GI Problems

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems commonly occur in older persons, but can afflict individuals of any age, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Gastrointestinal problems can range from abdominal pain, intestinal gas problems and constipation, to more serious issues such as colorectal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These afflictions can be caused by microbial imbalances, functional disturbances such as stomach acid deficiency, or damaging agents such as food sensitivities or pharmaceutical agents.  Gastrointestinal problems can also be caused by a number of defective drugs including Advair and Fen Phen.

Gastrointestinal problems hospitalize more than 10 million people each year at a cost of nearly $40 billion. Untreated GI problems can create serious health issues.  Often, drug companies are negligent and do not fully inform doctors or patients about these side effects. Drug companies may be required to compensate individuals who have suffered GI problems due to their drugs.  If you have experienced GI problems due to a drug side effect, you should contact an attorney to learn about your legal rights and the possibility of compensation.   

What are Examples of Gastrointestinal Problems? 

Gastrointestinal problems affect the digestive system. The more serious gastrointestinal problems include cancer and GERD, while lesser GI problems include excessive intestinal gas, ulcers, food intolerance or abdominal pain.

Intestinal Gas Problems

Intestinal gas problems include bloating, flatulence and belching. For most people, a better diet helps eliminate these problems.  If this basic measure does not work, a visit to your doctor may be beneficial.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is usually caused by the body’s inability to properly digest a specific food or additive.  This can be caused by poor absorption of the food or additive and by the release of chemicals within the body when the particular food or additive is introduced.  An individual suffering from food intolerance usually experiences symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea or abdominal pain.  Other symptoms can occur including welts, fluid retention, rash and migraine headaches.

Lactose Intolerance

The most common instance of food intolerance is lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is caused by the body’s inability to properly digest significant amounts of lactose, which is the predominant sugar in milk. This is due to the shortage of the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose into simpler forms, making the super more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, nausea, cramps and bloating. These symptoms can occur between 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking something that contains lactose.

The easiest way to combat lactose intolerance is to limit the intake of dairy products. For people who can only consume very small amounts of dairy products without experiencing discomfort, there are supplements available which contain lactose enzymes. Also, calcium supplements are known to relieve lactose intolerance.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is another type of GI problem Two widely used prescription medications can cause abdominal pain; Advair, a drug prescribed for asthmatic pain, and Fen Phen, a diet drug.. 

Abdominal pain falls into two categories; constant abdominal pain and cramping (also known as colic).  Constant abdominal pain is discomfort that varies in intensity over time, but remains steady. This type of pain can arise from an inflammation of the abdominal organs. Other sources of constant abdominal pain include ulcers, gallbladder stones and local areas of infestation called abscesses.

Cramping pain is a wave of discomfort that increases in strength followed by a gradual easing in intensity.  Mot cramping pain results from increased activity of normal intestinal muscle contractions due a buildup of gas, irritation of intestines or stress.  Some causes of severe abdominal pain may include an obstructed intestine or gallbladder or a perforation or leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity.

The tactics used to help alleviate abdominal pain are varied and may not work for everyone. Some people find that passing gas through belching or flatus is effective. Other people understand that a better awareness of their diet can help reduce abdominal pain.

If your pain is recurring, decreasing your quality of life or causing you to lose weight, you should contact your physician. Also, if you have a history of ulcers, heartburn or gallstones, then a visit with your doctor may be advised. Abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious condition and should not be dismissed lightly.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Heartburn)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly known as heartburn and afflicts more than 60 million Americans on a monthly basis. This GI disease is characterized by the reversed flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Many people suffering from heartburn describe it as a burning feeling in the chest. Other people experience the taste of the acid in their neck or throat. These unpleasant symptoms can last upwards of two hours and can be worsened through food consumption.  

Heartburn can result from a variety causes including consuming spicy foods, chocolate, coffee and alcoholic beverages. Other causes can be obesity, smoking and eating within three hours of bedtime. Most people are able to combat heartburn’s symptoms by modifying their lifestyle and diet to include healthier choices.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause serious issues if left untreated. Some long-term problems can include severe chest pain similar to a heart attack or bleeding of the esophagus. Other afflictions include a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus and a pre-malignant condition of the esophagus known as Barrett’s esophagus.

