Gastro-oesophageal reflux or commonly known as GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus causing damage to oesophageal tissue.
Severe cases of heartburn may also be related to gastro-oesophageal reflux.
In short, people with gastro-oesophageal reflux have a defective oesophageal sphincter muscle that allows acidic stomach content to pass through too easily or frequently into their lower oesophagus.
The side effects of this condition include excess stomach acid and a burning sensation in the chest, which often radiates up to their throat and mouth.
This condition if left untreated for any extended period of time generally may lead to complications in the form of rotten teeth, ulcers or even cancer in some cases.
There are few common symptoms which can be easily identifiable, but in some cases may be very difficult to diagnose.
What Causes Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
It’s estimated that the population of people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is as high as 60 million in the United States and other parts of the world.
The causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be attributed to many things and present in many different ways.
There’s no single, shared cause of GERD, but most cases of GERD can be traced to one of three major contributing factors:
- The diet of the person with GERD
- An increase in gastric acid production
- Increase in pressure
The diet of people with GERD is one of the most common causes and is often overlooked.
Typical Symptoms of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
Reflux disease can cause a variety of symptoms that are commonly dismissed as the minor side effect of other ailments.
Heartburn, for instance, is usually just seen as an inconvenience or even a sign of overeating.
Typical Symptoms of GERD include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Acidic bitter taste
- Burning Chest
- Heartburn
- Chronic Cough
- Nausea
- Hoarse Voice
- Bad Breath
In some severe cases, acid can travel upwards with sufficient force and damage the teeth.
If you have previously been diagnosed with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease, then you know how disruptive this condition can be in day-to-day life.
The good news is that there are a few ways that you can reduce these symptoms or even completely prevent them from occurring in most cases.
GERD Treatment
Left untreated, reflux disease can have serious impacts on your general health and quality of life through the accumulation of respiratory infections from post-nasal drip and throat infections brought on by the regurgitation of stomach acid into the throat.
Of course, it’s important to make sure you’re getting medical advice from professionals about how to best correct reflux problems before trying any self-treatments.
The main step in treating gastro-oesophageal reflux is to treat any underlying cause.
Treatments for this condition include:
- Anti-spasmodic medications
- Bulking agents
- Antacids
- Prostaglandins
- Proton pump inhibitors.
Secondly, consider lifestyle changes that are known to relieve symptoms of this condition:
- Sleeping with the head of the bed raised by at least six inches or more on two or more wooden blocks or bricks (several hardcover books work great)
- Avoiding foods, you know trigger the reflux including coffee, chocolate, tomato sauces and alcohol.
- Quit Smoking, not only will quitting smoking reduce GERD, but it can also reduce your risk for other health complications.
- Eating small meals can also help avoid uncomfortable lumps that occur when the stomach contents stay too long in the oesophagus resulting not only of discomfort but also of regurgitation.
- Losing weight, if overweight. Excess weight can put extra pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid reflux.
- Lastly (and actually most importantly), one needs to lead a relaxed life without worries and stress otherwise these tend to exacerbate GERD symptoms.
More severe cases may need prescription medication or surgery. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you first try lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications.
If you don’t experience relief within a certain time, your doctor might recommend prescription medication or surgery.
Surgery is never the first treatment option for GERD.
The Diagnosis of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
To properly diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux, there are several factors to consider, including the symptoms the patient is experiencing, the nature of any complications caused by this medical condition and whether or not their symptoms are present during all meals.
Patient history, physical examination and even diagnostic imaging will be required to fully understand what’s causing these symptoms to develop.
Your doctor might be able to diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease based on a physical examination and the symptoms you are experiencing.
