Gastric Problem/Gastritis/Gastrosis

Gastritis/Gastro/Gastralgia /Gastric/ Gastria/Gastrodia/Gastrosis , Acidity, Hyper acidity and other similar type names are almost the same ailment which comes under Gastric problem. It means problem relating to the stomach.

                   Now, question may arise that what is Stomach? So, the stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen which receives food from esophagus and secretes acid and enzymes to digest food. 

 

                   Common features of Gastric Problems are Indigestion, gas, bloating, hiccups, heartburn, stomach pain, ulcers, and nausea etc. which are due to unhealthy lifestyle, binge eating, smoking, drinking alcohol, sleep disorders, eating junk food, stress, etc.

                   Gas is a normal part of the digestion process. But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

 

                   

Stomach pain may be in the stomach or in the abdominal region, may be severe or mild.  Generally it is mild but chronically becomes severe. On severe pain, must call/consult the doctor.

                   Gastric problem occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the esophagus (esophagus is the tube through which food goes down when you swallow the food to go to the stomach. It is called Hyper Acidity that also comes under Gastric Problems.

 

                    Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach which can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

                    Gas in the stomach is primarily caused by swallowing air when we eat or drink. Most stomach gas is released when we burp. Gas forms in our large intestine (colon) when bacteria ferment carbohydrates — fiber, some starches and some sugars — that aren't digested in small intestine

Symptoms of Gastritis

                    Symptoms of Gastritis may vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include: -

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools.
• Foul smell in gas
• Pain in lower part of stomach after eating. (Sometimes even after drinking water)
• Greasy feeling while washing stool
• Sudden itching in whole body (in some cases, but, not necessary)
• Belching and Passing gas
• weight loss
• upper abdominal pain
• Cramps
•  Bad breath and/or gum disease.
•  Heart disease.
• Fatigue, Trembling and upset stomach.

                 The signs and symptoms of Gastritis include: Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating, Nausea, A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

Pains for Gastritis or Gastritis attack feel like: -

                 Gastritis pain usually occurs in the mid-upper stomach region, just below the breastbone and above the belly button. People describe Gastritis pain in different ways, but these descriptions are common: Nagging discomfort, Dull & Burning pain.

People with Gastritis, frequently experience abdominal pain often located in the upper-center part of the abdomen, or, in the upper-left portion of the stomach. Sometimes, Pain often radiates to the back with other common symptoms of bloating and nausea.

Causes of Gastric Problems: -                   

Normally, following are the causes of Gastric Problems: -

a)   Chronic Constipation

b)  Due to Gastro duodenal mucosal Ulcer.

c)   Due to motility disorder of gastro esophageal region.

d)  Combination of above both.

e)   Long-term use of certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

f)    Certain illnesses, such as diabetes or Kidney Problems.

g)  A weakened Immune system.

h)   Intense stress, Persistent that also affects the immune system.

i)     Bile flowing into the stomach, or bile reflux.

j)     Irritation due to excessive use of alcohol.

k)    Chronic Vomiting.

l)     Stress.

m  Smoking Cigarette.

n)   Untreated bacterial and/or virus infection of the stomach lives in mucous.

o)   Peptic ulcer disease.

p)  Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

q)  Gallstone disease

r)   Stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer or liver cancer

s)   Overeating.

t)    Swallowing air while you eat or drink.

u)  Gum chewing

Risk factor: - (Factors that increase your risk of gastritis)

Majority of Gastro problems are due to:-

a.   Gastro esophageal reflux disease

b.   Gastro duodenal ulcer

c.   Malignancy.

d.   Alkaline food will definitely reduce Gastric Problems.

e.   Just eat raw food like salads, fruits, sprouts and take enema regularly for 10–15 days so that your bowl movement gets cl...

f.    Excessive wind, which can also make you feel bloated,

g.   Feeling hungry but not being able to eat much before feeling full again.

h.   Bacterial infection.

i.     Regular use of pain relievers

j.    Older age

k.   Other diseases and condition

 

High risk factor causes: -

                                                                        i.          High-fat diet

                                                                      ii.          High-salt diet

                                                                    iii.          Smoking

Gastritis must be treated timely and properly to root out the Gastric problems. If it is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss of blood and may increase the risk of developing stomach ulcer, Liver problems, imbalances of bile secretion and even stomach cancer too.

Prevention/Precaution: -

Following Preventive/ Precautionary measures may be adopted as safeguard from Gastric Problems:-

            Safe Drinking Water

2. Proper Hand washing
3. Hygienic food intake
4. Avoid spices
5. Chew the food
6. Avoid hurry eating
7. Do not sleep after eating
8. Do not talk too much while eating
9. Avoid watching TV or mobile phones while eating
10. Check your blood sugar and thyroid levels
11. Bowel movement can relieve gas so let out the gas and passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
12. In case of more than 40 years, persistent vomiting, weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, blood vomiting, passing black stools, decreased food intake, loss of appetite, Family history of Gastric malignancy, may need at endoscopic procedures for diagnosing Problems.