A doctor will try and reduce any symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease through supplements and prescription medication. Two common prescription medications used to ease the symptoms of heartburn are Prilosec and Nexium. If a patient does not respond to these treatments, surgery may be an option. The end result of the surgery is an improvement of the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus to prevent acid reflux from happening.

Ulcers

Ulcers are another form of gastrointestinal problems and affect more than 20 million Americans. An ulcer is caused when an area of the stomach or the duodenum has been destroyed by stomach acid and digestive juices. The duodenum is a short portion of the small intestine that connects the stomach to the rest of the intestines. Duodenal ulcers usually occur in persons between the ages of 30 and 50, and are twice as common in males. Stomach ulcers are more common after the age of 50, and are more commonly found in females.

There are two primary causes of ulcers. One is the regular use of pain medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen. If you regularly take over the counter medications, your doctor may recommend changing your medication or using other drugs, such as antacids or a stronger prescription drug, in conjunction with your pain medication.

The other cause of ulcers is infection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Since everyone who is infected with the H. pylori bacteria does not get ulcers, doctors believe the H. pylori bacteria facilitates ulcer development in people who have a genetic predisposition for a GI problem. However, antibiotics and acid reduction medication can heal ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria. Studies now show that antibiotics can permanently cure 80-90 percent of ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract.  

Most people suffering from ulcers complain of a tingling or hunger pain in their abdomen. This discomfort usually occurs between meals and has the ability to awaken individuals from sleep. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and reduction in weight are less common symptoms.

Ulcer complications can be numerous and serious. Bleeding can occur in the stomach or the duodenum and is sometimes the only warning sign. The rate of bleeding can vary with rapid bleeding causing bowel movements that are sticky, black or bloody. Slow bleeding from an ulcer can cause anemia and fatigue. Another symptom of a bleeding ulcer is nausea and vomiting of acidified blood that looks like old coffee grounds.

An untreated ulcer can also lead to the perforation of the intestinal lining. Bacteria, food and digestive juices can potentially spill into the stomach cavity causing intense pain requiring hospitalization. The continual inflammation of an ulcer can also lead to swelling and scarring. Over time, this scarring can cause the stomach’s outlet to close, food not to pass, vomiting and weight loss.

Doctors usually recommend that ulcer sufferers refrain from smoking or taking any medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If complications such as bleeding or perforation develop, surgery is often necessary to correct the problem.

Colorectal Cancer

The most serious GI problem is colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, also known as the large intestine. It is the second most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 158,000 diagnosed cases each year. Colorectal cancer causes 55,000 deaths annually.

All forms of colon cancer are a result of the creation of polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths on the wall of the colon that may become cancerous over time. Regular screening is recommended to identify polyps at an early stage so they can be removed before they become cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual fecal occult blood test and a sigmoidoscopy every 3-5 years for all Americans over the age of 50. A sigmoidoscopy is a flexible instrument to visually examine the colon. A colonoscopy is also recommended for individuals who pose a higher risk of colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine and the small bowel with a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube. An increased risk of colorectal cancer is due to previous cancer incidents, family history of cancer or a chronic digestive condition.

The exact cause of most colorectal cancer polyps is unknown, but there are certain precautions that can be taken. Routine screening is a key preventive measure. It is also important to limit the intake of high-fat foods, and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Routine physical activity and a daily multivitamin are also important preventive measures. You should consult your doctor to find the best balance for you.

Treatment of colorectal cancer is similar to other cancer treatment options. You and your doctor will be able to find the best combination of treatments to combat colorectal cancer. The four main options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a form of targeted therapy called monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are medicines that target certain areas of cancer cells that are different than normal cells. Due to their targeted approach, monoclonal antibodies usually carry reduced side effects than chemotherapy drugs.