It might have been a constant stomach ache that prevented you from going to school when you were a child or experiencing constipation after eating a very large meal as an adult. No matter what the cause may be, there is no doubt that you have encountered more than one instance of a stomach ache.
The treatment of the stomach problem will depend on the type of stomach pain and also who you ask. Of course your mother and the resident gastroenterology expert in your local hospital will suggest several treatment methods. To help clear the air and give you better options, here are some ways to treat common digestive and stomach problems:
Acid Reflux
In a study done in Sweden, over 6% of people report that they experience acid reflux on a daily basis. The reflux can be due to GERD or also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. This can be painful and even damage the esophagus is left untreated.
The best way to treat this stomach problem to get a prescription for antacids, however, you should never self-medicate and only take medication if it is prescribed by your GI doctor as they come with certain risks.
Gallstone Formation
There are over 1 million American who have gallstones present in their gallbladder. Thankfully only a quarter of this number will require treatment which can vary from surgical removal of the stones and the gallbladder itself, or leaving the stones and changing your diet.
The main cause for gallstone formation is an excess in cholesterol and bile salts. If the stones do not pose a problem yet, you can still change your diet to prevent them from causing more trouble and resulting in surgery.
Lactose Intolerance
Millions of people all around the world are lactose intolerant which means their stomach lacks the enzyme to properly digest the sugars in milk. The symptoms can range from feeling gassy and bloated to cramping and diarrhea, depending on the person’s level of sensitivity to dairy products.
The best way to prevent the symptoms is to avoid dairy and use milk substitutes instead. However, for those who really want to continue to consume dairy or aren’t very sensitive, there are OTC pills that can replace the lactase that is missing in your stomach.
Constipation
An average of $725 million is spent on laxative every year in the US meaning constipation is a common stomach problem. Relying on laxatives all the time can disrupt the rhythm of your gut and make you dependent on the stimulant. The best and natural way to prevent constipation from regularly occurring is to maintain a healthy and high-fiber diet, drink lots of water, and to exercise regularly.
Consult With A Gastroenterology Expert Soon
If you are having a lot of stomach problems or if any of the common treatment suggestions do not help with your situation, it is best to consult with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. There might be a serious problem with your GI tract that only an expert can diagnose and treat properly. Don’t delay your doctor’s appointment because you can seriously damage your health by doing so.
For more than 20 years, The Rome Foundation has exerted effort to educate people about FGID or functional gastrointestinal disorders and gastroenterology, in general.
