Digestive System

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric (stomach) contents into the esophagus. It is characterized by heartburn, esophageal inflammation, difficulty swallowing and chronic chest pain. Certain foods are known to exacerbate GERD: coffee, alcohol, Vitamin C, high fat foods, soft drinks, chocolate, peppermint and spicy foods, among many others. Patients should first change the foods they eat and ensure that they are exercising regularly. In more serious cases, drug therapies and surgery might be necessary.

Hemorrhoids

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus—internal—or under the skin around the anus—external. Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits which are not associated with any abnormalities seen on routine clinical testing. Lower abdominal pain, bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. As many as 20 percent of the adult population, or one in five Americans, have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.

Nausea

Nausea is an unpleasant sensation, vaguely referred to the epigastrium and abdomen and often culminating in vomiting.