WELLNESS COUNCIL OF AMERICA PRESENTS ISSUE #7 ActivelyInvolvedTHE BEST CARE IS SELF-CARE Recognizing and Reacting to abdominal Pain ost abdominal pain is not serious, although FRequently asked questions Mit can be extremely uncomfortable. Diarrhea, constipation, and excessive gas are common causes of I hear that a normal person has a bowel movement abdominal pain. at least once a day. Is this true? Fortunately, these conditions can be treated at home } No. In fact, anywhere from three times a day to using simple self-care techniques. Treatment depends on three times a week is considered “normal.” What which of these conditions you are experiencing. you should be most concerned with is what is most normal for you. Your Signs & Symptoms bowel frequency may Oftentimes, the symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, and change slightly from time to time, which is nothing gas can be similar, and may even be experienced together. to worry about. Drastic Take a closer look at the symptoms outlined here to changes, however, may determine which condition you may be experiencing. be cause to seek medical advice. Diarrhea } More than three or four loose, watery stools per day What’s the best way to } Cramping or pain in the abdomen prevent gas? } Bloating } There’s no single way to Constipation prevent gas altogether, } Difficulty passing stools but paying close attention to what } Firm, hard bowel movements you eat, and how } Cramping and pain in the rectum your body reacts to it, is a good first step. Gas Watch also what you } Rumbling in the stomach drink. Carbonated } Excessive flatulence (more than 20 per day) drinks such as soda } Inability to pass gas and beer can cause } Bloating gas. Be sure to get plenty of exercise, as this will help your Home treatment for most abdominal body eliminate gas in a healthy, natural way. pain is relatively straightforward, and most often involves taking an over- the-counter medication to relieve symptoms. 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 140 | Omaha, NE 68118 | PH: 402-827-3590 | FX: 402-827-3594 | www.welcoa.org 1 ISSUE #7 Home Treatment When to seek caRe Home treatment for most abdominal pain is relatively straightforward, and most often involves taking an over- Most abdominal pain is more of an annoyance than a the-counter medication to relieve symptoms. serious medical condition. However, there are times when your condition may indicate the presence of a Diarrhea more serious health problem. Seek medical attention } Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of water or other clear if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms. fluids such as clear soda, juices, or tea each day. } As your diarrhea clears, add semisolid and low- diarrhea fiber foods to your diet. } If you have diarrhea that lasts longer than one week } Avoid dairy products, fatty, or seasoned foods. } If you become dehydrated—symptoms include Stay away from caffeine and nicotine. little or no urination, weakness or dizziness, and an } Try an over-the-counter medication such as excessively dry mouth Pepto-Bismol or Imodium. } If stools are bloody Constipation } If you have a fever of 101.5°F or higher with diarrhea } Eat on a regular schedule if possible, and consume more high-fiber foods such as fruits constipation and vegetables. } If stools are thin and pencil-like (can indicate the } Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of water or other clear presence of a tumor in the lower bowel) fluids such as clear soda, juices, or tea each day. } Increase your level of physical activity. } If your constipation lasts longer than three weeks } If necessary, try a laxative such as Metamucil or } If stools are bloody Milk of Magnesia. (Be sure to follow label directions as excessive use of laxatives can actually be } If you are reliant on laxatives for bowel movements harmful and make your constipation worse.) gas Gas } If your gas is accompanied by crushing or squeezing } Avoid eating spicy or fatty foods. chest pain (possible sign of a heart attack) } Eat slowly, and avoid excessive air intake. } If gas is associated with pain that spreads to the } Cut down on carbonated drinks and beer. upper abdomen, back, jaw, or arms (possible sign } Avoid lying down immediately after eating. of a heart attack) } Increase your level of physical activity. } If your gas is accompanied by severe, steady pain in } Try an over-the-counter medication such as the upper abdomen Gas-X to relieve symptoms. AI is youR stomach Pain Appendicitis? Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, hollow sac attached to the large intestine. The appendix is located in the lower right area of the abdomen. Fortunately, a very specific sequence of events will usually occur if you have appendicitis. If appendicitis is the cause of your pain, the first symptom you will most likely experience is pain near the belly button or just below the breastbone. Next, you may experience nausea and vomiting. You may also lose your appetite. The third symptom you will most likely experience with appendicitis is pain in the lower, right corner of your abdomen. Finally, you will experience a fever between 100°F and 102°F. Remember, these are the classic signs and symptoms of appendicitis—if you suspect you have appendicitis, contact your healthcare provider right away. 