DOCSLIB.ORG

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Irritable Bowel Syndrome National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse What is irritable bowel IBS is often classified into four subtypes based on a person’s usual stool consistency. syndrome (IBS)? These subtypes are important because they Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional affect the types of treatment that are most U.S. Department gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, meaning it likely to improve the person’s symptoms. of Health and is a problem caused by changes in how the The four subtypes of IBS are Human Services GI tract works. People with a functional GI disorder have frequent symptoms, but the • IBS with constipation (IBS-C) NATIONAL INSTITUTES GI tract does not become damaged. IBS is – hard or lumpy stools at least 25 per- OF HEALTH not a disease; it is a group of symptoms that cent of the time occur together. The most common symp- toms of IBS are abdominal pain or discom- – loose or watery stools less than fort, often reported as cramping, along with 25 percent of the time diarrhea, constipation, or both. In the past, • IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) IBS was called colitis, mucous colitis, spas- – loose or watery stools at least tic colon, nervous colon, and spastic bowel. 25 percent of the time The name was changed to reflect the under- standing that the disorder has both physical – hard or lumpy stools less than and mental causes and is not a product of a 25 percent of the time person’s imagination. • Mixed IBS (IBS-M) IBS is diagnosed when a person has abdomi- – hard or lumpy stools at least 25 per- nal pain or discomfort at least three times cent of the time per month for the last 3 months without other disease or injury that could explain the – loose or watery stools at least pain. The pain or discomfort of IBS may 25 percent of the time occur with a change in stool frequency or • Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U) consistency or may be relieved by a bowel movement. – hard or lumpy stools less than 25 percent of the time – loose or watery stools less than 25 percent of the time What is the GI tract? The large intestine absorbs water and any remaining nutrients from partially digested The GI tract is a series of hollow organs food passed from the small intestine. The joined in a long, twisting tube from the large intestine then changes waste from mouth to the anus. The movement of mus- liquid to a solid matter called stool. Stool cles in the GI tract, along with the release passes from the colon to the rectum. The of hormones and enzymes, allows for the rectum is located between the last part of digestion of food. Organs that make up the the colon—called the sigmoid colon—and GI tract are the mouth, esophagus, stom- the anus. The rectum stores stool prior to ach, small intestine, large intestine—which a bowel movement. During a bowel move- includes the appendix, cecum, colon, and ment, stool moves from the rectum to the rectum—and anus. The intestines are some- anus, the opening through which stool leaves times called the bowel. The last part of the the body. GI tract—called the lower GI tract—consists of the large intestine and anus. Transverse colon Ascending Descending colon colon Sigmoid colon Cecum Anus Rectum The lower GI tract 2 Irritable Bowel Syndrome How common is IBS and • feeling that a bowel movement is who is affected? incomplete Irritable bowel syndrome is estimated to • passing mucus, a clear liquid made by affect 3 to 20 percent of the population, with the intestines that coats and protects most studies ranging from 10 to 15 percent.1 tissues in the GI tract However, less than one-third of people with • abdominal bloating the condition see a health care provider for Symptoms may often occur after eating a diagnosis.2 IBS affects about twice as many meal. To meet the definition of IBS, symp- women as men and is most often found in toms must occur at least 3 days a month. people younger than 45 years.1 What are the symptoms of What causes IBS? The causes of IBS are not well understood. IBS? Researchers believe a combination of physi- The symptoms of IBS include abdominal cal and mental health problems can lead to pain or discomfort and changes in bowel IBS. The possible causes of IBS include the habits. To meet the definition of IBS, the following: pain or discomfort should be associated with two of the following three symptoms: • Brain-gut signal problems. Signals between the brain and nerves of the • start with bowel movements that occur small and large intestines, also called more or less often than usual the gut, control how the intestines work. • start with stool that appears looser and Problems with brain-gut signals may more watery or harder and more lumpy cause IBS symptoms, such as changes in than usual bowel habits and pain or discomfort. • improve with a bowel movement • GI motor problems. Normal motil- ity, or movement, may not be present Other symptoms of IBS may include in the colon of a person who has IBS. • diarrhea—having loose, watery stools Slow motility can lead to constipation three or more times a day and feeling and fast motility can lead to diarrhea. urgency to have a bowel movement Spasms, or sudden strong muscle con- tractions that come and go, can cause • constipation—having hard, dry stools; abdominal pain. Some people with IBS three or fewer bowel movements in also experience hyperreactivity, which a week; or straining to have a bowel is an excessive increase in contractions movement of the bowel in response to stress or eating. 1Grundmann O, Yoon SL. Irritable bowel syndrome: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment: an update for health-care practitioners. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2010;25:691–699. 