Small health problems of the digestive system


When you swallow, liquids and foods that pass your throat initially enter your gullet, before reaching your stomach and lastly your small and large bowels (also called your intestines). All these tube-like organs help to digest the food you eat. Leftovers, along with other substances that your body really wants to get rid of, emerge the back passage as stools, or faeces. Life can become rather uncomfortable when things fail in this department.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is really a sick feeling in your tummy that often precedes vomiting. Whenever you vomit, your stomach muscles contract suddenly and bring up what's inside the stomach - sometimes for good reasons, for example when you consume food past its sell-by date or you have a tummy bug.

Lots of things can make you feel sick or vomit, a lot of which are obvious and benign. You probably aren't very worried when you feel sick or vomit after drinking too much alcohol or overeating an especially heavy meal, especially if you feel better after vomiting. But in less clear-cut situations, when the underlying reason isn't so obvious, check whether your symptoms fit with any of the following conditions:

Gastritis: This problem is an inflammation from the stomach lining that, among other things, can be caused by irritation from alcohol or food poisoning. You might know immediately what's been causing your symptoms, which often go away by themselves after a few days. See your pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter medications if you need symptom relief.

Gastroenteritis: This problem is an infection from the stomach and bowel, which in many cases is the result of a virus. Typically, you may have been in contact with someone who has similar symptoms, although that might not always be the situation.

Vomiting and diarrhoea would be the main symptoms, and you may also have a mild fever. To combat gastroenteritis, drink plenty of fluids and eat only small quantities of light food at a time. You should start to get better soon after days, but symptoms may last for seven to ten days. Seek medical advice if you don't start to improve within 24 hours or you can't keep fluids down, and wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading the problem.

Inner ear problems: Conditions affecting the balance organ in the body may cause a feeling - called vertigo - of the world spinning around, that is accompanied by acute vomiting. Motion sickness when travelling can also be common. Visit your doctor for any check-up and to discuss the treatment options; a number of drugs are open to help relieve your symptoms.

Medication: Various drugs - and, occasionally, drug allergies - may cause nausea and vomiting, particularly aspirin-type medicines. If you feel that your medication might be responsible, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

The main risk of severe vomiting and diarrhoea is losing too much body fluid, or dehydration, and thus drinking lots of fluids is important.

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Note: This article was sent to us by: Nancy Butler at 03102011

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