Digestive disorders- Part 2

Shylaja has developed severe stomach pain. The pain used to be intermittent earlier but now,  the pain is often severe, especially when she has not eaten. She has tried antacids but to no avail. Her doctor performed an endoscopy and found a peptic ulcer in the lining of her stomach.

Structural digestive disorders

Women can suffer from common digestive disorders caused by abnormalities in the digestive organs. These are called structural disorders. Sometimes, the structural abnormality needs to be removed surgically. The most common structural disorders are peptic ulcer, haemorrhoids, fissures, perianal abscesses, diverticular disease and cancer.

Peptic ulcer (also called duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or ulcer)

A peptic ulcer is a break in the lining of your stomach or the duodenum (the first part of your   small intestine). A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. The pain may come and go, may worsen when the stomach is empty and may get better after eating.

The acidic gastric juices normally do not damage the lining of the stomach. Peptic ulcers happen when these acids injure the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause is infection with a bacterium called H.pylori. Another cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers but can aggravate them.

Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated. Treatment may include medicines to block stomach acids. You might also be given a course of antibiotics to kill ulcer-causing H. pylori. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided. Surgery is rarely needed and that too only for complications of ulcers. 

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids

Are swollen veins that line the anal opening and are caused by chronic excess pressure from straining during a bowel movement, persistent diarrhoea, or pregnancy.  When they are pushed down into the anus as a result of straining, they become irritated and start to bleed. Ultimately, haemorrhoids can come down far enough to protrude through the anus. Initial treatment includes stool softeners and a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation and straining. Rubber banding can be used on the haemorrhoids in the early stages. Surgery may be needed for very large, painful, and persistent haemorrhoids.