Appendicitis: Causes and treatment

Appendicitis causes your appendix to become inflamed. It can lead to pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. As inflammation gets worse, the pain increases and becomes severe. Below, a gastroenterologist in Nashik lists the causes and treatment of appendicitis. 

Causes of appendicitis

According to a gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik, appendicitis can occur when your appendix becomes obstructed or blocked. Several factors can cause blockage of your appendix. Some of them have been listed below.

1. Intestinal worms
2. Buildup of hardened stool
3. Enlarged lymphoid follicles
4. Tumours
5. Traumatic injury

There are also several risk factors for appendicitis, such as-

Age

Appendicitis can affect teenagers and people in their twenties. However, people of any age can develop this condition. 

Gender

Appendicitis is more common in men than in women. 

Family history

People who have got a family history of appendicitis are at a greater risk of developing the condition.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

In case you notice any of the following symptoms, you must visit a gastrointestinal specialist to get diagnosed and treated for appendicitis. 

• Prolonged constipation
• Low fever
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal tenderness or pain
• Diarrhoea
• Swollen belly
• Inability to release gas
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatments of appendicitis by a gastroenterologist

Most people who suffer from appendicitis require appendectomy, a procedure that removes the appendix. If the appendix has not ruptured, surgery prevents the rupture and the infection from spreading. 

Before you undergo surgery, your gastroenterologist will give you IV antibiotics to treat the infection. Mild appendicitis can get better with the help of antibiotics. During the course of your antibiotics, your doctor will check how the treatment is working and whether or not you need surgery. However, it is the only way to treat the abdominal infection when your appendix ruptures.

Nowadays, most appendectomies are done with a laparoscopic procedure which means small incisions are made in your abdomen. This minimally invasive approach enables you to heal quickly with less pain. In case the appendix ruptures, major surgery will be required.

We have discussed the causes and treatment of appendicitis. Reach out to a gastroenterologist to review your symptoms and check whether you have the condition. In case you get diagnosed with appendicitis, your doctor will be able to suggest a suitable treatment for you.

 

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: Explains gastroenterologist

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of disorder that causes pain and swelling along with chronic inflammation in your intestines. IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both these types affect your digestive system. Below, a gastroenterologist in Nashik explains the types of inflammatory bowel disease and their treatments.

Types of Inflammatory bowel disease

1. Crohn's disease

According to a gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik, Crohn's disease causes swelling and pain in your digestive tract. It can affect any part between the mouth and the anus. Usually, it affects the upper part of your large intestine along with the small intestine.

2. Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes sores and swelling in your large intestine (rectum and colon).

Treatments for Inflammatory bowel disease

According to the best gastroenterologist in Nashik, these are the most suitable treatments for Inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs are suitable for treating ulcerative colitis. These drugs include aminosalicylates like Dipentum, Colazal, Delzicol, and Rowasa. The medication you take depends on the area of the colon that is affected.

2. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can be used with other medications as prescribed by your doctor when there is a concern about infection. Such antibiotics include metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.

● The medications that may be given to relieve your IBD symptoms are as follows.

● If you have mild pain, your doctor will recommend Tylenol and other pain relievers. 

● Anti-diarrheal medications include fibre supplements that relieve mild or moderate diarrhoea. 

3. Immune system suppressors 

These drugs suppress the immune responses that release chemicals into your body, inducing inflammation. These chemicals can damage the lining of your digestive tract.

4. Surgery

Surgeries are recommended if the above treatments are not effective in treating IBD.

Surgery for ulcerative colitis removes your entire rectum and colon, and the production of the internal pouch attached to your anus that allows movements of bowels without any bag.

Surgery for Crohn's disease removes the damaged portion of the digestive tract and reconnects it with the healthy parts. This surgery can be used for closing drain abscesses and fistulas.

We have mentioned above the treatments for Inflammatory bowel disease. If you find blood in your stool or suffer from recurrent diarrhea, consult a top gastroenterologist to see whether you have the disease and to know which treatment will be the most suitable for you.