 

Foods to avoid in Gastritis:- 

·       Fatty and deep fried food.

·        Pickles, peppers, spicy and very salty food.

·       Vinegar and foods prepared from vinegar

·       Cut on caffeine, citric acid drinks and mustard.

·       Alcohol in any form.

·       Acidic foods like Tomato etc.

·       Fruit juice.

·       Soda and other carbonated drinks.

·       Avoid eating uncooked food from restaurants or from food vendors.

·       Avoid junk food.

·       Allergenic or symptomatic foods.

·       Chocolate, chips, cookies, butter biscuits, cakes, donuts, brownies and other baked food items.

·       Foods containing lactose, such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

·       Garlic and onion, may be hard to digest.

·       Eggs till food sensitivity test.

·       Sugar or anything sweet. However it can be substituted with Stevia.

·       Avocado’s

·       Beans and lentils.

·       Spicy food must not be allowed to Gastric sufferers.

·       Tobacco in any form.

 

Foods to be taken in Gastritis:-

1)  High-fiber foods such as apples, oatmeal, broccoli, carrots, and beans.

2)  Low-fat foods such as fish, chicken, and turkey breast.

3)  Foods with low acidity, or are more alkaline, like vegetables.

4)  Drinks that are not carbonated.

5)  Drinks without caffeine.

6)   Foods like ginger, oregano, turmeric, pineapple, beetroot         and foods rich in vitamin A.

7)  Drinking green tea with raw honey has several potential benefits for healing gastritis. 

8)  Drinking warm water can soothe the digestive tract and make digestion easier on stomach.

   Treatment of Gastric Problems: -

                  Gas and gastric pain can be reduced or relieved by making changes in lifestyle in a proper way: -

§    Moving and walking more help in Gastric Trouble.

§    Change in dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms.

§   Have small frequent meals.

§    Before going to sleep, don’t eat lately.

§   Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don't gulp. Sit down during each meal.

§     A mixture of a glass of warm milk and two tablespoon of olive oil (well stirred), is very effective in relieving gastritis. However its taste is unpleasant.

§    Drinking water (preferably warm water) mix up with honey taking sip by sip or slowly in empty stomach is much beneficial in Gastric Trouble.

§       Carom seed water with black salt relieves Gastric Problems.

§       Applying heat by any source to the stomach relieves gastric trouble instantly. Better to use Hot water bag or full of warm water glass bottle.

§      Diet control is must at any cost. (This has well been mentioned above – what to take and what not to take.)

§      Taking heavy meal should be avoided.

§      Eliminate foods known to cause gas.

§      While sleeping try to elevate the head end of your bed.

§       If Obese, Reduce weight & control Obesity.

§      Check dentures, if any wrong, consult Dentist so that air with bit shallow should be checked.

§      Light Exercise and/or Yoga.

§       Meditation.

§       Medical Therapy or Medication: - In case of major troubles, Gastroenterologist may be contacted for medication.

 

 

 

Read More

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

 

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

(In continuation to my previous blog Blood Pressure-Hypertension)

                   Blood Pressure is the silent killer and is the leading cause of several serious ailments like Heart Disease, Stroke, Paralysis, kidney problem, eye problems, etc. on the other hand Blood-Pressure is treatable for everyone, but curable for a lucky few! The ratio of Blood Pressure suffering people is very high. As such general awareness regarding Blood Pressure was felt essential.

                      Keeping in view the above facts in my mind, I had tried to sketch a clear a brief picture of Blood Pressure in my previous blog (Blood Pressure-Hypertension) for general awareness to viewers about Blood Pressure  in which a brief study of the following was given:-

§  What is Blood?

§  What is Blood Pressure?

§  Types of Blood Pressure-Systolic & Diastolic pressure.

§  The normal range of Blood Pressure.

§  High & Low Blood Pressure

§  Types of Hypertension, Essentials Hypertension,

§  Causes of Hypertension.  

§  Hypertension & Hypotension.

§  Prone to hypertension.

§  Symptoms of Hypertension.

§  Untreated Hypertension

§  How to control/Overcome Hypertension

Now, we have to think over Low Blood Pressur Hypotension

Low Blood Pressure-Hypotension:-

Hypotension is the medical term for Low Blood Pressure. A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for Systolic (top no)  or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number i.e. Diastolic is generally considered Low Blood Pressure. Sometimes, it may become life-threatening as it is itself not a disease rather to associate with several other serious ailments.

