Health And Safety

If you have been experiencing stomach problems, you might be worried about what could be the cause of your symptoms. Maybe you are experiencing excessive gas and bloating. Perhaps your problem is diarrhea episodes that don’t seem to be getting better or you are finding that you are constipated much of the time. You might be wondering if your problems are just due to stress or perhaps you are worried that something more serious is wrong with you.


If you are having sudden and severe symptoms, don’t wait - seek out immediate medical attention. If this is not the case, you still need to make an appointment with your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. While you are waiting, you might be looking to try to figure out what could be wrong. As there are perhaps hundreds of digestive disorders that could be the problem, and other non-GI related disorders that could be contributing to your symptoms, it may seem like a daunting task to try to find answers.

In an effort to help you to sort it all out, I offer you the following tools based on your predominant stomach problem. Click on the appropriate link and you will be given a few simple questions to answer. Based on your response, you will be given basic information about relevant diagnostic possibilities

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation that arises in your chest and upper abdomen. At times, it is accompanied by a burning sensation in your throat and you may burp up stomach acid. Heartburn is a primary symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As chest discomfort may also signify heart disease, it is essential that you discuss any symptoms of pain in your upper abdomen with your doctor. The following tool will help you to understand the symptoms of GERD as well as take a look at your risk for heart disease:

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are particularly unpleasant digestive symptoms, ones that we would all prefer to avoid. There was even a classic Seinfeld television episode, in which Jerry talked about his non-vomiting streak. Although vomiting is sometimes simply the way the body deals with unwanted infectious intruders, vomiting can also be a sign that a more serious problem exists within the body. The following tools, based on the age of the patient, will help you to narrow down the possibilities:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Nausea and Vomiting in Children
• Vomiting in Infants

Diarrhea

Are you experiencing loose, watery and frequent stools? There are many reasons why a person might be experiencing diarrhea. As you seek answers, it is essential to remember that a major health risk associated with diarrhea is dehydration. So be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Stomach Pain

Pain in your abdomen can be the result of a variety of medical disorders. If the pain is sudden and acute, this could be the sign of a more serious health problem and you need to seek immediate medical attention. Ongoing abdominal pain also warrants further investigation. Choose the tool below that best fits the type of abdominal pain that you are experiencing:

• Understanding New and Severe Abdominal Pain
• Recurring Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain in Children

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent bowel movements and stools that are hard, dry and difficult to pass. Often there is a feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowel. Constipation does not always indicate a diagnosable health problem. For example, the cause could simply be a side effect of medication or a diet that is lacking in an adequate amount of dietary fiber. The following tools can help you to sort out possibilities depending on age:

• Constipation in Adults
• Constipation in Children
• Constipation in Infants

Intestinal Gas

Although embarrassing, the passing of intestinal gas is usually just a normal part of digestion. If you feel that your symptoms of gas are excessive, the following guide can help you better understand what is going on with your body and what you can do about it:

• Intestinal Gas Guide

Essential Reading from Dr. Bolen, Your IBS Guide:

• How to Find a Doctor

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.