Simple Ways to Manage Digestive Problems
Katherine Tweed www.facebook.com
What causing your digestive problems? WebMD explains how to treat and prevent heartburn, constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.
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WebMD
From embarrassing gas to uncomfortable heartburn, everyone has digestive problems from time to time. The good news is there are some simple solutions for many of your troubles. Learn about what causes your discomfort, how to prevent and manage digestive problems, what questions to ask your pharmacist, and when to see a doctor.

The Digestive System

How does theÂ digestive system work?

It may seem like digestion only happens in yourÂ stomach, but itâs a long process that involves many organs. Together they form the digestive tract.

Digestion begins in your mouth, whereÂ saliva starts to break down food when you chew. When you swallow, your chewed food moves to yourÂ esophagus, a tube that connects your throat to yourÂ stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push the food down to a valve at the bottom of your esophagus, which opens to let food into the stomach.

Your stomach breaks food down using stomach acids. Then the food moves into the small intestine. There, digestive juices from several organs, like yourÂ pancreas andÂ gallbladder, break down the food more, and nutrients are absorbed. Whatâs left goes through your large intestine. The large intestine absorbs water. The waste then moves out of your body through the rectum andÂ anus.

Digestive problems can happen anywhere along the way.

Gas and Bloating

Bloating andÂ passing gas can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Hereâs what you need to know.

What is gas?

Gas is a normal part of healthy digestion. Air that is in your digestive tract is either released through yourÂ mouth as a burp or through your anus as gas. You typically pass gas 13 to 21 times a day.

What causes gas?

Gas is created when you swallow air, such as when you eat and drink. But itâs also a byproduct of the breakdown of food. Some foods cause more gas than others. You may also be more sensitive to particular foods and may have more gas when you eat them.

Taking someÂ medications can also cause gas.

Which foods cause gas?

Youâve probably noticed you feel gassy after eating certain foods. Cut back on the common culprits:

Apples

Asparagus

Beans

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Milk and dairy products

Mushrooms

Onions

Peaches

Pears

Prunes

Wheat

What causes bloating?

When gas builds up in your stomach andÂ intestines, you may have bloating â swelling in your belly and a feeling of fullness. It may happen to you more often if you have:

A stomach infection

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This digestive condition causesÂ stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea orÂ constipation.

Celiac disease. When people with this condition eat gluten, their bodies produce antibodies that attack the intestinal lining.

Hormonal changes that happen around womenâs periods

Constipation

While bloating is usually just uncomfortable, it can sometimesÂ cause pain in your belly or sides.

How can I reduce gas and bloating?

Diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

Cut back on fatty foods.

Avoid fizzy drinks.

Eat and drink slowly.

Quit smoking.

Donât chew gum.

Exercise more.

Avoid foods that cause gas.

Avoid sweeteners that cause gas such as fructose andÂ sorbitol. They are often found in candies, chewing gum, energy bars, and low-carb foods.

What OTC medicines treat excess gas?

If you have a lot of gas or are very uncomfortable, an over-the-counter medicine may help.

LactaseÂ supplements. If dairy is causing your problems, taking these tablets or drops just before you eat will help you digest lactose (the main sugar in dairy foods) and reduce gas.

Alpha-galactosidase. This digestive aid comes as liquid or tablets. You take it before you eat to help your body break down the complex carbs or sugars that cause gas, such as those found in beans, broccoli, and cabbage. Caution: People with the genetic condition galactosemia should avoid it. It may also interfere with some diabetes drugs likeÂ acarbose (Precose) orÂ miglitol (Glyset). If you take medication forÂ diabetes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this aid.

Simethicone (Mylicon).Â Taking these liquids or tablets can relieve the uncomfortable bloating and pain from gas.

Probiotics. These supplements contain "friendly" bacteria that can help digestion. In addition to tablets and powders you sprinkle on your food, foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut containÂ probiotics.

Heartburn/GERD

What isÂ heartburn?

Heartburn, sometimes called acidÂ indigestion, is a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest or the upper part of your stomach. The pain, which can also spread to your neck, jaw, or arms, can last just a few minutes or stick with you for hours.

What causes heartburn?

Thereâs a muscle at the entrance of your stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), that acts like a gate: It opens to let food move from your esophagus to your stomach, and it shuts to stop food and acid from coming back out.

When the LES opens too often or isnât tight enough, stomach acid can rise up into the esophagus and cause the burning feeling.

WhatÂ triggers heartburn?

Triggers vary from person to person, but you may be more likely to get heartburn when you:

Overeat

Eat spicy, fatty, acidic, or greasy foods

Consume caffeine or alcohol

Smoke

Lie down shortly after you eat

Are under stress

Who gets heartburn?