2Owyang C. Irritable bowel syndrome. In: Yamada T, ed. Textbook of Gastroenterology. 5th ed. Vol. 1. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.; 2009: 1536–1573. 3 Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Hypersensitivity. People with IBS have studies have shown antibiotics to be a lower pain threshold to stretching of effective in treating IBS. However, the the bowel caused by gas or stool com- studies were weak and more research pared with people who do not have IBS. is needed to show a link between SIBO The brain may process pain signals from and IBS. the bowel differently in people with IBS. • Body chemicals. People with IBS have • Mental health problems. Mental altered levels of neurotransmitters, health, or psychological, problems such which are chemicals in the body that as panic disorder, anxiety, depression, transmit nerve signals, and GI hor- and post-traumatic stress disorder are mones, though the role these chemi- common in people with IBS. The link cals play in developing IBS is unclear. between these disorders and develop- Younger women with IBS often have ment of IBS is unclear. GI disorders, more symptoms during their menstrual including IBS, are often found in people periods. Post-menopausal women have who have reported past physical or sex- fewer symptoms compared with women ual abuse. Researchers believe people who are still menstruating. These find- who have been abused tend to express ings suggest that reproductive hormones psychological stress through physical can worsen IBS problems. symptoms. • Genetics. Whether IBS has a genetic • Bacterial gastroenteritis. Some people cause, meaning it runs in families, is who have bacterial gastroenteritis—an unclear. Studies have shown that IBS infection or irritation of the stomach is more common in people with fam- and intestines caused by bacteria— ily members who have a history of GI develop IBS. Researchers do not know problems. However, the cause could be why gastroenteritis leads to IBS in some environmental or the result of height- people and not others, though psycho- ened awareness of GI symptoms. logical problems and abnormalities of • Food sensitivity. Many people with IBS the lining of the GI tract may be factors. report that certain foods and bever- • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ages can cause symptoms, such as foods (SIBO). Normally, few bacteria live in rich in carbohydrates, spicy or fatty the small intestine. SIBO is an increase foods, coffee, and alcohol. However, in the number of bacteria or a change in people with food sensitivity typically do the type of bacteria in the small intes- not have clinical signs of food allergy. tine. These bacteria can produce excess Researchers have proposed that symp- gas and may also cause diarrhea and toms may result from poor absorption weight loss. Some researchers believe of sugars or bile acids, which help break that SIBO may lead to IBS, and some down fats and get rid of wastes in the body. 4 Irritable Bowel Syndrome How is IBS diagnosed? Stool tests. A stool test is the analysis of a sample of stool. The health care provider To diagnose IBS, a health care provider will will give the person a container for catching conduct a physical exam and take a complete and storing the stool. The sample is returned medical history. The medical history will to the health care provider or a commercial include questions about symptoms, family facility and sent to a lab for analysis. The history of GI disorders, recent infections, health care provider may also do a rectal medications, and stressful events related to exam, sometimes during the physical exam, the onset of symptoms. For IBS to be diag- to check for blood in the stool. Stool tests nosed, the symptoms must have started at can show the presence of parasites or blood.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME by Michael Sperling MD
    IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME By Michael Sperling MD Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) involves vague symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating for which there is no understandable cause. Incredibly, IBS affects up to 20% of the population but only three- quarters of those people actually seek medical attention. It is the second most common reason for work absenteeism. Irritable bowel symptoms may also be related to other complaints such as belching, heartburn, swallowing problems, fullness after eating, nausea, frequent urination, painful menstruation and pain during intercourse. Extremely severe cases can sometimes be related to a history of traumatic abuse. Some common associations or factors: Michael Sperling, MD 1. ‘Spastic colon’ is frequently found along with irritable bowel syndrome. Spastic colon consists of painful muscle contractions which can be relieved by bulk agents or anti- spasm drugs. 2. Post-infectious IBS occurs when irritable bowel follows a gastrointestinal infection, such as the stomach flu. These recurrent symptoms can last up to two years. 3. Stress and anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms so occasionally anti-anxiety agents may be helpful. 4. Food intolerances classically worsen symptoms of irritable bowel in some people. Common “offending foods” include lactose, legumes (beans) and cruciferous vegetables like brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. 5. Hypersensitivity of the bowel wall: Normal colon activity is not usually noticed however in “visceral hypersensitivity”, the bowel wall reacts painfully to normal activity. This condition may be helped by the use of low dose antidepressants, which can block these painful stimuli. Careful and selective testing of patients with these symptoms and the development of a long-term doctor/patient relationship is the key to diagnosing and managing these symptoms.
