Stomach disorders

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Common Questions & Answers

162. Can stomach disorders cause fatigue or low energy levels?

Ans:

Yes, digestive problems may contribute to exhaustion or low energy. Getting nutrients from meals and giving the body energy both depend on the digestive system. Fatigue and low energy levels can result from problems with nutrient absorption and utilization when the stomach or other digestive system components are not operating properly.

The following specific gastrointestinal conditions can make you feel tired:

1.     Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Heartburn and other symptoms are brought on by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which develops when stomach acid runs back into the esophagus. Chronic acid reflux can cause sleep disruption and poor sleep quality, which can cause exhaustion and low energy during the day.

2.     Peptic ulcers: Ulcers are sores that form in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are one type of ulcer. They may result in bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain, which can disrupt regular eating habits and cause a reduction in nutrient intake, which may make you feel tired.

3.     Gastritis: Gastritis is the stomach's lining becoming inflamed. It may be brought on by a number of things, including infections, the prolonged use of particular drugs, or autoimmune diseases. Gastritis can impair the stomach's regular operation, reducing nutrient absorption and digestion and potentially contributing to weariness.

4.     Gastroparesis: The disorder known as gastroparesis is characterized by a delayed emptying of the stomach. Bloating, nauseousness, vomiting, and a sense of fullness are some of the symptoms it might produce. Due to the delayed stomach emptying, nutrients may not be well absorbed, which can cause exhaustion and low energy.

It's crucial to remember that although gastrointestinal problems can make you feel tired, there may be other underlying factors as well. For a complete assessment and diagnosis, it's best to speak with a healthcare provider if you consistently feel tired or low on energy.

163. What is the half-life of an SSRI?

Ans:

The abbreviation "SSRI" stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and it refers to a group of antidepressant drugs that are frequently used to treat mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and others.

An SSRI's half-life can differ based on the exact drug in this family since each one has unique pharmacokinetic characteristics. The half-lives of SSRIs can, however, often range from 20 to 80 hours. The approximate half-lives of certain SSRIs that are frequently prescribed are as follows:

1.     Fluoxetine (Prozac): Because of its active metabolite, this SSRI has an unusually lengthy half-life. The half-life of fluoxetine is roughly 1-3 days, whereas that of norfluoxetine, its active metabolite, is considerably longer at 4-16 days.

2.     Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline has a half-life of between 24 and 26 hours.

3.     Escitalopram (Lexapro): Escitalopram has a half-life of around 27–32 hours.

4.     Citalopram (Celexa): The half-life of citalopram (Celexa) is approximately 35 hours.

5.     Paroxetine (Paxil): When compared to other SSRIs, paroxetine (Paxil) has a comparatively short half-life, between 15 and 30 hours. It is important to remember that its active metabolite has a half-life that is prolonged, ranging from 1-3 days.

It's critical to keep in mind that a drug's half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the substance to be excreted from the body. The majority of the medicine will have left the body within a few half-lives. However, a person's metabolism, age, liver function, and use of additional drugs, among other things, can affect how quickly SSRIs leave the bloodstream. For precise advice on how and when to take medications, always seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

164. What is the impact of stress on digestive issues and food intolerances?

Ans:

The effects of stress on gastrointestinal problems and dietary intolerances can be profound. The following are some ways that stress can impact the digestive tract and cause the emergence or aggravation of digestive problems:

1.     Increased Sensitivity: Stress can increase the sensitivity and reactivity of the digestive system. It can intensify the sensation of bloating, pain, and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause symptoms like functional dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2.     Altered Gut motility: Stress can interfere with the digestive system's regular operation by altering intestinal motility. It may cause food to go through the digestive tract more quickly or more slowly, leading in diarrhoea or constipation, respectively.

3.     Changes in Gut microbiota: The gut microbiota, a complex population of bacteria living in the digestive system, is important for digesting and general gut health. Chronic stress can change the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, which may be a factor in the development of food intolerances and digestive problems.

4.     Increased Inflammation: Stress causes the body to produce more stress hormones like cortisol, which can increase inflammation. Intestinal inflammation can impair the function of the intestinal barrier, allowing chemicals that are often prohibited from entering the bloodstream to do so. Increased intestinal permeability, also referred to as "leaky gut," is a condition that may be linked to autoimmune diseases and dietary intolerances.

5.     Changes in Eating Habits: When under stress, people may use unhealthy coping strategies including overeating, undereating, or selecting unhealthful foods. These dietary changes may alter digestion, upset the normal balance of gut bacteria, and perhaps cause or exacerbate digestive problems.

While stress can affect gastrointestinal problems and food intolerances, it's important to note that the precise mechanisms and interactions are complex and might differ from person to person. For a thorough assessment and suitable management, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider if you have ongoing digestive issues.

165. What if I missed my blood pressure medicine?

Ans:

It's usually advised to take your blood pressure medication as soon as you remember if you forgot to. To get particular advice based on your prescription and unique medical needs, however, you must speak with your doctor or chemist. They can offer you personalised counsel and direction.

In general, it is crucial to continuously take your blood pressure medicine as directed by your doctor. Your blood pressure regulation may become unstable if you miss a dose, which could cause consequences. Effective high blood pressure management requires constant and regular usage of blood pressure medication.

Here are some general recommendations if you discover you missed a dose:

1.     Unless the next planned dose is almost due, take the missing dose as soon as you remember it. Skip the missing dose in that case, and then go back to your regular dosing plan.

2.     If your healthcare practitioner has not specifically instructed you to do so, do not double the dose to make up for the one you missed.

3.     For advice if you're unclear what to do, speak with your doctor or chemist. Based on your prescriptions and medical history, they can offer personalised recommendations.

Always remember that it is preferable to take your medications as directed and to communicate honestly with the members of your healthcare team. They are ideally suited to give you customised guidance and support you while you successfully control your blood pressure.