Diagnosing Stomach Ulcers

Diagnosing stomach ulcers involves a series of steps to ensure accurate identification of the problem.

• Medical History and Symptoms: Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking. Common symptoms of stomach ulcers include burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea.
• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination helps the doctor assess your overall health and look for signs that might indicate an ulcer.

Tests and Procedures:

• Endoscopy: An endoscope is a thin tube with a camera that is inserted through the mouth to examine the stomach lining. This procedure allows the gastroenterology doctor in New Town to directly view the ulcer and take tissue samples if necessary.
• Barium Swallow: You might be asked to drink a barium solution before undergoing X-rays. Barium coats the stomach lining, making ulcers more visible on the X-ray images.
• H. pylori Test: Since many ulcers are caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, your doctor may order a breath, blood, or stool test to check for this infection.

Treating Stomach Ulcers

Once diagnosed, treating stomach ulcers involves addressing the underlying cause and promoting healing.

• Antibiotics: If your ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, antibiotics will be prescribed to kill the bacteria.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications reduce stomach acid production, helping to heal the ulcer and relieve pain.
• H2-Receptor Antagonists: These drugs also reduce acid production and are sometimes used alongside PPIs.
• Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid and provide quick symptom relief.

Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine can help reduce irritation to the stomach lining.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process, so quitting is crucial.
• Stress Management: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling can help prevent ulcers from worsening.
• Follow-up Care: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterology doctor in New Town ensure that the ulcer is healing properly and that any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan can be made.

When to Seek Help?

If you experience severe symptoms such as sudden, sharp stomach pain, vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious complication like a perforated ulcer.

Conclusion

Stomach ulcers require careful diagnosis and comprehensive treatment to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. By consulting the best gastroenterology doctor in New Town, you can receive expert care tailored to your needs. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to managing stomach ulcers effectively, and regular follow-ups with a gastroenterology doctor in New Town can help maintain your digestive health.

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Fatty liver disease (FLD) is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in liver cells. It can lead to various complications, if left untreated. Learn about the condition of fatty liver, its symptoms, causes and treatments from the best gastroenterologist in Newtown. 

What is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver occurs when fat accounts for more than 5% of the liver’s weight. This excessive fat deposition impairs liver function and can be attributed to different factors.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

There are two primary types of fatty liver disease:

1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: This condition results from excessive alcohol consumption and damages the liver over time, potentially leading to severe complications such as alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Unlike alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD isn’t related to alcohol consumption. Instead, it’s commonly associated with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

According to the doctors of the best gastroenterology hospital in Newtown, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases are often asymptomatic, meaning they don’t typically present noticeable symptoms. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or fatigue in the upper right abdomen.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease, including:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance (common in type 2 diabetes)
• High blood sugar levels
• Elevated levels of fat in the blood
• Rapid weight loss
• Certain medications
• Genetics
• Poor diet
• Metabolic syndrome

Diagnosing Fatty Liver Disease

Diagnosing fatty liver disease involves a comprehensive evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies and, in some cases, a liver biopsy.

1. Medical History: Doctors inquire about family medical history, alcohol consumption, lifestyle habits, existing medical conditions, medications, and recent health changes.
2. Physical Examination: Physicians may conduct abdominal examination to assess liver enlargement, although inflammation can exist without noticeable enlargement.
3. Blood Tests: Elevated liver enzymes, such as ALT and AST, may indicate liver inflammation, prompting further investigation.
4. Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans and FibroScan are used to identify fat accumulation and assess liver stiffness.
5. Liver Biopsy: In severe cases or when the diagnosis is unclear, a liver biopsy may be performed to evaluate liver tissue for fatty infiltration and scarring.

Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease

Treatment primarily focus on lifestyle modifications and managing underlying conditions:

1. Management of Underlying Conditions: Effective management of conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome.
2. Medications and Supplements: Medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions. Certain supplements like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial.
3. Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor liver function and disease progression.
4. Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol is essential.

Fatty liver disease is a significant health concern that can lead to serious complications if not addressed timely. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms and treatments for fatty liver disease, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain liver health. If you suspect you may be at risk or experiencing symptoms, consult the best gastroenterologist in Newtown for proper evaluation and treatment.