    [Show full text]
  • Heartburn/Indigestion Heartburn Or Acid Indigestion During Pregnancy Is a Common Problem, Especially As the Baby Grows and Puts Pressure on the Stomach
    Pregnant Moms COMMON PROBLEMS Nausea Nausea that occurs during pregnancy, better known as “morning sickness,” can be a problem any time, day or night. The good news is that it usually only lasts a couple of months. If you experience nausea, there are food choices that you can make that might help. Try dry, starchy foods like crackers and dry toast. Eat slowly. Sit or lie still while eating. Spicy, high-fat foods like sausage, other fatty meats, fried foods, and rich pastries are not well tolerated. Drink liquids separate from your meals, and take small sips. Citrus juices can make nausea worse. Once the nausea has passed, there are a few ways to help prevent it from coming back. Below are some tips to help prevent nausea. Eat small frequent meals instead of two or three large meals. Drink liquids between meals, not with your meal. Drink only about ½ cup at a time. Avoid high-fat drinks. 1 Pregnant Moms Avoid strong-smelling foods with offensive odors. Take prenatal vitamins and iron supplements on a full stomach. Heartburn/Indigestion Heartburn or acid indigestion during pregnancy is a common problem, especially as the baby grows and puts pressure on the stomach. Here are some foods you should avoid to help prevent indigestion. • Fatty meats Examples: sausage, bacon, hot dogs • Food from cabbage family Examples: cucumber, greens, broccoli, onions, and cabbage • Fried foods Examples: french fries, fried chicken • Rich pastries Examples: doughnuts, fried pies, cream pies 2 Pregnant Moms Here are more tips on how to avoid heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy.
    [Show full text]
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Similarities and Differences 2 www.ccfa.org IBD Help Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN 888.694.8872 Important Differences Between IBD and IBS Many diseases and conditions can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is part of the digestive system and includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. These diseases and conditions include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD Help Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN 888.694.8872 www.ccfa.org 3 Inflammatory bowel diseases are a group of inflammatory conditions in which the body’s own immune system attacks parts of the digestive system. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel diseases are a group of inflamma- Causes tory conditions in which the body’s own immune system attacks parts of the digestive system. The two most com- The exact cause of IBD remains unknown. Researchers mon inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease believe that a combination of four factors lead to IBD: a (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD affects as many as 1.4 genetic component, an environmental trigger, an imbal- million Americans, most of whom are diagnosed before ance of intestinal bacteria and an inappropriate reaction age 35. There is no cure for IBD but there are treatments to from the immune system. Immune cells normally protect reduce and control the symptoms of the disease. the body from infection, but in people with IBD, the immune system mistakes harmless substances in the CD and UC cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract. CD intestine for foreign substances and launches an attack, can affect any part of the GI tract, but frequently affects the resulting in inflammation.
