Health Check
10 tummy troubles you should never ignore:
When it comes to stomach pain, finding the cause of your tummy
trouble can be harder than solving an advanced Sudoku. Use this symptom
decoder to help decipher what's up with your gut.
1. Acid Reflux
What it is: Acid flowing backward from the stomach up into the
throat. It affects 20 percent of adults at least once a week.
What it feels like: Pain or burning below your breastbone that's
usually worse after you eat or when you lie down.
Fix it: If you feel the burn only a few times a year, treat it with
antacids. If you get it a couple of times a week, you could have
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A doctor can determine whether a
medication to reduce acid production will help you.
2.
Appendicitis
What it is: Inflammation of the appendix, a narrow fingerlike pouch
attached to the colon. About 10 percent of people will have trouble with
it sometime in their lives.
What it feels like: A dull discomfort around your belly button that
moves to your lower right abdomen. It becomes extremely painful as time
passes-and walking makes the pain worse.
Fix it: Go to the emergency room immediately! You need surgery to
yank your appendix. If you wait too long, it can rupture, spewing
bacteria all over your innards-disgusting and life threatening.
3. Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS)
What it is: A malfunction of the nerves that control the intestines,
experienced by 20 percent of adults.
What it feels like: Nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation and
cramps in the lower part of your abdomen. These symptoms tend to lessen
when you move your bowels.
Fix it: Visit the doctor, who will probably prescribe an
antispasmodic drug to regulate your impulse to go and relieve the
general discomfort as well.
4. Gallstones
What they are: Pea- to golf ball-size nuggets in the gallbladder, a
sac connected to the liver and small intestine. Made of hardened
cholesterol and bile (a fluid that helps digest fat), they're caused by
a high-fat diet or a gallbladder that doesn't empty properly. Women are
more likely than men to develop them-up to 20 percent of women have them
at some time.
What they feel like: A sharp pain in your upper middle abdomen that
moves to your right side, under your rib cage. The pain can worsen after
eating.
Fix it: If the pain doesn't go away in a few hours or you're running
a fever or vomiting, go to the doctor. She can diagnose gallstones via
CT scan or ultrasound. You may need surgery to remove the gallbladder.
5. Ulcer
What it is: A sore on the stomach lining. Ten percent of the
population will have one at some point in their lives.
What it feels like: Burning pain in your stomach that comes and goes
but feels worse when you're hungry.
Fix it: If you're taking nonsteroidal drugs such as aspirin or
ibuprofen, stop immediately. These medications eat away at the stomach
lining. See your doctor; you may need antibiotics to kill ulcer-causing
bacteria, or even surgery.
6. Lactose Intolerance
What it is: Discomfort after consuming milk products due to a deficit
in the enzyme that digests lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.
What if feels like: Nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and/or diarrhoea
30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods containing
lactose.
Fix it: Drink less milk, or have it with other foods to slow the
digestion process. Try experimenting with an assortment of dairy
products. Hard cheeses such as Swiss or cheddar have small amounts of
lactose and generally don't cause symptoms. Important note for the
lactose intolerant: because dairy products are some of the most common
sources of calcium, make sure you're getting enough of that essential
mineral elsewhere in your diet.
7. Crohn's Disease
What it is: The most common of a group of diseases called
inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's usually affects the end of the small
intestine and the colon.
What it feels like: Persistent abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight
loss, sometimes fever. You might find blood in your stools.
Fix it: Crohn's is most common in people under age 30. Though
treatable, there is no cure. Treatments include anti-inflammatory
medicines and steroids, which you might have to take for a few years or
for a lifetime.
8. Colitis
What it is: A common type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects
only the colon and rectum. A young person's disease, most cases are
diagnosed by age 30.
What it feels like: Belly pain or cramps, bloody diarrhoea, an urgent
need to have a bowel movement, weight loss, nausea, and sometimes
vomiting.
Fix it: If mild, treat the symptoms with over-the-counter
medications. In severe cases, you might have to take anti-inflammatory
medicines or steroids.
9. Celiac Disease
What it is: A digestive disease that damages the small intestine due
to an intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, and
barley. Often misdiagnosed as IBS, celiac disease is now considered one
of the most common gastrointestinal disorders.
What it feels like: Cramping, bloating, and diarrhoea. More serious
symptoms include anaemia, osteoporosis, and even infertility.
Fix it: Avoid that pizza-the remedy for celiac disease is a
gluten-free diet. Fortunately, there are plenty of great gluten-free
products available these days.
10. Thyroid Disease
What it is: A deficit or an overabundance of the hormones secreted by
the thyroid gland. Too much can kick your metabolism into high gear; too
little can make it sluggish. What it feels like: A hyperactive thyroid
can cause diarrhoea; a sluggish thyroid can cause constipation. Other
symptoms vary widely for both hyper- and hypothyroidism, but can include
weight loss or weight gain, a racing heartbeat or low energy,
nervousness or depression, hair loss, and more.
Fix it: Your doctor will probably prescribe a hormonal drug to
regulate your thyroid. Occasionally surgery is necessary in severe
cases.
-Women's Health
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