To confirm GERD as your diagnosis or preventing complications, your doctor might recommend the following tests:
- Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is an image of the internal organs and bones of the chest and the lungs. It can be helpful in diagnosing common ailments such as Gerd, asthma, and heart disease. - Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series
Upper GI is a process by which doctors examine the area of the stomach, the esophagus, and the beginning of the small intestine; typically performed by administering a contrast agent and emptying the patient’s stomach and small intestine, and then withdrawing contrast agent and any gas or fluid if necessary. - Endoscopy
Endoscopy is the examination of the interior of a body organ via a long, thin, tube with a light and a lens at the end. - Biopsy
A biopsy is a tissue test which is used to detect diseases in the body. A biopsy is usually done by inserting a needle, which is guided by an ultrasound or CT scan, into the suspicious tissue or organ. - pH testing
Performed with a thin, plastic tube armed with a sensor, it measures the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus
How to Prevent GERD
The best and safest way to prevent acid reflux from occurring is to change the things that cause reflux such as smoking, eating before you sleep, and avoiding foods that trigger reflux.
The following foods should be avoided with GERD:
- Smoking
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits and drinks
- Coffee/ingredients with caffeine
- Fatty and fried foods
- Peppermint
- Tomato-based products
- Carbonated beverages
- Garlic and onions
- Obesity
- Alcohol abuse
Dr. Schneider Can Help
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, while not commonly a serious disease, affects many people in the world today.
A variety of reasons such as increased obesity levels, poor dietary health, and increased risk factors such as alcohol and smoking play a big role in this disorder.
Should you experience some of the symptoms mentioned in this article, consider going to see your doctor to discuss the way forward.
For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of GI tract conditions in Johannesburg, contact Dr Schneider at (011) 482-3010 or visit www.gidocjhb.co.za to book your consultation today.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.
Gastroscopy is a procedure that takes a very close look at your digestive system, mainly your stomach.
Gastroscopy is often performed as a precursor to a colorectal surgery.
Gastroscopy is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and is performed via a small camera, called a video endoscope, that is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen.
A gastroscope is a flexible tube with a small fixture at the end and a video camera. The images from the video camera are sent to the screen.
With gastroscopy, the physicians are able to diagnose a wide range of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers and celiac disease to name a few.
Let’s look into the what, how and when of having a gastroscopy done.
What Happens During a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopes are small telescopes that allows your doctor to view the insides of the body.
These devices range in size and shape, but most commonly fit in the colon, intestines and stomach for an inspection of their condition.
Gastroscopies are performed regularly in clinical settings to monitor patients with gastrointestinal defects or disease.
The procedure can be done with either sedation or require general anaesthesia- the anaesthesia is selected based on what areas of the digestive system need examination.
Once confirmed, a gastroenterologist will prepare your body for examination by swallowing small amounts of barium liquid to outline structures within your digestive tract.
A tube is then passed down this oesophagus into your stomach – this tube allows doctors to see structures on either side of it as medical providers apply pressure with various tools to look for abnormalities.
Why Should I Get a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy (examination of the stomach) can help confirm or rule out the presence of diseases such as:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Ulcers
- Inflammation, or swelling
- Precancerous abnormalities such as Barrett’s oesophagus
- Celiac disease
- Strictures or narrowing of the oesophagus
- Blockages
Should you have any of the following symptoms, a gastroscopy can be performed:
- Chronic or recurrent heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
- Nausea for a longer time
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Black bowel movements or blood in your bowel movements
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Suspicion of gastric ulcer
- Suspected cancer of the oesophagus or stomach
- Examination after gastric surgery
Your Preparation Before a Gastroscopy
One of the biggest mistakes that patients make is not to prepare for their Procedure.
There are lots of things you need to do, but also things you need to think about before the procedure.
Following the advice of your Gastroscopy involves precautions and preparations, such as Haemostasis (Control of bleeding), Medications (Side effects), Questions you must ask and answers your doctor should give.
To ensure a more pleasant experience, some tips for better preparation include:
- Get some rest before procedure – It is very important that you get some sleep prior to the Procedure.
- Avoid drinking alcohol just before procedure – Restricting fluids can contribute to swelling in throat, which can cause discomfort during the process. Follow your doctor’s advice.
How Long Does Gastroscopy Take
Gastroscopy can take from 15 mins to an hour. For a small number of patients, it can take a little longer if various tests are performed during the procedure.