    [Show full text]
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease
    Peptic Ulcer Disease orking with you as a partner in health care, your gastroenterologist Wat GI Associates will determine the best diagnostic and treatment measures for your unique needs. Albert F. Chiemprabha, M.D. Pierce D. Dotherow, M.D. Reed B. Hogan, M.D. James H. Johnston, III, M.D. Ronald P. Kotfila, M.D. Billy W. Long, M.D. Paul B. Milner, M.D. Michelle A. Petro, M.D. Vonda Reeves-Darby, M.D. Matt Runnels, M.D. James Q. Sones, II, M.D. April Ulmer, M.D., Pediatric GI James A. Underwood, Jr., M.D. Chad Wigington, D.O. Mark E. Wilson, M.D. Cindy Haden Wright, M.D. Keith Brown, M.D., Pathologist Samuel Hensley, M.D., Pathologist Jackson Madison Vicksburg 1421 N. State Street, Ste 203 104 Highland Way 1815 Mission 66 Jackson, MS 39202 Madison, MS 39110 Vicksburg, MS 39180 Telephone 601/355-1234 • Fax 601/352-4882 • 800/880-1231 www.msgastrodocs.com ©2010 GI Associates & Endoscopy Center. All rights reserved. A discovery that Table of contents brought relief to millions of ulcer What Is Peptic Ulcer Disease............... 2 patients...... Three Major Types Of Peptic Ulcer Disease .. 6 The bacterium now implicated as a cause of some ulcers How Are Ulcers Treated................... 9 was not noticed in the stomach until 1981. Before that, it was thought that bacteria couldn’t survive in the stomach because Questions & Answers About Peptic Ulcers .. 11 of the presence of acid. Australian pathologists, Drs. Warren and Marshall found differently when they noticed bacteria Ulcers Can Be Stubborn................... 13 while microscopically inspecting biopsies from stomach tissue.
    [Show full text]
  • Crohn's Disease and Diet
    Crohn’s Disease and Diet What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the intestine. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease depend on the severity of the disease and what part of the intestine is affected. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain/cramping, diarrhea and fever. Can Diet Help? The following diet recommendations can help you to: Manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease Maintain normal bowel function Keep well nourished Diet Recommendations for Crohn’s Disease People living with Crohn’s disease often have periods of remission (mild or no symptoms) in addition to periods of flare-up (moderate or severe symptoms). The diet recommendations for Crohn’s disease depend on whether you are in a remission period or a flare- up period. Follow the diet recommendations that are appropriate for the period that you are in (see Flare-up Period or Remission Period below) . Flare-up Period When the small intestine is inflamed during a flare-up, the inside of the small bowel can become narrow. This can make it more difficult for high residue foods (i.e. bulky food or food with coarse Flare-up Period (continued) 1 particles) to pass through. High residue foods can therefore cause cramping or abdominal pain during a flare-up. It may help to follow a low-residue diet during this time. See Appendix 1 - Low Residue Diet for foods that are recommended. When your symptoms improve (i.e. you enter the remission period), you can start to add high residue foods back into your diet as tolerated.
    [Show full text]
  • Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
    Indigestion (dydpepsia). Indigestion information - Patient | Patient Page 1 of 5 View this article online at https://patient.info/health/dyspepsia-indigestion Dyspepsia (Indigestion) Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a term which describes pain and sometimes other symptoms which come from your upper gut (the stomach, oesophagus or duodenum). There are various causes (described below). Treatment depends on the likely cause. Understanding digestion Food passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach. The stomach makes acid which is not essential but helps to digest food. Food then passes gradually into the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). In the duodenum and the rest of the small intestine, food mixes with chemicals called enzymes. The enzymes come from the pancreas and from cells lining the intestine. The enzymes break down (digest) the food. Digested food is then absorbed into the body from the small intestine. What is dyspepsia? Dyspepsia is a term which includes a group of symptoms that come from a problem in your upper gut. The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The upper gut includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Various conditions cause dyspepsia. The main symptom is usually pain or discomfort in the upper tummy (abdomen). In addition, other symptoms that may develop include: • Bloating. • Belching. • Quickly feeling full after eating. • Feeling sick (nausea). • Being sick (vomiting). Symptoms are often related to eating. Doctors used to include heartburn (a burning sensation felt in the lower chest area) and bitter-tasting liquid coming up into the back of the throat (sometimes called 'waterbrash') as symptoms of dyspepsia.