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Symptoms of Pancreatitis

If you have acute pancreatitis, you will experience the following symptoms.

1. Upper abdominal pain
2. Abdominal tenderness
3. Fever
4. Nausea
5. Vomitting

In case you have chronic pancreatitis, you will have these symptoms.

1. Upper abdominal pain that worsens after eating
2. Weight loss
3. Oily and smelly stools

Causes of Pancreatitis

Listed below are some causes of pancreatitis by a gastroenterologist in Newtown.

• High levels of triglycerides and calcium in the blood can result in chronic pancreatitis.
• Gallstones can cause acute pancreatitis.
• A large gallstone can get stuck at the junction where common bile duct and the main bile duct are. It can lead to pancreatitis. The pancreatic duct is responsible for carrying digestive enzymes from your pancreas. A stuck gallstone can cause these substances to back up, leading to the inflammation of both the pancreas and the bile duct.

Other factors that can cause pancreatitis are as follows.

• Drinking alcohol
• Autoimmune disorders
• Pancreatic cancer
• Metabolic disorders
• Medications

Treatment of pancreatitis

If you suffer from pancreatitis, you will be referred to a gastroenterologist who specializes in the digestive system. Pain medication will be given to you for comfort.

Endoscopic surgery or procedure will be performed by the gastroenterologist to remove gallstones, blockages, or any damaged part of the pancreas. If your pancreas is not functioning normally, your doctor will provide supplemental insulin and pancreatic enzymes.

Pancreatitis complications such as pancreatic pseudocyst or inflammatory cyst are treated with an endoscopic procedure in which a tube is inserted down the throat into the small intestine that is next to the pancreas. Pancreas stones and gallstones are removed in this endoscopic procedure.

As per a gastroenterologist in Salt Lake, your pancreatitis might also be treated with a laparoscopic procedure. This surgical technique involves small cuts that heal quickly.

During the laparoscopic surgery, the doctor will insert a laparoscope. The laparoscope with an attached camera sends images of the organs to the monitor to guide the surgeon.

It is hard to live with an acute and chronic condition like pancreatitis. So, if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, we recommend you consult with the best gastroenterologist in Newtown to get an early diagnosis and treatment.

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Causes and treatments of stomach ulcers explained by the best gastroenterologist in Newtown

●        Causes of ulcers

Most stomach ulcers occur when a bacterial infection happens. It is mainly caused by H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori. Long-term usage of inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, can result in ulcers. Spicy foods and stress do not cause ulcers. However, they can worsen the condition of ulcers over time.

●        Treatment of ulcers

A gastroenterologist in Newtown says that over-the-counter acid blockers and counter antacids will help in easing some of the pain. But the relief you get will not be permanent. Ulcer treatment mainly focuses on reducing the acid in your stomach and strengthening its protective lining that comes into contact with the stomach acids. If a bacterial infection causes stomach ulcers, then your doctor will also treat that problem. Some medications that doctors suggest for mild to moderate stomach ulcers are as follows.

1. Triple therapy

For triple therapy, your doctor will be combining antibiotics such as clarithromycin and amoxicillin. If these medicines do not suit you, you can opt for quadruple therapy with two different antibiotics, such as tetracycline and metronidazole, along with a proton pump inhibitor that works effectively.

2. Antibiotics

If you have a bacterial infection caused by H.pylori, antibiotics can help in curing your ulcer. Doctors can also combine triple or quadruple therapy along with antibiotics and heartburn medicines.

3. H2 blockers

H2 blockers are also known as histamine receptor blockers. They block natural chemicals like histamine that directs the stomach to make acid. H2 blockers include Pepcid, Axid, and Tagamet.

4. Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are acid reducers. The medications include omeprazole and esomeprazole.

5. Antacids

Antacids work for a short amount of time. They can also keep the antibiotics from working. For this reason, consult your doctor before having antacids.

6. Bismuth

This medication takes care of your ulcer and guards it against stomach acid. It can also kill infections of H. Pylori. Doctors do not prescribe this medication with antibiotics.