There will be a short discussion with the doctor who performs the procedure before going into surgery, which might take place at a day surgery unit in your local hospital or outpatient suite.
When it is finished you recover with lunch and some time for yourself in general, if you have been given medication before the procedure this wears off approximately 4-6 hours after it is administered.
Although most patients feel quite normal after being discharged.
What Happens After Your Gastroscopy?
What can I eat or drink?
If you have had throat spray for your procedure, it will take 30 minutes for your swallowing to return to normal.
After this time, you may have a cool drink – you are at risk of burning yourself with a hot drink. You may eat and drink normally after this time.
Your throat may feel a bit sore. If you have had sedation, you may eat and drink when you feel safe to do so.
When can I go back to work?
This depend whether you have had sedation or throat spray during your procedure.
We advise that you refrain from work for 24 hours if you have had sedation.
You must not operate machinery and your car insurance will not cover you to drive during this time. If you have had throat spray you may return to work when you feel safe to do so.
Will I be told any results after the procedure?
The endoscopist will speak to you after the procedure and explain any results to you. We will discuss the follow-up plan of care.
You will possibly be given a copy of your endoscopy report and a patient care report to explain any findings and give you advice for the next 24 hours.
Risks of the Procedure
Many people are afraid of the prospect of a risk of gastroscopy.
The reason is because they are afraid of being diagnosed with something unpleasant or being unable to swallow.
There are several risks associated with undergoing a gastroscopy.
One potential problem that patients could face is an allergic reaction during the procedure.
If you’re allergic to latex or iodine, then there’s a risk that you could suffer an allergic reaction following your examination.
Importantly, most Doctors uses smooth rather than rough instruments so it should reduce the risk of tissue damage under normal circumstances.
The biggest danger involved in having gastroscopy done involves having something go wrong during the procedure itself which can lead to internal bleeding and may require immediate medical intervention.
The risks associated with a gastroscopy are not too high, but it is important for anyone who is going to have a gastroscopy to be aware of the risks and make sure they are communicated with their physician.
Conclusion
A healthy lifestyle is easier than all the medical surgeries and remedies in the world.
There are many ways to take control of your digestive system, which can cure all stomach ailments.
Diet, exercise, and stress management are the three keys to better digestion along with other essential elements like getting enough sleep, not smoking, etc.
The best way to deal with any health condition is by following simple lifestyle changes.
The body has an amazing capacity for self-healing; once you begin taking back control of your daily life, your symptoms will begin clearing up within a few weeks after surgery.
With no cure currently available, medications are the only treatment available to prevent complications from the disease.
People with Ulcerative Colitis can have complications, such as colon cancer or polyps, which can need to be removed.
For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of Ulcerative Colitis conditions in Johannesburg, contact Dr. Schneider or visit www.gidocjhb.co.za and book your consultation today.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.
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IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome.
It’s a condition that’s estimated to affect the lives of approximately 10 percent of the world’s population, with over 3 million Americans suffering from symptoms that can range from unnoticeable to debilitating.
People with IBS often face frequent, urgent bowel movements and/or debilitating stomach cramps or spasms.
Luckily, there are ways of managing your symptoms so that your quality of life is not impacted every single day.
There are three categories in which foods fall into when it comes to their effect on IBS symptoms.
Foods that are considered “irritants” contribute or bring about increased diarrhea and gastrointestinal spasms, while foods known as “protectants” are believed to limit immune response in order to ease symptoms of excess diarrhea. Foods in the third category are called “neutral.”
Learning more about irritable bowel syndrome can help you better understand and know how to control your symptoms.
In this article we will give you some guidance on what you should know when it comes to IBS.
