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1. What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels near the anus and lower
rectum (lower part of the large intestine). These blood vessels are found in
spongy cushions of tissue just under the lining of the anal canal. Hemorrhoids
bleed when the blood vessels rupture (for example, from straining during a bowel
movement). Because bleeding can be a sign of colon cancer or colon polyps, you
should consult with your doctor whenever you have bleeding from the rectum,
blood in your stools, or blood in the toilet after a bowel movement. Your doctor
may recommend a visual examination of the lower colon (sigmoidoscopy) or entire
colon (colonoscopy).
2. How can I prevent hemorrhoids?
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep
your stools soft so they pass easily without any straining. Eating a high-fiber
diet and drinking plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses each day) can help you
stay regular and help your stools remain soft, reducing constipation and
lowering the risk of developing new hemorrhoids.
3. What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
When you swallow, food passes down your throat and through your
esophagus to your stomach. A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter
controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach and remains tightly
closed except when you swallow food. When this muscle fails to close, the
acid-containing contents of the stomach can splash back up into the esophagus.
This backward movement is called reflux. When stomach acid enters the lower part
of the esophagus, it can produce a burning sensation, commonly referred to as
heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when this reflux is
frequent enough to affect your daily life, and/or damage your esophagus.
4. What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is “minimally invasive” surgery in which several small
(usually 5- to 10-millimeter) incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope
and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon is
guided by the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the internal organs onto
a monitor.
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is used in the treatment of GERD
when medications are not successful. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a
minimally-invasive procedure that corrects gastroesophageal reflux by creating
an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus.
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is most appropriate for people who
have not had previous abdominal surgery, those who have small hiatal hernias
without complications of GERD, and those who experience most symptoms of reflux
when lying down.
Patients who have laparoscopic antireflux surgery generally
experience less pain and scarring after surgery, and have a quicker recovery and
less risk of infection than those who have traditional antireflux surgery.
5.
What are the benefits of healthy eating?
Eating a
balanced diet can help you avoid digestive discomfort. Unhealthy diets can
contribute to digestive system difficulties. Many people eat too much processed
food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Be sure to get
adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet.
6. What steps can I take to avoid digestive discomfort?
Many digestive
problems can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Poor eating habits, such as
eating too quickly or skipping meals, can result in digestive discomfort. Be
sure to eat food slowly, chewing thoroughly. You might want to try eating
several small meals
throughout the day to help lessen any symptoms of digestive discomfort.
7.
How can I help a loved one to cope with digestive difficulties?
Encourage
your loved one to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Immediate treatment
can help in relieving as much discomfort as possible. Diarrhea, vomiting, poor
absorption of nutrients, and side effects of drug treatment all may lead to
malnutrition. If the symptoms do not get better after a few days or if they are
very severe, call a doctor to ensure that your loved one receives proper
evaluation and treatment.
8. What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease (also known as
celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a digestive and autoimmune
disorder. An autoimmune disorder is one in which the immune system directs
antibodies to attack the body. The antibody of celiac disease is directed
against gluten, a protein found in grains. In people who have celiac
disease, the immune system causes damage to the small intestine and prevents the
proper absorption of nutrients from food.
9. What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible,
lighted tube to look inside the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first section of
the small intestine), colon or rectum. The procedure is commonly used to help
diagnose:
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Bleeding
- Swallowing disorders
- Ulcers
- Tumors
- Inflammation
- Bowel movement
difficulties
10. What is liver
failure?
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