Today’s News Edition brings essential information from EMC Hospital Group on gastrointestinal (gastro) diseases to educate the public and affected patients for better awareness and treatment options. The group boasts a team of experienced doctors in its gastro department, equipped with advanced facilities like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography).
Understanding Gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases refer to conditions affecting the digestive system’s organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Issues in any of these organs can result in GI disorders.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Symptoms of GI diseases often develop gradually and require timely diagnosis and treatment:
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Pain in any part of the abdomen, often worsening after meals.
- Bowel Issues: Constipation or diarrhea.
- Acid Reflux: Sour burps, bloating, or excessive gas.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
- Chronic Fatigue: Weakness due to digestive organ problems.
- Blood in Stool: Bloodstains or black-colored stool.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight reduction without any apparent reason.
Common Causes of Gastro Diseases
- Poor Diet: Excessive intake of fried, spicy, or junk foods.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking damages the liver and stomach.
- Smoking: Leads to ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
- Drug Overuse: Prolonged use of painkillers can cause ulcers.
- Infections: Bacteria like H. pylori can trigger ulcers and other GI diseases.
- Viral or Bacterial Infections: Gut infections also contribute to GI issues.
Treatment for Gastro Diseases
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
- Medications: Antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and antibiotics for conditions like GERD or ulcers.
- Endoscopy: For diagnosing and addressing issues inside the stomach and intestines.
- Colonoscopy: To detect intestinal problems.
- ERCP: To diagnose and treat bile duct and pancreatic disorders.
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding fried foods.
- Surgery: Required for severe cases like tumors or structural issues in the digestive tract.
Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage
Excessive alcohol consumption poses severe risks to the liver, leading to Alcoholic Liver Disease. Its stages include:
- Fatty Liver: Early stage with fat buildup in the liver.
- Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation due to heavy drinking.
- Liver Cirrhosis: Permanent damage to liver cells, potentially fatal.
Treatment includes stopping alcohol consumption, medication, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hepatitis C is a viral infection causing liver inflammation and damage. Without symptoms, it can silently progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
Causes:
- Contact with infected blood
- Mother-to-child transmission
- Unsafe sexual practices
Treatment: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer 90-95% efficacy, typically over 8-12 weeks.
Why EMC Hospital Group?
With advanced facilities and skilled professionals, EMC Hospital Group excels in diagnosing and treating liver and GI diseases. State-of-the-art techniques like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ERCP ensure accurate treatment and care. Patients are encouraged not to ignore symptoms and consult specialists promptly for effective management and recovery.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle and prioritize timely medical care for a healthy digestive system.