If your stomach ulcer keeps coming back, then your doctor may suggest surgery. In addition, for bleeding ulcers also, doctors can perform surgery.

We have explained the causes and treatments of stomach ulcers as said by a gastroenterologist. You can consult your doctor to know which treatment will be most suitable for you.

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Digestive issues:

After fully recovering from Covid-19, patients are facing digestive issues. Along with other vital organs of our body, the Coronavirus is also affecting our gastrointestinal tract (GI) that includes the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder, stomach, etc. As a result, recovered patients are experiencing acidity and abdominal pain. According to some patients, they constantly have a tendency to vomiting. Many of them have observed a change of appetite; some are experiencing loss of appetite, whereas others are having trouble with increased appetite. A well-known gastro specialist in Kolkata said that the conditions might take more serious shape if not diagnosed, monitored, and treated at the right time. None should neglect these post-Covid symptoms as those may result in more intensified conditions if left untreated. If kept untreated, the conditions will disrupt the proper functioning of our GI tract. As a result, patients may even bleed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Precautions that are the need of the hour:

The best gastroenterologist based in Kolkata advised avoiding spicy, fried, junk, processed, sugary, and fatty food items for the time being. The patient who recently has recovered from covid-19 does not have a strong immune system, so these food items may hamper his/ her health more. Start consuming food items that boost your immune system such as, vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains. Add food items in your diet that are rich in fiber. You may consume probiotics as those will keep your gut healthy. Stay hydrated, drink normal water. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Chew your food properly so that you may avoid acidity from taking place.

Exercising is essential to boost up your immunity system. Stay active and try walking, jogging and running. Freehand exercises will also help you stay active and stress-free. You can also meditate as it will uplift your mood and will make your digestive system stronger.

Note: If you face any issue related to your digestive system, visit The Newtown Clinic; here, you will get to visit the best gastroenterologists in Kolkata.

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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of diseases that affects our gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis is one of those diseases. When the lining of our rectum or large intestine becomes inflamed, the condition is called ulcerative colitis. The inflammation causes small sores named ulcers on the lining of our colon. This can involve our entire colon also. Usually, this disease begins from our rectum and gradually spreads upward. This condition makes our bowel move its content rapidly so, a person with ulcerative colitis needs to empty his/ her stomach frequently, says a renowned gastro doctor in Kolkata. The ulcers form because the surface of the lining of our bowel dies. The ulcers may also cause discharge and bleeding of pus and mucus.

Symptoms:

During the time of remission, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis become mild, and some may not even have symptoms. But the symptoms may return and become severe during a flare-up. The symptoms may also change with time. The severity and seriousness of UC symptoms vary from person to person.

Common symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the abdomen
• The abdominal sounds may increase
• You may notice bloody stools
• Diarrhea is also a symptom
• Fever may come and go
• Rectal pain also may occur
• Unintentional weight loss that may lead to malnutrition

Other than these signs, there are some additional symptoms that can be observed in a person affected by ulcerative colitis. Those include:

• Pain or swelling in the joint
• Nausea
• Your appetite may decrease
• A few skin problems may also occur
• Mouth sores
• Inflammation of eyes

If you observe any of these symptoms, kindly do not ignore them and visit The Newtown Clinic, where you can make an appointment with top gastroenterologists in Kolkata.

Causes:

It is yet to be clear that why most immune systems respond by attacking our large intestines leaving all other organs. Researchers say that ulcerative colitis is the result of an overactive immune system.

Other factors that may play a vital role in developing ulcerative colitis in the human body:

• Your genes may be a cause
• If you have any immune disorder, you have a high chance of developing another
• Other than these, virus, bacteria and antigens also may trigger your immune system

Diagnosis:

Best gastro doctors in Kolkatarun multiple tests before confirming that you have ulcerative colitis as this condition mimics many other bowel diseases also.

Tests that doctors prefer to run:

• Stool test: Examining your stool becomes necessary as doctors check the inflammatory markers, bacteria, blood, and parasites.
• Endoscopy: Through endoscopy, doctors examine your stomach, small intestine, and esophagus.
• Colonoscopy: This test is done for checking the inside of your colon
• CS scan: A specialized X-ray of your pelvis and abdomen is very important.
• Blood tests: At times, blood tests can also be useful to detect ulcerative colitis.

