroenterology Department of Military Medical Academy. Certificate of interventional gastrointestinal endoscopy; Certificate of small bowel endoscopy; Certificate in General Ultrasound.

REGISTER FOR SCREENING FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES