Gastrology
8. Can you get a stomach virus from swallowing
contaminated water?
Ans:
§
Yes,
drinking contaminated water can result in catching a gastrointestinal bug.
Norovirus and rotavirus are the most common viruses that cause stomach viruses,
often known as viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu. These viruses can be found
in diseased people or water sources that have been contaminated with faeces.
§
These
viruses can infect your digestive tract and cause symptoms including nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, and even fever if you drink water that
contains them.
§
The
viruses can persist in water for a long time, especially in recreational water
sources like lakes, rivers, and swimming pools.
§
It's
crucial to practice good cleanliness, especially when it comes to drinking
water and recreational water activities, to lower the chance of catching a
stomach virus via polluted water.
§
Avoid
ingesting water from sources that could be contaminated and instead drink
clean, treated water from trustworthy sources. Additionally, maintaining
cleanliness during food preparation and consumption as well as excellent hand
hygiene might aid in limiting the transmission of stomach viruses.
9. What are the suggested remedies for
gastric problems?
Ans:
Numerous digestive ailments, including
indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, gas, and heartburn, can be referred to as
gastric difficulties. Here are some broad treatments that may help with
gastrointestinal issues, though it's crucial to check with a healthcare
provider for a proper diagnosis and individualised treatment:
1. Antacids available over-the-counter: By neutralising stomach acid, antacids can
temporarily relieve heartburn and acidity.
2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs can lower stomach acid production and
treat illnesses including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They are
available over-the-counter and by prescription.
3. H2 blockers: These drugs can lessen the production of
stomach acid and ease acid reflux and indigestion.
4.
Lifestyle modifications:
§ Instead of eating big meals, eat smaller, more
regular meals.
§ Avoid foods like fatty and spicy foods, citrus
fruits, coffee, and alcohol as they can exacerbate stomach symptoms.
§ Eat slowly and fully chew your food.
§ After eating, avoid reclining down or going to
bed.
§ Keep a healthy weight and engage in regular
exercise.
§ Stop smoking because it can make stomach
problems worse.
§ Utilise methods to reduce stress, such as
meditation, relaxation exercises, or therapy.
5. Dietary Changes:
§ To improve digestion and prevent constipation,
up your intake of fibre through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
§ For better digestion and to stay hydrated,
drink lots of water.
§ Avoid drinking with a straw and limit your
intake of carbonated beverages, which can lead to bloating and excessive air
consumption.
§ To identify and avoid items that cause your
symptoms, think about maintaining a food journal.
6.
Herbal treatments:
§ Ginger: It might
aid with nausea relief and inflammation reduction. You can drink ginger tea or
include it in your meals.
§ Peppermint: Can relieve bloating and gas by relaxing the
muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Common dosages include peppermint tea or
enteric-coated peppermint pills.
§ Chamomile: Known for
its relaxing effects, chamomile tea can treat indigestion by calming the
stomach.
Keep in mind that these recommendations are
generic and might not be appropriate for everyone. A healthcare professional
should be consulted if you have severe or persistent stomach issues in order to
receive an accurate diagnosis and a suitable course of therapy.
10.
When is surgery necessary for GERD treatment?
Ans:
Chronic acid reflux, or GERD (gastroesophageal
reflux disease), is a disorder where stomach acid rushes back into the
oesophagus. The majority of the time, dietary modifications, medication, and
lifestyle changes can effectively control GERD. When other conservative
therapies fail or difficulties occur, surgery could be considered as a
treatment option. Here are some circumstances where GERD surgery may be
required:
1.
Severe symptoms: If GERD symptoms are debilitating and continue
after a change in lifestyle and medication, surgery may be advised. Constant
heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, trouble swallowing, or a chronic cough
are examples of symptoms that continue in spite of receiving the best medical
care.
2.
Oesophageal complications: Oesophageal problems include oesophageal
stricture (narrowing), Barrett's oesophagus (abnormal cell alterations), and
oesophageal ulcers when GERD is left untreated or poorly managed for a
prolonged period of time. Surgery may be a possibility to address these issues
or lower the likelihood that they will arise.
3.
Side effects or medication
intolerance: Some
people may respond negatively to or be intolerant to the medications used to
treat GERD. In some situations, surgery may be an alternative.
4.
Desire to stop long-term drug use: If a person wants to avoid long-term medication dependence, surgery can
be an option to lessen or get rid of the need for medication.
5.
Failed medical management: Surgery may be advised if medical therapy is
unable to control symptoms effectively or if the patient consistently has acute
complications (such as significant bleeding or breathing issues).
The
fundoplication is the name of the common surgical treatment for GERD. It includes
tightening the lower oesophageal sphincter, which helps stop acid reflux, by
wrapping the fundus—the upper section of the stomach—around the lower
oesophagus. Open surgery or less invasive methods like laparoscopy or
robotic-assisted surgery can both be used for this operation.
It's crucial to speak with a medical expert
who can assess your unique circumstances and suggest the best GERD treatment
alternatives.
11. How does
the stomach's lining repair itself after sustaining damage or inflammation?
Ans:
Due to a number of mechanisms, the stomach's
lining has an amazing capacity to heal itself after suffering damage or
inflammation. Here is a general explanation of how the body heals:
1.
Cell renewal: Specialised cells termed epithelial cells, which frequently divide, make
up the stomach lining. The lining is constantly replenished by the division of
these cells. The division of epithelial cells aids in the replacement of lost
or damaged cells and the preservation of the stomach lining's integrity.
2.
Production of Mucus: The surface of the stomach lining is covered with a coating of protective
mucus. By acting as a barrier against the corrosive effects of stomach acid and
digestive enzymes, this mucus layer protects the underlying tissues. The
stomach produces more mucus in response to injury or inflammation to improve
protection and aid in healing.
3.
Blood Supply: Sufficient blood flow is essential for tissue restoration. A dense
network of blood arteries in the stomach carries oxygen, nutrients, and immune
cells to the injured area. These resources help the body repair by providing
vital elements for tissue regeneration.
4.
Growth Factors and Cytokines: Signalling molecules known as growth factors and cytokines are essential
for tissue repair. They encourage cell migration, differentiation, and
division, all of which are crucial for healing. Growth factors and cytokines
help the body repair damaged tissue by encouraging the growth of new cells.
5.
Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds
that play a key role in a variety of physiological processes, including the
healing of damaged tissue. They support healing, regulate blood flow, and
prevent damage to the stomach lining. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medicines) can prevent the formation of prostaglandins, which may impede
stomach repair.
It's crucial to remember that significant or
ongoing damage to the stomach lining, such as that caused by gastritis or
ulcers, may call for medical attention in order to facilitate healing. To
lessen acid production or cure underlying infections, doctors may prescribe
drugs such proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antibiotics, allowing the stomach
lining to repair more quickly. For a good diagnosis and suitable treatment, it
is advisable to speak with a healthcare provider if you are worried about
stomach damage or inflammation.
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