Treatment:

Medication can help reduce your symptoms and have control over your UC. But in case of emergency, you may need to get hospitalized. Surgery also takes place if your doctor thinks it’s suitable for you.

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This department of medicine focuses on the gastrointestinal tract and the whole digestive system. This system has the responsibility of digestion of food, removal of the waste portion from the body, and absorption of necessary and important nutrients from the food. The gastrointestinal system is not limited to only the stomach and intestine but it includes the esophagus, colon, rectum, small intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts too, says one of the best gastroenterologist based in Kolkata.

What kinds of diseases are covered by Gastroenterologists?

Diseases, conditions, or disorders that are treated by gastroenterologists are as follows:

• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Gallbladder disease
• Inflammatory disease
• Hemorrhoids
• GERD (Heartburn or acid reflux)
• Polyps
• Pancreatitis
• Ulcers

Some signs and symptoms may be a hint to visit a gastro doctor near you, and you should never ignore it. The symptoms may be simple but ignoring those may cause life-threatening diseases.

Abnormal bowel syndrome:

• Constipation is a common problem and most people don’t pay heed to it. If you are facing difficulty defecating and you are emptying less than thrice a week then it’s an alarm. You must visit a gastro specialist near you and take help. There may be many causes for constipation-

1. Blockage
2. Neurological issues
3. Muscular malfunction
4. Hormonal malfunction
5. Improper diet

• Diarrhea is a common problem. This disease makes you suffer from running stool for more than a few days. This disease may occur due to-

1. Some virus infection
2. Parasite or bacteria
3. Lactose intolerance
4. The reaction of some medicine

Diarrhea may be a hint of digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Rectal bleeding:

It may be a sign of many serious health issues. It must not be ignored. Rectal bleeding may occur due to the hardness of stool which is mainly caused due to constipation. Other than that, anal fissure may also be a reason behind rectal bleeding. It may be an indication for some medical attention like cancer.

Frequent heartburn:

If you are facing heartburn occasionally, then it is okay but if you feel heartburn frequently, this may be an indication of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or even esophageal cancer. You need to refer to a doctor immediately without delay.

Bloating and abdominal pain:

If you are facing abdominal pain and bloating after almost every meal, then you must book an appointment with a gastroenterologist soon. You may suffer from nausea and painful bowel movement also.

Difficulty in swallowing:

Facing difficulty in swallowing? This frequent esophageal pain seeks attention. Visit New Town Clinic and book an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.

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“Acid reflux can cause sore throats and sore throats and can literally leave a bad taste in your mouth.” – says the best gastro doctor in Kolkata.

When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD. The most common symptom of GERD is burning – pain in the upper abdomen and chest which sometimes makes you feel like you are having a heart attack.

Your digestion controls health. If you experience frequent acid beats or any symptoms of acid reflux, you can try the following:

Eat short portions and eat slowly

When the stomach is too full, there may be more reflux in the esophagus. If this fits your schedule, you may sometimes want to try what is called “grazing” – eating smaller meals more often than three large meals twice or thrice a day.

Avoid certain foods

People with acid reflux were once instructed to exclude all foods except bloody foods from their diet. But this is no longer the case. “We’ve evolved from the days when you couldn’t eat anything,” the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata said.

However, there are some foods that are more likely to trigger reflux than others, such as mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol. If you eat these foods regularly, they might trigger your reflux. Try to exclude these variants from your daily diet.

Do not drink carbonated drinks

They make you burp, which sends acid to the esophagus. Drink plain water instead of mineral water.

Don’t fall asleep immediately after eating

Even when standing or sitting, gravity alone helps keep the acid in the stomach where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before bedtime. This means no sleep after lunch and no late meals or midnight snacks.

Don’t move too fast after eating

Avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours after a meal. Light walks are fine after dinner, but harder work can send acid into your esophagus, especially if it involves twisting exercises.

