Care Area
Digestive concerns
Acidity, gas, constipation and loose motions are everyday complaints that almost everyone faces at some point. Most improve with simple diet and habit changes, but symptoms that persist or recur deserve a proper check.
Understanding digestive problems
Many stomach complaints come from acidity and reflux, gastritis, irritable bowel or short-lived infections. Diet, meal timing, stress and sleep all play a surprisingly large role in how the gut behaves.
Occasional discomfort is normal, but a pattern that keeps coming back, or symptoms that are getting worse, should be assessed rather than masked with constant antacids or painkillers.
Common signs & symptoms
- Burning in the chest or upper stomach
- Bloating and excess gas
- Constipation or loose motions
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Cramping abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly after eating
How to take care
Eat at regular times, chew slowly and prefer smaller, more frequent meals over large heavy ones. Drink enough water through the day and include fibre from vegetables, fruit and whole grains to keep digestion regular.
For loose motions, ORS and fluids prevent dehydration. Notice which foods trigger your symptoms and cut back on them, and try not to eat late at night or lie down straight after a meal.
What to do
- Eat slowly and at regular meal times
- Have smaller, more frequent meals
- Drink water and fibre-rich foods daily
- Use ORS and fluids during loose motions
- Identify and limit your trigger foods
What to avoid
- Don't lie down right after eating
- Avoid very spicy, oily and late-night meals
- Limit tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking
- Don't overuse antacids or painkillers
- Don't ignore symptoms that keep returning
When to see the doctor
See the doctor without delay for blood in the stool or vomit, black tarry stools, severe or persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, or diarrhoea with signs of dehydration.
Consult
Talk to Dr Ajit Kishor about digestive concerns
Monika Niwaas, opposite Patna College, near Razza High School, Annie Besant Road, Patna 800004, Bihar.