    [Show full text]
  • 17 Nutrition for Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders 403
    84542_ch17.qxd 7/16/09 6:35 PM Page 402 Nutrition for Patients with Upper 17 Gastrointestinal Disorders TRUE FALSE 1 People who have nausea should avoid liquids with meals. 2 Thin liquids, such as clear juices and clear broths, are usually the easiest items to swallow for patients with dysphagia. 3 All patients with dysphagia are given solid foods in pureed form. 4 In people with GERD, the severity of the pain reflects the extent of esophageal damage. 5 High-fat meals may trigger symptoms of GERD. 6 People with esophagitis may benefit from avoiding spicy or acidic foods. 7 Alcohol stimulates gastric acid secretion. 8 A bland diet promotes healing of peptic ulcers. 9 People with dumping syndrome should avoid sweets and sugars. 10 Pernicious anemia is a potential complication of gastric surgery. UPON COMPLETION OF THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ● Give examples of ways to promote eating in people with anorexia. ● Describe nutrition interventions that may help maximize intake in people who have nausea. ● Compare the three levels of solid food textures included in the National Dysphagia Diet. ● Compare the four liquid consistencies included in the National Dysphagia Diet. ● Plan a menu appropriate for someone with GERD. ● Teach a patient about role of nutrition therapy in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. ● Give examples of nutrition therapy recommendations for people experiencing dumping syndrome. utrition therapy is used in the treatment of many digestive system disorders. For many disorders, diet merely plays a supportive role in alleviating symptoms rather than alter- ing the course of the disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease -IBD Crohn's Disease
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease -IBD Both IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal system, and even though they have some similar symptoms, they are NOT the same. Here, we’ll explore more about the differences between those two conditions. IBD causes damage of the gastrointestinal tract due to a chronic inflammation or ulceration of the intestine. Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Why did I get IBD? The exact cause of inflammatory bowel diseases is still not fully understood. According to some research, there are several factors involved including genetics, and/or a response to environmental factors. Crohn’s Disease What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory issue that will affect anywhere along the gastro-intestinal tract (mouth, stomach, intestines, colon, ect.) What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease? Symptoms vary depending on the part of the GI system affected but often include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and/or weight loss. Laboratory finding may include deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, or deficiency in iron. Why did I get Crohn’s disease? The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown but it is believed to have a hereditary and autoimmune component. Diet and stress can aggravate this condition. Diagnosis A doctor may order blood tests looking for deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, or deficiency in iron. Stool studies may also be ordered checking for inflammatory markers and to rule out other GI disorders. 1 Treatment Because Crohn’s disease can affect anywhere along the GI tract and the severity changes significantly from one case to the next treatment options will vary but often include glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressors.
    [Show full text]
  • Celiac Disease Initially Misdiagnosed As Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Case Report
    Open Access Case Report DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71 Celiac Disease Initially Misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Case Report Erwa Eltayib. Elmakki 1. Corresponding author: Erwa Eltayib. Elmakki, [email protected] Abstract Background: The increasing availability of serological testing & upper endoscopy has led to more frequent diagnosis of celiac disease & recognition that it may mimic Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Objective: The objective of the present case report is to describe the importance of screening those with vague abdominal symptoms (like patients with IBS) and iron deficiency anemia for celiac disease. Methods: We report the clinical course of a 30-year-old patient with vague abdominal symptoms initially misdiagnosed as having IBS; when the patient presented in our clinic, he was noted to have iron-deficiency anemia. On work-up for the cause of iron deficiency anemia, he was found to have celiac disease on basis of positive serological tests and small bowel biopsy result. After being placed on gluten-free diet, plus iron supplements, his abdominal symptoms and iron deficiency anemia totally improved. Conclusions: Our case demonstrates that routine screening for celiac disease should highly be considered for patients with iron-deficiency anemia and IBS. Categories: Internal Medicine Keywords: celiac disease, iron deficiency anemia, irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) Introduction Celiac disease or gluten sensitive enteropathy is an intolerance of dietary gluten that results in immunologically-mediated inflammatory damage to the small intestinal mucosal. The damage is characterized by inflammation, crypt hyperplasia, and villous atrophy [1]. Case Presentation A 30-year-old Saudi male teacher was referred to our clinic because he was incidentally found to be positive for HBsAg.