Sleep in an inclined position

Ideally, your head should be 6 to 8 inches higher than your feet as per the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata. You can achieve this by using the “extra long” bed riser on the legs to support the head of your bed. Do not try to make a wedge by stacking the pillow. They don’t provide the uniform support you need.

Lose weight if recommended

Often increased weight spreads the muscular structure that supports the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing the pressure that keeps the sphincter closed. This causes reflux and heartburn.

Quit if you smoke

Nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Test your medication

Women’s sphincters may relax after menopause. However, if you have severe pain or trouble swallowing, consult the best gastro doctor in Kolkata to detect the underlying causes. You may need medication to control reflux even after tracking changes in your lifestyle.

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The difference between heartburn, acid reflux and GERD

First, let’s distinguish between heartburn, acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). These terms are often used interchangeably, but have different definitions. Heartburn is a term used to describe the feeling of burning in the chest when acid enters the oesophagus. “Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and GERD and usually occurs after eating.” – says the best gastro doctor in Kolkata.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid returns to your esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus, causing discomfort. This can happen when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is damaged. LES is a muscle between your esophagus and your stomach and usually opens when food / drink arrives and then closes again to keep the food / drink closed in your stomach for digestion. If the LES doesn’t work properly, stomach acid can leak from your stomach into your esophagus and burn delicate esophageal tissue.

Heartburn and GERD

“GERD is diagnosed when oesophageal tissues become inflamed or irritated due to frequent acid reflux” – says the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.

GERD can cause serious damage to the oesophagus and eventually progress to Barrett’s oesophagus, the precursor of oesophageal cancer. Although heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, GERD can also be present without heartburn. Other symptoms include coughing, acid vomiting in the mouth when you bend over, hoarseness (especially in the morning), feeling stuck in your throat, and sore throat. When your heartburn begins to affect your daily life, you may wonder if it’s time to see a doctor about your symptoms. If any of the mentioned symptoms applies to you, it’s definitely time to make an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.

Some of the common risk factors

•  You still have symptoms after diet and lifestyle changes
• Certain foods and behaviours can cause heartburn, but if you’ve made changes and your heartburn still doesn’t go away, it’s time to consult a specialist
• If you have persistent heartburn 2 or more times a week
• Even if you take antacids regularly to combat heartburn, you may have damage to the oesophagus caused by stomach acid.
• Over-the-counter medications no longer work

If any of the above mentioned things happens, you may need to consult an expert who can prescribe medication to relieve your symptoms.

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Constipation

When you are experiencing constipation, it’s not just a digestion issue. In fact, it can be a common warning sign of a larger issue. This symptom is defined by having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week. Are you suffering from chronic constipation? It must be the high time to see a gastro doctor in Kolkata.  

Excess bloating and gas 

These are very common features of excessive gas and bloating. Issues like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerances are often the causes of excessive gas and bloating.

 Heartburn 

Did you think acid reflux and heartburn only occur after a spicy meal? Well, it does but when it is occurring more than twice a week, it might be a symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux disease. If left untreated for a long time, your stomach’s acid might damage the lining of your esophagus and eventually lead to further complications.

Diarrhoea 

Do you typically experience diarrhoea which stays more than two days? It can be a sign of a more significant digestive disorder. While you are experiencing both lactose intolerance and inflammatory bowel diseases, you might be experiencing a condition of chronic diarrhoea as well.  Consult the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata in order to understand and diagnose your condition and treat that as early as possible.

 Abdominal pain 

Abdominal pain is usually a key indicator for most of the digestive diseases. No matter whether this is a sign of IBS, diverculitis, ulcer or anything else, it calls for your concern. Whenever you are experiencing abdominal pain, don’t hesitate to contact the top gastroenterologist in Kolkata for further help.

Can gastrointestinal disease be prevented? 

As per the experts, many diseases of rectum and colon can be minimized or prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and going for regular cancer screening. Often a person, who is suffering from gastrointestinal disease, has high risk to develop colorectal cancer. The common symptoms of colorectal cancer includes-

• A change in normal bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Very narrow stool
• Unusual abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• A feeling that bowel is not completely empty even after passing stool

When you have any of the symptoms, seek medical help right away.

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