Top Gastroenterologist Explains Viral Gastroenteritis

 Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting and sometimes fever, says a gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik.

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.

There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. Avoid food and water that may be contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Symptoms

Although it's commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn't the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs, says the best gastroenterologist in Nashik. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as:

·         Watery, usually non-bloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection

·         Nausea, vomiting or both

·         Stomach cramps and pain

·         Occasional muscle aches or headache

·         Low-grade fever

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

Because the symptoms are similar, it's easy to confuse viral gastroenteritis with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, salmonella and Escherichia coli, or parasites.

When to see a doctor

According to the top gastroenterologist in Nashik, if you're an adult, call your health care provider if:

·         You've been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than two days

·         You're dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness

·         You notice blood in your bowel movements.

Most Common Post-Op Risks and Side Effects Of Bariatric Surgery

Experts believe that bariatric surgery is helpful to lose the excessive weight in obese people, but patients should know that it is not without risk, says the bariatric surgery doctor in Nashik.

Bariatric surgery has shown to be an effective weight-loss alternative for those suffering from major weight-related health issues. Bariatric surgery, which includes gastric bypass surgery and other weight-loss procedures, is a procedure that involves altering the digestive system to aid in weight loss.

Bariatric surgeries are weight-loss options for people who have tried diet and exercise but have not been successful in maintaining their results. These operations are seen to be beneficial by experts, but patients should be aware that they are not without risk. All bariatric surgeries are major operations and no procedure is without risk or potential complications. If you're thinking about having bariatric surgery, here's what you should know about the most common risks and side effects, says the best gastroenterologist in Nashik.

Most common risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is associated with several post-operative risks and side effects. Some of the more common, immediate side effects are as follows:

• Acid reflux

• Anaesthesia-related risks

• Chronic nausea and vomiting

• Oesophageal dilation

• Inability to eat certain foods

• Infection

• Stomach obstruction

Long-term consequences of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery also has long-term side effects and risks. These can range in severity from mild to severe. Some of the most prevalent are:

·         Dumping syndrome, a disease in which food from the stomach is discharged into the large intestine without being properly digested

·         Low blood sugar

·         Malnutrition

·         Vomiting

·         Ulcers

·         Bowel blockage

·         Hernias

There are several types of bariatric operations, each with its own set of possible dangers and adverse effects. It may be useful to understand each surgery's risks and side effects before deciding which one is best for you, says the gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik.

How to Deal with Constipation: Top Gastroenterologist Explains

 What is meant by constipation

Various people have different reactions to constipation. It usually refers to an inability to completely evacuate faeces or difficulties passing stool multiple times in a row, as well as a firm consistency. A person's normal stool frequency ranges from three times per day to once every three days. It is not the same for youngsters. Constipation is a sign that something is wrong. It's one of the most common reasons that people go to the doctor. Constipation affects 2 to 30 percent of the world's population, as well as 20 to 40 percent of the elderly.

When constipation is linked with blood in the stool, weight loss, or new-onset constipation in old age, it is concerning. It could also be triggered by a chronic disease in people with IBD and a family history of colon cancer, says a well-known gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik.

Causes of constipation

Constipation can be caused by a number of factors. The majority of these aren't life-threatening. Irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dyssynergia, and slow intestinal activity are the most prevalent. Systemic disorders such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and others can cause constipation. Many medicines have the potential to cause it.

Colonoscopy is a first-line procedure for diagnosing causes of constipation, such as malignancy. The next tests will be a colonic transit study and anorectal manometry. Your gastroenterologist in Nashik will recommend these based on your needs.

Treatment of constipation

Treating constipation usually entails correcting a poor lifestyle. Patients frequently require a variety of medications, including stool softeners and laxatives that are given by your gastroenterologist. Physical activity is very important, and patients are urged to participate in it. Walking, cycling, swimming, or running for 30 to 40 minutes is a decent workout.