Symptoms of IBS
The signs and symptoms of IBS are variable but are usually present for long periods of time. Common symptoms include:
– Abdominal pain – Cramping – Bloating that are related to passing a bowel movement, – Changes in the appearance of bowel movement
– Changes in how often you are having a bowel movement
Causes of IBS
The exact cause of IBS isn’t known, the physical processes involved in IBS can also vary, but may consist of:
– Slowed or spastic movements of the colon, causing painful cramping – Abnormal serotonin levels in the colon, affecting motility and bowel movements
– Mild coeliac disease that damages the intestines, causing IBS symptoms.
IBS Improvements
If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, there are several treatment options that can help to reduce the effects of this disorder.
Probiotics are one of the most common irritable bowel treatments available for people suffering from IBS, in part because they have been scientifically proven in multiple instances to provide relief in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
The main reason probiotics are considered effective is because they boost the immune system, prevent diarrhea and constipation by reducing inflammation in the colon wall and promote balance within the digestive tract by feeding healthy bacteria cellular material to further aid digestion.
Not all of them may be the right fit for you.
Keeping a close eye on some of the following may help you to maintain good gut health and avoid flare-ups.
Food & Symptom Journal
Keeping a food and symptom journal is important to see if an individual has a sensitivity to certain foods.
Keeping a symptom journal also make it easier to track the frequency of symptoms.
Digestion Improvements
Improve your digestion with these three steps:
– Eat at regular times each day. – Avoid eating late at night – Enjoy three meals a day and up to one to two snacks spaced evenly throughout the day. – Try to not overeat
– Eat when you are relaxed
Consume plenty of fluids
People with IBS-D may experience dehydration from frequent bouts of diarrhea and may need to drink extra fluids and electrolytes to keep their bodies hydrated. People with IBS-C also need extra water to help the stool move through the intestines.
IBS Diet
A good food list can be difficult to create because there isn’t one single definitive guide to the topic. Everyone has their own ideas on what foods they think are healthy and tasty, and they will react differently to certain foods as well.
A simple rule is to go for as much variety as possible throughout your day, combining vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your meals.
Eat lots of high-quality protein from fish or animal sources as well as raw nuts or seeds each day.
Here we break down the three categories explaining each:
Irritant Foods:
These types of foods tend to aggravate the digestive system and cause inflammation in the body, eliminate your trigger foods:
– Dairy products (think: butter, yogurt, and cheese)
– Spicy and fatty foods
– Alcohol (wine and beer mostly)
– Caffeine like coffee and tea
– Tomatoes
– Onions
– Garlic
Protectant Foods:
These types of food tend to calm the digestive system and unlikely to cause flare-ups:
– Vegetables
– Legumes
– Whole Grains
– Fish
– Raw nuts and seeds
– Fresh Fruit
– Herbs
Neutral Foods:
These types of food are good sources of soluble fiber and can help with regular pain-free bowel movements:
– Oats
– Oat Bran
– Ground Flax Seed
– Bran Cereals
– Whole wheat bread
– Whole wheat pasta
– Brown Rice
Exercise for IBS
Exercise is excellent for IBS sufferers because it can release endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
This makes the symptoms of IBS easier to cope with because exercise also helps reduce stress levels. The release of endorphins during exercise can also make gastrointestinal syndrome symptoms less severe.
These are reduced further when parasympathetic nervous system activity is stimulated through exercise. The first step should always be to consult a healthcare professional first before embarking on any physical activity.
Discuss the possible risks and benefits with them, choose an appropriate exercise program, one that’s suitable to your gastrointestinal disorder diagnosis and particular condition.
Exercise commonly used by people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome includes:
– Walking – Jogging – Cycling – Swimming – Pilates
– Aerobics
Exercise is part of the behavioral health and holistic care necessary to improve the brain-gut axis and outcomes in IBS, says Brennan Spiegel, MD, a gastroenterologist and a professor of medicine and public health and the director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
Colonoscopy for IBS
The vast majority of people don’t know what a colonoscopy is.
It is an examination of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope (a long, flexible tube with a tiny viewing camera on the end).
The colonoscopy is used not only to diagnose colorectal cancer, but also to screen for colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other possible intestinal diseases.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer, just after breast cancer. The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable.
