Common Digestive Problems

Each year more than 5000 people in the United States die from

Choking on food

Almost all of the victims of choking are how old?

younger than 3 years or older than 74 years

What causes choking?

Food slipped into the trachea and blocked the air passageway

Without oxygen, the person may suffer permanent brain damage within

5 minutes

First Aid for Choking

As soon as possible, shout for help and call 9-1-1. If possible, get consent to begin first aid. First aid for choking relies on abdominal thrusts, repeated until the object is forced out, the person can cough or breathe, or the person becomes unconscious. In the case of someone losing consciousness, carefully lower the person to the floor.

Abdominal thrusts

a technique for dislodging an object from the trachea of a choking person.

Acid controllers

medications used to prevent or relieve indigestion by suppressing production of acid in the stomach; also called H2 blockers.

Antacids

medications used to relieve indigestion by neutralizing acid in the stomach.

Belching

the release of air or gas from the stomach through the mouth

Bloating

uncomfortable abdominal fullness or distention.

celiac (SEE-lee-ak) disease

an intestinal disorder in which the inability to absorb gluten results in an immune response that damages intestinal cells; also called celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Colitis

inflammation of the colon.

Colonic irrigation

the popular, but potentially harmful practice of “washing” the large intestine with a powerful enema machine; also called colonic hydrotherapy

Constipation

the condition of having infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Defecate

to move the bowels and eliminate waste.

Diarrhea

the frequent passage of watery bowel movements.

diverticula (dye-ver-TIC-you-la)

sacs or pouches that develop in weakened areas of the intestinal wall (like bulges in an inner tube where the tire wall is weak).

diverticulitis (DYE-ver-tic-you-LYE-tis)

infected or inflamed diverticula. • itis = infection or inflammation

diverticulosis (DYE-ver-tic-you-LOH-sis)

the condition of having diverticula. • osis = condition

Enema

solution inserted into the rectum and colon to stimulate a bowel movement and empty the lower large intestine.

Flatulence

passage of excessive amounts of intestinal gas.

FODMAP

a collective term used to describe fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols that are commonly found in such foods as wheat, onions, some fruits and vegetables, sorbitol, and some dairy.

gastroesophageal reflux

the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing pain and damage to its lining; commonly known as heartburn or acid indigestion.

Gluten

proteins in grains that give dough its elastic texture; in people with celiac disease, gluten damages the small intestine.

hemorrhoids (HEM-oh-royds)

Painful swelling of the veins surrounding the rectum

Indigestion

incomplete or uncomfortable digestion, usually accompanied by pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, intestinal gas, or belching.

IBS

an intestinal disorder of unknown cause. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort and cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation.

larynx (LAIR-inks)

the entryway to the trachea that contains the vocal cords; also called the voice box

Mineral oil

a purified liquid derived from petroleum and used to treat constipation.

nonceliac gluten sensitivity

a poorly defined cluster of digestive symptoms that seem to improve with the elimination of gluten from the diet

Peptic ulcer

a lesion in the mucous membrane of either the stomach (a gastric ulcer) or the duodenum (a duodenal ulcer). • peptic = concerning digestion

Stool softeners

substances that increase the amount of water the stool absorbs in the GI tract, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

trachea (TRAKE-ee-uh)

the air passageway from the larynx to the lungs; also called the windpipe

Ulcer

a lesion of the skin or mucous membranes characterized by inflammation and damaged tissues. See also peptic ulcer

Vomiting

expulsion of the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus to the mouth.

First aid for vomiting

The best advice is to rest and drink small amounts of liquids as tolerated until the nausea subsides

What are two things to do to prevent diarrhea?

Good hygiene by washing hands regularly and proper food preparation

Colitis first aid

may also suffer from severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Depending on the cause, treatment generally focuses on rehydration and medication to control diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inflammation. Some people find some relief by avoiding certain foods that tend to worsen symptoms—notably greasy foods, milk products, and high-fiber foods (such as popcorn, seeds, and nuts).

IBS first aid

FODMAP and gluten free diet

Other treatments that may be effective include exercise; antispasmodic and antidiarrheal drugs for diarrhea and fiber supplements and laxatives for constipation; and psychological and behavioral therapies to reduce stress.

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate Choking

Take small bites of food.

Chew thoroughly before swallowing.

Don’t talk or laugh with food in your mouth.

Don’t eat when breathing hard

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate diarrhea

Avoid strenuous activity.

Rest.

Drink fluids to replace losses.

Call for medical help if diarrhea persists.

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate constipation

Eat a high-fiber diet

Drink plenty of fluids

Exercise regularly

Respond promptly to the urge to defecate

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate belching

Eat slowly

Chew thoroughly

Relax while eating

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate intestinal gas

Eat bothersome foods in moderation

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate heart burn

Eat small meals.

Drink liquids between meals.

Sit up while eating; elevate your head when lying down.

Wait 3 hours after eating before lying down.

Wait 2 hours after eating before exercising.

Refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothing.

Avoid foods, beverages, and medications that aggravate your heartburn. Common irritants include foods that are fried or high in fat; chocolate and peppermint; coffee, alcoholic beverages, and carbonated beverages; mustard, ketchup, and tomato sauces; acidic substances such as vinegar, citrus juices, and citrus fruits.

Refrain from smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products.

Lose weight if overweight.

Take medicine as prescribed by your physician

Strategies to Prevent or Alleviate ulcers

Avoid coffee and caffeine- and alcohol-containing beverages.

Avoid foods that aggravate your ulcer.

Minimize aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen use.

Refrain from smoking cigarettes.