Guest Author - Patricia B. Hill
Stomach issues plague everyone at one time or another and can vary from mild discomfort from eating too much to eating something that doesn’t ‘agree’ with you. Those are common day-to-day stomach issues that rarely pose health risks. On the other hand, an alarmingly increasing number of individuals experience more serious issues such as: chronic heartburn, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), cancer, gall bladder problems, and the list goes on and on.
Due to the fact that many of the various stomach issues share the same symptoms, it can often be difficult to self-diagnose your own stomach ailment. It’s important to have a clear diagnosis of what type of stomach problem you have in order to treat it accordingly. Treatment can involve simple changes to the diet, over-the-counter medications, prescription medicine and sometimes in severe cases, hospitalization and surgery.
There are certain symptoms that should not be ignored such as recurrent vomiting, recurrent diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite that lasts for more than a couple of days, ongoing stomach pain, blood in the stool, or vomiting blood. Keep in mind that his is only a partial listing of symptoms that warrant a doctor’s evaluation.
It’s especially difficult for parents to try to diagnose a child’s stomach issues as stress associated with growing up often prompt stomach complaints in most children from time to time. The most important thing a parent can do is listen to their child and be reassuring that a healthy diet, proper rest, and talking about issues that concern them can often eliminate certain stomach symptoms.
Serious symptoms for a child vary somewhat than those of an adult such as recurrent vomiting, recurrent diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy, constant complaints of stomach pain, blood in the stool, vomiting blood, constipation, difficulty urinating, and back pain in addition to stomach pain. Chronic complaining or serious symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a pediatrician.
Depending on what your symptoms are and the seriousness, many stomach issues can be effectively treated simply by developing a healthier way of eating and a lifestyle that promotes health and peace of mind. There are serious disorders can be effectively managed with stringent changes in diet and lifestyle. In order to accomplish these diet and lifestyle changes, one must first evaluate their current way of eating and daily routine. This will expose where the necessary modifications need to be made in order to improve health and quality of life.
Make a list of what types of food you eat at home, away from home and fast food. Then separately record your daily routine, each day for seven days a week. Include what time you wake up in the morning and what time you go to bed each night. Include every detail such as how well you sleep, when you feel hungry, head or body aches, and emotions. Review your results to find possible links or triggers to your stomach issues. What may be a trigger for one may be well tolerated by another.
Taking an inventory of the foods you eat, activities, symptoms experienced, stress and other factors may help you identify the cause of your stomach issues. That's one step in the right direction toward becoming a healthier you!