A colonoscopy can be a helpful tool for those with symptoms of IBS that may be caused by other symptoms such as symptoms of colon cancer.
The symptoms of colon cancer can be symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain in the lower back, and weight loss.
These symptoms are not always present, but when they are, they are indicators that a person should have a colonoscopy to investigate the cause of the symptoms.
A colonoscopy can also be used to diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and infections in someone who has IBS symptoms.
Conclusion
There are different treatment options that can be used in the management of IBS, including medication, surgery, medical therapies, nutritional and dietetic therapies.
Can you relate? Are these symptoms familiar in your own life?
Dr. Schneider is here to provide you with expert medical advice in the field of gastroenterology with years of experience.
Book an appointment online or contact us on 011 482-3010 to find out more.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.
Ulcerative Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the colon.
The inflammation can lead to ulcers, pus, or bleeding in the colon.
Sometimes, it can cause diarrhea with blood and mucus.
It’s not the same as Crohn’s Disease which also affects the colon but usually doesn’t lead to ulcers or bloody stools.
Ulcerative Colitis is chronic, meaning it will last indefinitely.
Left untreated, Ulcerative Colitis can eventually damage the colon and make it unable to absorb nutrients from food.
While there is currently no cure for Ulcerative Colitis, there are treatments available.
Let us look at Ulcerative Colitis in depth with some more information on the symptoms, causes, diagnosing thereof and treatment options.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Symptoms may also include:
– Mouth sores
– Hair loss
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Weight loss
– Swollen ankles
– Swollen legs and feet
– Tenderness and inflammation of the palms and soles
– Ulcerations in the anus
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for the following conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
These are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
When to See a Doctor for Symptoms of
Ulcerative Colitis:
– Symptoms of the disease include persistent diarrhea
– Rectal bleeding
– Constipation
– Abdominal pain
The pain is typically worse when eating and in the evenings.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, although the average age is 32.
The Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
While the exact cause is unknown, it’s likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
These include exposure to stress and poor diet.
One way the disease affects the body is by overstimulating the immune system and activating the immune cells in the colon.
The body then sends white blood cells to attack the lining of the colon.
Other causes as the disease becomes more severe, it also becomes more likely that other complications will occur.
Complications can include:
– Inflammation of the liver
– Inflammation of the spine
– Bladder cancer
– Bowel obstruction
– Colitis in the eye
In rare cases, it can cause cancer in other parts of the body like the pancreas.
Some of these complications may become apparent long before any symptoms arise.
How to Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis
If a person develops symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, they should visit a doctor.
The doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, and family medical history.
The doctor may also order a stool analysis or colonoscopy to see how the disease is progressing.
When the doctor examines the colon, they may also order blood tests to check for signs of inflammation.
If the colon shows signs of ulceration, blood, and mucus, the doctor may ask questions about treatment and come up with a treatment plan.
Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor may recommend surgery, cortisone injections, or other treatments.
Treating ulcerative colitis can be a long process. Over time, medication can help manage symptoms.
In addition to medication, surgery is another option in severe cases.
Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Prevented
Doctors can control the disease by controlling inflammation in the body.
When the immune system attacks the body, it starts damaging the cells and lining of the colon.
The cause is still unknown, but researchers believe that diet, gut bacteria, and genetics all play a part in the disease.
Many people with the disease say that things like stress, viruses, and bacterial infections can trigger flare-ups.
One reason it’s so hard to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease is because there isn’t one clear-cut sign or symptom.
Prevention through Medication
Drug therapy as a method of preventing the effects of ulcerative colitis involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and immunosuppressive drugs.
Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation caused by various diseases of the intestine, and therefore, first of all, drugs doctors usually prescribe to patients with ulcerative colitis.
Prevention through Probiotics
You may have already heard the term “probiotics” when looking for methods for the prevention of ulcerative colitis.
This applies to live bacteria, which you can easily find in yogurt, miso soup, and sauerkraut, which can bring health benefits to the consumer.