                           Low Blood Pressure without any symptom is not usually a concern in healthy people even and does not need to be treated. But it may be a sign of underlying problems especially in the old age where it may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly.

Types/Classification of Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

                               Hypotension is divided into several different classifications which                       are as follows:-

1.  Orthostatic Hypotension: - It occurs when the transition from sitting or lying down to standing position and is common to all age people. There may be a brief period of dizziness. Some people refer to as seeing stars” when they get up. It is called Postural Hypotension.

         Orthostatic hypotension is especially common in older adults, but it also affects young, otherwise healthy people who stand up suddenly after sitting with their legs crossed for long periods or after squatting for a long time.

2.  Postprandial Hypotension: - This type of blood pressure occurs one to two hours after eating and affects mostly older adults. It is more likely to affect people with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

            Normally, the body increases the heart rate and constricts certain blood vessels to help to maintain normal blood pressure. But in some people these mechanisms fail, leading to dizziness, faintness, and falls. However, eating small low-carbohydrate meals; drinking more water; and avoiding alcohol might help to reduce symptoms.

3.  Neurally mediated Hypotension: - This type of Blood Pressure causes after standing for long periods due to faulty brain signals. It mostly affects young adults and children.

4.  Hypotension due to damage to the nervous system (multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension): -

             This rare disorder is called Shy-Dragger syndrome which has many Parkinson's disease-like symptoms. It causes progressive damage to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as rare disorder blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It's associated with having very high blood pressure while lying down.

5.  Severe Hypotension: - It is related to shock. Shock occurs when your organs do not get the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. This can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Causes & Reasons of Hypotension: -

 Following are the main causes and reasons for Hypotension:-

 

•          Pregnancy Due to increased demand for blood from both   mother                 and the growing fetus.
•          Weakness and a state of shock that comes sometimes                                 with dehydration.
•          Infections of the bloodstream.
•          Large amounts of blood loss through injury.
•          Impaired circulation caused by heart attacks or faulty heart valves.
•          Severe form of allergic reaction - Anaphylactic Shock
•          Endocrine disorders such as Diabetes adrenal insufficiency, and                     thyroid disease.
•          Medication and/or Drug reaction.
•          Unknown reasons - called chronic Asymptomatic Hypotension, isn’t               usually harmful.
•          Any Illness.
•          Heart attack/Heart failure or other heart problems.
•          Anemia
•          Depression and Anxiety
•          Dehydration
•          Blood a clot in the lungs.
•          Bleeding in any forms
•          Prolonged Bed rest.
•          Decrease in Blood Volume
•          Allergic reaction.
•          Lack of nutrients in your diet.
•          Liver disease.
•          High or Lw body Temperature

 One thing is to mention very clearly that reasons for Hypotension maybe whatever is, but definitely very dangerous and needs serious attention to be paid.

 

Risk factors of Hypotension

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can occur in anyone, though certain types of low blood pressure are more common depending on your age or other factors: -

·         Age. Drops in blood pressure on standing or after eating occur primarily in adults older than 65. Neurally mediated hypotension primarily affects children and younger adults.

·         Medications. People who take certain medications, for example, high blood pressure medications such as alpha-blockers, have a greater risk of low blood pressure.

·         Certain diseases. Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and some heart conditions put you at a greater risk of developing low blood pressure.

Symptoms of Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

 Specific symptoms of Hypotension areas under: -

• Dizziness
• Light-headache   
• Blurred vision
• Fainting
• Falling
• Nause
• Fatigue
• Depression and Anxiety
• Dehydration and unusual thirst.
• Lack of concentration 
• Cold, clammy, pale skin.
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

Prevention in Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)      

a)           a)  Moving from being seated or lying down to standing slowly.

b)   Raising the head of the bed by 6 inches by placing bricks or books underneath.

c)   Eating small meals frequently.

d)   Increasing water intake.

e)   Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing still.

f)     Not suddenly changing posture or position.

g)   Avoiding excessive alcohol intake and drinking caffeinated beverages late in the day.

Complications

 Low Blood Pressure even in the moderate form can cause dizziness,    weakness, fainting and a risk of injury from falls and severely low blood pressure can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain.

How to control/Overcome Hypotension: -

a)   Rising slowly from a sitting or lying position may help ease symptoms.

b)   Avoiding alcohol.

c)   Drinking plenty of water.

d)   Eating small but more frequent low-carbohydrate meals along with fruits and vegetables may also help.

e)   Use more salt.

f)    Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration.

g)   Get regular light exercise to promote blood flow.

h)   Elevate the head of your bed at night by placing bricks or blocks under the head of the bed.

i)     Avoid heavy lifting.

j)    Avoid straining while on the toilet.

k)   Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as hot showers and spas.

l)     Meditation or/and sit for deep breathing regularly.

m) Medications.

                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                

Read More