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 140 | Omaha, NE 68118 | PH: 402-827-3590 | FX: 402-827-3594 | www.welcoa.org 2 ISSUE #7 Recognizing and Reacting to NAUSEA & VOMITING About Nausea & Vomiting Two uncomfortable feelings in life are nausea and vomiting. Nausea is an unpleasant, churning sensation felt down inside the stomach, whereas vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents through the esophagus and out of the mouth. Oftentimes, vomiting is preceded and even caused by an intense feeling of nausea. Vomiting and nausea, though not diseases in and of themselves, often indicate the presence of a common viral infection— known as gastroenteritis—in the intestines. Other causes of nausea and vomiting may include adverse reactions to certain medications, food poisoning, pregnancy, and motion sickness. If not cared for properly, nausea and vomiting can lead to other complications that include dehydration (lack of water in the body), aspiration (food lodged in the windpipe), or even serious damage to your body including tearing of the food pipe. The rest of this section is dedicated to helping you treat and manage bouts of nausea and vomiting. Each year, 76 million cases of food-borne illness are reported, and 325,000 people are hospitalized due to tainted food. 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 140 | Omaha, NE 68118 | PH: 402-827-3590 | FX: 402-827-3594 | www.welcoa.org 3 ISSUE #7 When to seek caRe Signs & Symptoms The signs and symptoms of nausea and vomiting are Even though nausea and vomiting are usually not serious, easy to identify. Often a nauseated person will feel the sometimes a trip to the doctor may be necessary. Seek medical attention immediately in the following situations: following symptoms. } If you notice blood in the vomit. Blood may sometimes } Fatigue look like coffee grounds when partially digested. } A warm or sweaty feeling } If you get dehydrated (signs of dehydration include dry } Excessive saliva in the mouth mouth, sticky saliva, and dark, yellow urine). While nausea and vomiting are usually symptoms of } If you develop a stiff neck. other medical conditions, there are a number of triggers } If you experience any chest pain. that can make a person feel nauseous or vomit: } If you have been vomiting for more than a few days and/ } Gastroenteritis (a common viral condition or symptoms are becoming more frequent and severe. passed easily from person to person) } Adverse reactions to medications about Food Poisoning } Excessive consumption of alcohol } Colds and flu Food poisoning is one of the most common causes of } Food poisoning nausea and vomiting. In fact, the more than 250 existing food-borne diseases account for an estimated 76 million } Overeating illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,200 deaths in the } Motion sickness United States each year. } Bad smells Symptoms of food poisoning often include nausea, } Migraine headaches vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Practice Food safety. The following simple guidelines on Home Treatment food preparation, handling, and storage can easily prevent Treating nausea and vomiting in your home the vast majority of food-borne illness. The following guidelines can help you avoid the nausea and vomiting can be simple and effective. The following associated with many food-borne illnesses. remedies can help calm your stomach, and } Keep foods hot or cold—room temperature is where help you feel better quickly. many bacteria grow. } Refrain from eating or drinking for } Set your refrigerator between 34°F and 40°F. several hours. (You may attempt to eat } According to the FDA, 23 percent of household small amounts of bland food like dry refrigerators are not cold enough. toast, water, crackers and rice.) } Defrost meats in the refrigerator or microwave. } Drink cool, clear fluids to prevent } Cook hamburger/ground meats thoroughly. dehydration. } Don’t eat undercooked or raw eggs. } Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods as well as } Refrigerate foods immediately. dairy items. Also avoid alcohol, nicotine, and } Keep all cutting boards clean. caffeine. Remember the two-hour Rule. Leaving food at room } Drink small amounts of sugared soda (sugar can temperature for more than two hours is dangerous— help calm the stomach). AI bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Remember to refrigerate leftovers immediately after eating. Use shallow containers to speed cooling. Also, the USDA The information contained in this medical self-care newsletter can be used recommends that food left in the fridge for more than three to increase your personal awareness of how to manage minor health issues.