The theory behind the use of probiotics in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is that the “good bacteria” in the foods in question prevent the adhesion of “bad bacteria” to the walls of the colon and affect the patient’s quality of life.
Types of Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
There are three types of treatment available: medication, physical therapy, and dietary changes.
Physical therapy is to loosen the muscles in the colon to allow for better movement of the intestines.
Medication for Ulcerative Colitis
Medications for ulcerative colitis can suppress inflammation of the colon and heal tissues.
Symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding, and abdominal pain can also be reduced and controlled with effective medications.
In addition to controlling and suppressing symptoms (causing remission), medications can also be used to reduce the frequency of symptom exacerbations (maintaining remission)
With proper treatment over time, periods of remission can be extended, and periods of exacerbation of symptoms can be reduced.
Today, various drugs are used to treat ulcerative colitis
Diet and Nutrition
The main medications used to treat Ulcerative Colitis include steroids and immunosuppressant medications such as biologics.
However, in order to get the most out of these treatments, you should follow a strict diet that includes a lot of vegetables, fiber, and fruit.
While it’s important to eat more vegetables and fiber than you might think is possible, more is not better.
It’s common for people on steroids to eat large amounts of food, especially carbs. It’s important to balance out your diet when you are taking steroids.
Most doctors will recommend low-glycaemic foods when you’re taking steroids to avoid weight gain and increase your metabolism.
Steroids can cause many unpleasant side effects including weight gain, high blood sugar, and mood swings.
Alternative Therapy and Home Remedies
There is currently no cure for Ulcerative Colitis, but there are treatments available to ease symptoms.
In many cases, these treatments include taking steroids and other drugs. Doctors may also recommend nutritionist and supplements such as Omega 3s and probiotics.
In some cases, these treatments include additional lifestyle changes like losing weight, taking probiotic supplements, and changing your diet.
Consult a Colorectal Specialist if you have symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis or other inflammatory bowel diseases.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, probiotics are “live micro-organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.
Conclusion
There are plenty of symptoms to look out for, and doctors can usually diagnose ulcerative colitis just by examining your colon and symptoms.
They may use a procedure called colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
At a doctor’s office, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube into your rectum that will then travel through your colon and into your large intestine.
During the procedure, your doctor will look for the disease. If there are ulcers or bleeding in your colon, they may remove the impacted tissue.
With no cure currently available, medications are the only treatment available to prevent complications from the disease.
People with Ulcerative Colitis can have complications, such as colon cancer or polyps, which can need to be removed.
For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of Ulcerative Colitis conditions in Johannesburg, contact Dr. Schneider or visit www.gidocjhb.co.za and book your consultation today.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.
A colonoscopy is a quick and painless procedure, usually around 30 minutes long, that allows for the full examination of the entire inner lining of a patient’s bowel (colon and rectum).
During the procedure, a gastroenterologist uses an instrument called the colonoscope to perform a colonoscopy.
It is a long, thin, flexible (the scope bends) fiberoptic camera that allows the specialist to visualize the entire colon.
With this thin instrument, the gastroenterologist spends most of the time looking for changes to the normal landscape of your bowel lining and removes anything that looks suspicious.
The Purpose of a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy (or colonoscopy of the colon), is the most important colon screening procedure available.
It is done to detect diseases, and to remove polyps that may be indicative of cancer, and the polyps that are no longer active (that is, the polyps that are no longer going to grow into cancer) at that time.
A colonoscopy may be useful for detecting certain diseases that occur on the outer layer of the colon such as colon cancer, but more often, the colonoscopy is performed to remove non-cancerous growths in the colon.
These polyps are caused by various human germs that do not affect your health but can cause symptoms.
A person does not need to have any symptoms to have the colonoscopy and you may perform the colonoscopy as an outpatient procedure.
What To Expect from A Colonoscopy
Like many common procedures, a colonoscopy is an easy one to put off or be scared of.
When preparing for a colonoscopy, it’s important to consume plenty of fluids and follow the diet recommendations of your doctor.