    [Show full text]
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
    FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) What is GERD? GERD is short for gastroesophageal [gas-troh-eh-sof-uh- GEE-uhl] reflux disease. It is a common condition in which food and acids in the stomach move back (or reflux) into the esophagus. When reflux continues, GERD develops. Here’s how reflux happens: 1 Normally when you swallow food, it goes from your mouth, down your esophagus, and in to your stomach. As the food enters your stomach, it passes through a ring-shaped muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A strong and healthy LES opens to let food into the stomach and closes to prevent food and stomach acid from A Esophagus weakened backing up. LES allows reflux 2 When the LES muscle is weakened, food and stomach acid can move back up into the esophagus and throat, causing reflux. Stomach acid from reflux can irritate the esophagus and cause 1 Stomach heartburn, indigestion, and trouble swallowing. A strong LES 2 Stomach What causes GERD? prevents reflux acid You are more likely to get GERD if you: • Are overweight or obese • Eat a high-fat diet How is GERD treated? • Drink a lot of carbonated beverages such as Lifestyle changes soda pop and beer. You can reduce the irritation of your esophagus and • Use alcohol often even correct mild forms of GERD with a few • Use tobacco products lifestyle changes: • Have a hiatal hernia or damage to • Don’t lie down for 2 hours after eating. Don’t your esophagus bend over at the waist either.
    [Show full text]
  • Dyspepsia (Indigestion) Letstalkaboutpoop January 5, 2015 What Is Indigestion?
    sameerislam.com http://sameerislam.com/dyspepsia-indigestion/ Dyspepsia (Indigestion) letstalkaboutpoop January 5, 2015 What is indigestion? Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen. The digestive system. Indigestion is common in adults and can occur once in a while or as often as every day. [Top] What causes indigestion? Indigestion can be caused by a condition in the digestive tract such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, cancer, or abnormality of the pancreas or bile ducts. If the condition improves or resolves, the symptoms of indigestion usually improve. Sometimes a person has indigestion for which a cause cannot be found. This type of indigestion, called functional dyspepsia, is thought to occur in the area where the stomach meets the small intestine. The indigestion may be related to abnormal motility—the squeezing or relaxing action—of the stomach muscle as it receives, digests, and moves food into the small intestine. [Top] What are the symptoms of indigestion? Most people with indigestion experience more than one of the following symptoms: Fullness during a meal. The person feels overly full soon after the meal starts and cannot finish the meal. Bothersome fullness after a meal. The person feels overly full after a meal—it may feel like the food is staying in the stomach too long. Epigastric pain. The epigastric area is between the lower end of the chest bone and the navel.
    [Show full text]
  • Pepsia" the GALL-BLADDER Characterized by Pressure Distress, Accumulation of by CHARLES S
    OCtOber, 1925 CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN MEDICINE 1313 RECOGNITION OF SURGICAL DISEASES OF thorough careful painstaking history than upon any other one factor. In a case of "chronic dyspepsia" THE GALL-BLADDER characterized by pressure distress, accumulation of By CHARLES S. JAMES, M. D., Los Angeles gas in the upper abdomen, eructation and sour re- occurring promptly after eating a heavy I believe firmly that the typhoid and colon bacilli are gurgitation the chief instigators of gall-bladder disease. meal or some special food, epigastric distress radiat- I further hold that all cases of gall-bladder disease ing to the back or the tip of the right shoulder-blade are primarly medical cases. (Boas' area), history of attacks of acute indigestion The belief qvas formerly prevalent that "latent gall- with or without a colicky phase, and with or with- stones" cause no appreciable disturbance; but it is now out varying acholia, one is strongly inclined to the recognized that they rarely fail to produce symptoms opinion of gall-bladder disease origin and recall the commonly referred to the stomach. trite saying of our clinical forefathers, "Fat, fair, We should not accept the diagnosis "nervous dyspep- sia," "acute indigestion," "neuralgia of the stomach," and forty." "gastritis" or "gastric neurosis" so frequently as we do Boas' point tenderness and pain referred to the in patients presenting the history of dyspepsia of a right back are common and valuable symptoms, but chronic resistant type. we must recognize their occurrence from other DISCUSSION by James A. Mattison, Soldiers' Home, Los lesions than gall-bladder disease, and also that this Angeles County; Sterling Bunnell, San Francisco.
    [Show full text]