The many causes of tummy trouble

The digestive system is a very important part of the body. Its main function is to help the body absorb nutrients from the food we eat.

If nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and fats, which the body uses to carry out its various functions, are not broken down into a form in which they can be easily absorbed, they are useless to the body.

In the process of carrying out its functions, the digestive system sometimes experiences problems.

Digestive problems are pretty common, and almost everybody experiences such problems at some point.

They cover a wide range of diseases, conditions and symptoms that affect the digestive system including diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Dear Doc,
What is Crohn’s disease?
Anonymous.

Dear anonymous,
Crohn’s disease is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. The symptoms, which range from mild to severe can develop gradually or suddenly.

However, when a person is in remission, they do not have any symptoms. Whe active, the disease has symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, blood-stained stool, as well as malnutrition as a result of reduced appetite and the inability to digest and absorb essential nutrients.

The disease affects different parts of the digestive tract in different people. However, the most commonly affected parts are the ileum and the colon. The inflammation caused by the disease often spreads deeper into the layers of the affected bowel tissue.

Just like other IBDs, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease can be very painful, incapacitating and can sometimes lead to potentially life-threatening complications. The inflammation may be confined to the wall of the bowel, leading to scarring (stenosis), or it can extend through the wall of the bowel (fistula).

It has no permanent cure, but diet and lifestyle modifications can greatly help in managing the symptoms. Quitting smoking and minimising stress, which can trigger the symptoms, for instance.

Avoiding or limiting foods that trigger the symptoms (these vary from one person to another) also help, as does eating low-fat foods since fatty foods might not be digested or absorbed easily, worsening the diarrhoea.

Limiting the consumption of dairy products is advisable because they cause diarrhoea, abdominal gas and pain, especially if one has problems digesting milk sugar (lactose intolerance).

High-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables are good for health, but if you suffer from this condition, it is advisable to limit their intake as they might worsen the diarrhoea and gas.

Also, avoid spicy foods as they irritate the inflamed parts, aggravating the pain. Eat smaller meals to avoid overloading the digestive system. Take plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeinated drinks since they can stimulate the intestines, making the diarrhoea worse. Also avoid carbonated drinks because they often produce gas.

It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist on the use of supplements or multivitamins as the symptoms of the disease might restrict your diet, leading to lack of essential nutrients or even weight loss due to poor nutrient absorption.

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Dear Doc,
I am on a certain medication that is making me pass diarrhoea. Are there any risks involved and what can I do to manage the problem?
Gladys

Dear Gladys,
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines diarrhoea as having loose or liquid stool three or more times a day, or passing more stool than normal.

It can be caused by a reaction to particular foods, certain medications, as well as common illnesses such as colds or the flu. Passing loose stool as a result of excessive intake of fats is known as steatorrhoea.

Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, weight loss and more seriously, dehydration. Diarrhoea leads to loss of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, water, sodium and potassium, which can easily cause deficiencies in these nutrients.
Although prolonged diarrhoea is serious and calls for medical attention, some bouts of diarrhoea can be easily managed at home by drinking at least eight cups of liquids and an extra two cups of liquid after every bout to replace the lost electrolytes and nutrients. The liquid can be in the form of water, tea, fruit or vegetable juices, light porridge and soup.

Consult a doctor or nutritionist on the amount of fiber you should include in your diet because too much can increase bowel movement, which can lead to more bouts of diarrhea. Limiting your intake of fats and sugar can reduce the amount of water in the intestines, and thereby reduce the bouts.

Finally, you could consider changing the suspect medication, but do this only after consulting the doctor, who prescribed it Avoid taking any over-the-counter medication for diarrhoea without first consulting a doctor.

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Dear Doc,
For some time now, I have been experiencing heartburn after meals. What could be the cause and can digestive problems be serious?
Terry

Dear Terry,
Heartburn is a common symptom of low stomach acid, which is necessary for digestion. However, if it is not produced in adequate quantities, the food sits in the stomach, partly digested, for longer than normal.

This makes a person feel bloated and the pressure created in the abdomen as a result of bloating makes the oesophageal sphincter weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to move back up the oesophagus, leading to heartburn.

Most digestive problems are mild and can be easily alleviated through lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding foods that upset your system, eating smaller meals and modifying the consistence of your food.

However, some digestive problems can be serious, and it is advisable to see a doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms: increased heartburn or stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, excessive weight loss within a short time, a sudden change in bowel functioning or blood-stained stool.

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