When strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) are present, caused when the damaged lining of the esophagus becomes thick and hardened, a procedure called dilation is used. During dilation, an instrument gently stretches the strictures and expands the opening of the esophagus.
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By and large, microscopic colitis can be treated with a medication called budesonide, which is a form of a steroid with fewer systemic side effects than prednisone. That being said, there are other nonprescription treatments for microscopic colitis including Pepto-Bismol. Taking two tablets of Pepto-Bismol four times a day -- or anti-diarrheals -- is an effective treatment for some people with microscopic colitis. Some of the medicines used for ulcerative colitis -- such as the 5-aminosalicylates or mesalamine therapies, which coat the lining of the colon -- are relatively safe and are also used in the treatment of microscopic colitis. -
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Dr. Kevin W. Windom, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe most common symptoms of a rectocele are pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, and something protruding or bulging into the vagina. Some women have a hard time emptying their bowels due to the fact that when they strain to have a bowel movement, instead of the stool going out through the anus, the stool bulges up into this rectocele pouch into the vagina. Some women have to put their fingers in the vagina to push down to have a bowel movement as well as some women have to push on their perineum or move in certain positions to help empty their bowels.
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The more important question is the reason you are nauseated or vomiting. For example, if you have a viral infection, or have something irritating in your stomach, vomiting is a way your body protects you. Getting the offensive germ or substance out of the system can be a good idea. Vomiting that is excessive or accompanied by severe pain, high fever, or after a head injury needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
The cause of your nausea can lead you to a possible cure. Nausea related to excessive heat can be relieved by sipping fluids, especially sports drinks, rest with your head up, and cooling the temperature around you. Pregnancy induced nausea can be alleviated with frequent small meals and drinking fluids between meals. Foods containing ginger, and keeping a bland food such as crackers by your bed to nibble before getting up can be helpful. Pregnancy lollipops may also lessen nausea for new moms-to-be. Nausea caused by many conditions can be eased by consuming small, frequent but balanced snacks or meals. The stomach tends to like balance; not too empty, or too full.
Balanced breathing can be used to lighten nausea caused by nervous tension. Take a deep breath in thru the nose; then let those "butterflies in your stomach" out as you exhale, and push them away with a long blowing exhale thru the mouth while letting your muscles soften. Visualize butterflies blowing away and taking your tension with them. The key to relaxation is to practice the breathing when you are not anxious. Get comfortable in a safe place and practice deep breaths which make your stomach puff out a little. Blow your breath out while relaxing your shoulders. Think about the butterflies blowing out into the air. As you become better at relaxing try to soften different muscles when you blow those butterflies out. Good luck and remember practice makes perfect.
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Microscopic colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. The main symptom of microscopic colitis is diarrhea. Sometimes, people with microscopic colitis can have bloating and abdominal cramping.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Up to a third of common belly surgeries like appendectomy or hysterectomy lead to a life-threatening complication called small bowel obstruction. In this video, Dr. Oz explains how this common emergency develops, and describes the symptoms you should watch for if you've ever had a surgeon touch your belly.
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Mrs. Marjorie Nolan Cohn , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsSee All 2 AnswersDiverticulitis is a common age-related disorder that is characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, causing symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. The Harvard School of Public Health says that a large study demonstrated that increased dietary fiber intake was associated with a 40 percent risk reduction of diverticular disease in aging men. The Institute of Medicine concludes that several other studies suggest increased dietary fiber intake protects against diverticulitis and also ulcers in the small intestine.
Dietary fiber can’t be digested and so it combines with water in your intestines to create large, soft stools that pass easily through your bowels. A high-fiber diet can lessen or prevent the abdominal pain, cramping or tenderness that sometimes occurs when you have to strain to pass hard, constipated stools. Eating a high-fiber diet is helps prevent development of pouches (diverticula) in the colon. The bulky, soft stools that happen with a high-fiber diet move easily through your intestines because of a wave-like motion known as peristalsis. Since you don't need to bear down forcefully to expel these stools, the pressure inside the diverticula stays low. This normal bowel function reduces the chance of inflammation or secondary infection in the diverticula, and helps you avoid painful bouts of diverticulitis.
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Dr. Lawrence S. Friedman, MD , Gastroenterology, answeredEosinophilic (allergic) esophagitis is a disease characterized by the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the wall of the esophagus. Eosinophils, which are associated with allergic reactions, stimulate inflammation. One symptom of the condition is heartburn, although episodes of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), the feeling of food or pills sticking in the esophagus, is more characteristic. The disease often occurs in children and young adults, many of whom also have allergies, or asthma.
A first-line treatment is to try to eliminate under the direction of an allergist, the foods most likely to cause allergies such as peanuts, other types of nuts, shellfish, and wheat or any other food that has caused an allergic reaction in the past. Eosinophilic esophagitis often responds to a course of the steroid fluticasone (Flovent) taken by mouth, although in some cases symptoms may also improve with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid). -
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Penn Medicine answeredAn intestinal obstruction (also called a bowel obstruction) occurs when food or stool cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. A complete obstruction is a medical emergency. There are many causes, and the symptoms can be severe.
As with all digestive concerns, it is best to see a gastroenterologist for a complete evaluation. -
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredA number of things could be contributing to your race day nausea. Weather conditions is one variable. It is not uncommon for athletes to develop gastrointestinal (GI) issues in the heat, especially when they are working at the upper end of their effort level. I recommend focusing on hydration pre-race and proper nutrition. Taking in too many carbohydrates may contribute to stomach upset as well. Work on modifying your nutrition plan in training so you are ready to roll on race day. Paying close attention to your food and drink will help on race day with nausea and performance. Anxiety can also cause GI distress. While race day jitters can help motivate an athlete, too many race day jitters can over stimulate a competitor resulting in nausea and belly aches