Understanding and Managing Symptoms of Digestive Issues

Having trouble sleeping due to unrelenting heartburn? Do you constantly flip between constipation and diarrhea?

You’re not alone.

In fact, 40% of Americans have a digestive issue that profoundly affects their everyday life, prompting the need for medical treatment, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.

But what does that mean for you?

Sure, statistics and figures are interesting, but how does that help when you’re trying to navigate the world while making sure a bathroom is always within easy walking distance?

The symptoms of digestive issues can totally transform lives, causing not only inconvenience but devastating effects on health that can place you at greater risk of developing cancer or other conditions. It’s vital to not only understand your digestive illness but to learn how to manage it. Our team at Raleigh Adult Medicine enables our patients to do that as partners in their care.

We’ll take a closer look at some of the most common digestive issues symptoms and provide practical, useful tips on how to better manage them.

How Can I Manage The Symptoms of My Digestive Issues?

Let’s examine these common digestive problems and show you how you can better manage them:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is much more than mere heartburn. GERD occurs when your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus. Often, over-the-counter antacids offer little relief. Over time this can wear away the lining of the esophagus.

How You Can Manage It:  There are a few things that can help you ease the misery of GERD. These include:

  • Eating slowly, making sure to chew your food completely
  • Maintaining a healthy weight–GERD occurs more often in those who are overweight or obese
  • Stopping smoking
  • Elevating the head of your bed
  • Avoiding things that trigger reflux, such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fast foods and fried foods.
  • Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
  • Remaining upright after a meal.
  • Medications, known as PPIs, can help reduce the amount of acid that your stomach makes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Have you ever had chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation that doesn’t seem to go away? If so, you may have IBS.

While research is ongoing into the exact causes of IBS, scientists believe it centers around muscle contractions, gut microbes, and issues with nerves in your digestive system.

How You Can Manage It: The key to managing symptoms of digestive issues caused by IBS is to carefully monitor what you eat. Eat more high-fiber foods and drink plenty of fluids. Regular exercise and a good night’s sleep can also be helpful.  Many patients also find that taking a daily probiotic supplement helps to regular the gut’s microbe environment.

Lactose Intolerance

Does an ice cream cone taste phenomenal but you “pay the price” later with bloating, gas, and diarrhea? If so, you could be lactose intolerant, a common condition that affects around 36% of Americans.

How You Can Manage It: It can help to have milk products with other foods. However, if you’re still having symptoms, try using lactose-free products. Speak with our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh to see if medication could be an effective solution.

Crohn’s Disease

This disease causes inflammation of your digestive tract–typically centering around the small intestine. If you have Crohn’s disease, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal cramping
  • Fatigue
  • Drainage and pain near your anus
  • Diarrhea
  • Unintentional weight loss

How You Can Manage It: While nutrition can play a part in managing the disorder, this condition requires treatment from a specialist. They may use a combination of medicines, antibiotics, biologics, or, in certain cases, surgery.

The best way to manage Crohn’s disease is to establish a good relationship with your treating physician. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or to discuss your care plan with them.

Ulcerative Colitis

This condition causes ulcers and inflammation in the lining of your colon. If not treated in a timely manner, it can actually lead to serious complications. The symptoms of this digestive issue include:

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • An urgency to have a bowel movement—and often the inability to do so
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Fever

How You Can Manage It: There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but physicians have developed treatment methods to help manage your symptoms. Your best outlook for managing these symptoms is to work closely with your doctor, who will work with you to determine the best medications to treat and manage the symptoms of this digestive issue.

Not Sure Where to Start? Let Our Dietitian Be Your Guide

At Raleigh Adult Medicine, our dietitian, Nicole Matala, can help you create an eating plan that will help your digestive issues, especially severe heartburn or the pain of IBS. She’ll show you how a healthy menu can be full of fun and flavor.

Our Specialists in Raleigh Are Ready to Help You Manage Symptoms of Digestive Issues

While some digestive issues can be managed with simple steps, others require constant diligence and working closely with your healthcare team. By doing so, you’re one step closer to restoring your regular routine and getting your life back.

Tired of symptoms of digestive issues controlling your life? Looking for a medical home? At Raleigh Adult Medicine, we’re accepting new patients! Just contact us for an appointment.

The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.