A liquid will be prescribed for bowel preparation that is similar to your stomach wash or laxative.
Being sedated while having your colonoscopy can cause you to develop side effects like a dry mouth, sedation, headache, fatigue and vomiting.
If you are sedated, you might have a difficult time telling you doctor about any pain you may be experiencing. The procedure is supposed to take about an hour, depending on the extent of the find, or another 30 minutes if it’s a small find.
The doctor may then need to send the images and your medical history to your doctor and get his or her opinion on the colonoscopy.
Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?
As you may already know, people over 50 are strongly advised to have a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Although most people usually get colonoscopies done under general anesthesia, there are some other options for procedures that may improve your colonoscopy experience.
For example, if you are not comfortable with having general anesthesia or having to lay completely still for a long time, some people prefer the Capsule Endoscopy.
However, most people aren’t aware that even younger adults may have some abnormalities in their colon, because many other conditions can cause changes in the colon lining, such as:
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation on the inner wall or lining of the colon and rectum.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s Disease or Crohn syndrome, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease marked by patchy areas in various sections of your gastrointestinal tract that cause ulcerations and pain.
Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere along this pathway, but it most commonly manifests itself as inflammation of the small intestines (ileum) and can lead to impaired digestion, unintended weight loss and serious complications like blockage of the intestinal tract (strictures) or fistulas.
Recurring rectal bleeding
Rectal bleeding has many causes and can occur as the result of a weaker or abnormal area along your digestive tract. Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding.
While these and other causes of rectal bleeding may be minor inconveniences, rectal bleeding can be a real concern if you’re losing a lot of blood.
Rectal cancer
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs on the lining of the rectum. This form of cancer is called adenocarcinoma which means it develops in gland cells. These cancers are not specific to this region but can be found multiple regions of the tract if they spread.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
It is recommended to start colonoscopy screening for adults over 50 years old, and especially those who have been told that they have polyps or other changes in the way their bowel is lined.
As this is the stage when your chances of developing colorectal cancer are highest, it is always a good idea to schedule a colonoscopy for your screening at this age.
In most cases, the most rapid way to identify colon cancer in a young patient is to perform a colonoscopy. The sooner we diagnose it and remove it, the better your chance of living a normal and disease-free life.
The success rate of colonoscopy screening of the colon is 98 percent. But let’s talk about colon polyps. What is a polyp?
Polyps Explained
The most common symptom of colon polyps in the large intestine is bleeding in the stools.
The definition of a polyp is any abnormal growth of tissue that projects into a lumen.
A colon polyp is essentially an overgrowth of tissue in the large intestine. Colon polyps are commonly caused by irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
If you suspect you have a colon polyp, it’s best to see your doctor immediately.
However, even if there are no symptom with visible signs, your doctor can still notice the condition during routine examinations.
Cancerous Polyps Explained
When a patient has cancerous polyps, the doctor will extract them from the body during a procedure.
They may be called polyps or adenomas where you have lined up multiple protrusions from the colon wall.
The doctor takes a biopsy of the tissues to confirm a diagnosis which leaves a hole where they were removed and can heal quickly by itself.
This usually happens when you have had the same polyp removals over time and these holes don’t heal as easily as before, then it is likely that there might be cancerous cells present which means it’s time for another procedure to remove them entirely instead of just removing the tumors again.
When to Seek Medical Care for Colonoscopy Complications
Call your gastroenterologist for advice if any unexpected symptoms occur, including:
- Persistent nausea
- Persistent but minor bleeding
- Ongoing bloating and abdominal discomfort
We recommend going directly to the emergency room if the patient experiences any of the following:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding from the anus (rectum)
- Vomiting
Dr. Schneider is here to provide you with expert medical advice in the field of gastroenterology.
Book an appointment online or contact us on 011 482-3010 to find out more.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.
© Dr. H Schneider, Registered Gastroenterologist, GI Doc Johannesburg
Our website information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a doctor about your specific condition. Only a trained physician can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.