In pelvic floor dyssynergia and slow transit constipation, yoga has a specific role to play. It has been studied that constipation can be relieved by certain yoga positions. According to the best gastroenterologist in Nashik, constipation can often result in complications such as anal fissures, piles, or faecal impaction, which require specific treatment.

Preventing constipation

As per the topgastroenterologist in Nashik, high fluid intake is enough to produce 1.5 litres of urine each day, while a high fibre intake along with frequent exercise helps avoid constipation. If people spend long periods sitting at work, they should be encouraged to take small breaks. Yoga, once again, plays a critical role in prevention.

Gastroenterologist shares Useful Facts about Bile Duct Stones

 Gallstones that pass through your gallbladder can end up in your stomach. However, depending on the size of the stone and the anatomy of the biliary tree, a stone may become trapped in your bile duct. The top gastroenterologist in Nashik says the gallbladder stones that have become stuck in the bile duct are known as bile duct stones. Stones caught in the ducts leading to the duodenum can be painful as well as harmful.

What are the Causes of Bile Duct Stones

The gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik says that the following are the causes of bile duct stones:

·         Increase in body weight

·         Inherited body chemistry

·         Diet and lifestyle

·         Contraction of gallbladder

Who is More at Risk

The following people, as listed by the bestgastroenterologist in Nashik, are more prone to bile duct stones:

·         Women, aged between 20 and 60 years

·         Men and women, who are over 60 years of age

·         Those who are obese

·         Individuals who are on diet or those who lose weight quickly

·         Women who are expecting, or those who have taken birth control pills

What are the Signs and Symptoms

People with bile duct stones generally experience the following symptoms:

·         Severe pain, which occurs between the shoulder blades

·         Chills and fever

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Jaundice

·         Dark urine, even after drinking plenty of water

Bile Duct Stones Treatment

Antibiotics may be used first to help manage infection of gallstones and bile duct stones. Miniaturized surgical instruments inserted through an ERCP can also be used to treat them at the moment of diagnosis. Alternatively, stones can be treated with dissolving medicines, lithotripsy (a technique that employs sound waves to break up stones), or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, is the commonly used procedure for people suffering from gallstone symptoms. The gastroenterologistin Nashik is among the best doctors when it comes to performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure for removing the gallbladder.

A Gastroenterologist’s Tips for Controlling Stomach Ulcers

 

Tips for Controlling Stomach Ulcers

Although most people with stomach ulcers are successfully treated, you can follow some simple tips to complement the treatment process, helping the ulcer to heal and recover faster. The actions you take would also help in preventing future ulcers. Make sure to follow your Nashik-based gastroenterologist’s tips to better manage stomach ulcers and lead a healthier life.

Mind Your Medicines

Most individuals with stomach ulcers should take drugs as prescribed by their doctors to help reduce pain and improve the condition. Antibiotics, for example, help kill H. pylori bacteria that cause infection (which is one of the leading causes of ulcers in the stomach). Acid blockers, on the other hand, should be consumed on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. Make sure that you follow your physician’s directions while taking the medicines.

Avoid Taking Antacids

Several antacids are available in the market that offers temporary relief, helping your ulcer feel better. However, it would help if you stop taking them because antacids do not actually heal stomach ulcers. Instead, they interfere with the drugs and medicines that help manage ulcers, says the top gastroenterologist in Nashik.

Reconsider Your Pain Medications

The use of NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (a category of pain relievers) is one of the common causes of ulcers occurring in the stomach. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Always consult your gastrointestinalspecialist in Nashik before taking an NSAID. You can also ask for an alternative pain reliever instead.

Do not Take Excess Dairy Products

It is a common belief that taking cold milk helps ease stomach ulcers and acidity. While it acts as a temporary reliever, it is not a permanent cure for ulcers. As a matter of fact, a renowned stomach specialist in Nashik warns that overconsumption of milk and other dairy products can increase the risks of the formation of stomach acid, making the ulcer worse.