Some people have a higher risk of heartburn, including those who are:

Smokers

Overweight

Pregnant

Have aÂ hiatal hernia, where the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm

How should I change my diet to avoid heartburn?

You might have noticed that your heartburn gets worse when you eat or drink certain things. Here are a few that canÂ trigger heartburn:

Alcohol

Chocolate

Coffee

Fatty or fried foods

Greasy foods

Onions

Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits and juices

Vinegar, hot sauces, and salad dressings

Peppermint

Sodas and other bubbly drinks

Spicy foods

Tomatoes and tomato sauce

Big meals can also set off heartburn. Instead of eating three big meals a day, try to eat several small meals throughout the day.

What else can I do to prevent heartburn?

Here are a few steps to try:

Lose weight if youâreÂ overweight. Extra pounds put pressure on your stomach, forcing more acid up into your esophagus.

Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes that press on your stomach can trigger heartburn.

If you smoke, quit. Cigarette smoke relaxes the muscle that prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus. It also may increase how much acid your stomach makes.

Check your medicines. Regular use of anti-inflammatory and pain medicines (other thanÂ acetaminophen) contributes to heartburn.

Avoid high-impactÂ exercise.

If heartburn bothers you at night:

Eat a light dinner and avoid foods that trigger your heartburn.

Donât lie down for at least 2 to 3 hours after you eat.

Use blocks or books to raise the head of your bed by 4-6 inches. Or put a foam wedge under your mattress at the head of the bed. Sleeping at an angle will help stop acid from backing up into your esophagus.

Can exerciseÂ cause heartburn?

Exercise has more than a few health perks. Among them is weight loss, which can help you avoid getting heartburn in the first place if you are overweight. But some types of exercise can trigger the burning sensation. Youâll be less likely to reach for your heartburn medicine if you avoid crunches and inverted poses inÂ yoga. You may need to find alternatives to high-impact workouts. For example, bicycle or swim instead of going for a run.

What is GERD?

Everyone has heartburn from time to time. But when you have it frequently (at least twice a week for a few weeks), or when it begins to interfere with your daily life or damage your esophagus, your doctor may tell you that you have a long-term condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Itâs also known asÂ acid reflux disease. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.

What are other symptoms of GERD?

Besides the frequent burning in your chest, you might also have symptoms like:

Bad breath or a sour taste in yourÂ mouth or in the back of your throat

Breathing problems

Coughing

Feeling like you have a lump in the back of your throat

Hoarse or raspy voice

Nausea

Difficult or painful swallowing

Sore throat

Tooth decay

Vomiting

Is it GERD or something else?

Frequent heartburn is a symptom of GERD. Itâs important to get help if you have heartburn frequently so you can avoid complications from GERD and uncover any other problems. Call your doctor or make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive illnesses.

Many of theÂ symptoms of heartburn sound like aÂ heart attack. If youâre not sure, call 911.

What are the complications of frequent heartburn and GERD?

Over time, heartburn that isnât treated or controlled well by lifestyle changes or medicine may cause serious problems, including:

Breathing problems like asthma, nighttime choking, and repeated pneumonia

Changes in the cells that line the esophagus, called Barrettâs esophagus. This can possibly lead toÂ cancer of the esophagus.

PainfulÂ inflammation of the esophagus calledÂ esophagitis

Narrowing of the esophagus, called an esophageal stricture. This can cause problems swallowing.

What medicines can I take to treat heartburn?

Several types of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines can help with heartburn. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find the one thatâs right for you.

Antacids

What type of antacid should I choose?

Soothe occasional, mild heartburn with an antacid that containsÂ calcium carbonate orÂ magnesium. They help neutralize stomach acid. Some prevent acid reflux. Those that contain magnesium may also help heal stomach ulcers. They come in liquids and pills and are fast-acting.

What are the side effects of antacids?

Antacids can causeÂ constipation and diarrhea. Look for brands that containÂ calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide to reduce these side effects. Donât take antacids with magnesium if you have chronic kidney disease. Some antacids have a lot of salt, so you should take them only for occasional heartburn.

H2 Blockers

What do H2 blockers do?

H2 blockers help relieve and prevent occasional heartburn by lowering the amount of acid your stomach makes. Though they donât work as fast as antacids, their effects last longer. Your doctor may tell you to take an antacid and an H2 blocker together. H2 blockers are for short-term use â less than 2 weeks. You can take them before your meals to prevent heartburn, or atÂ bedtime. They come in liquids and pills.

All H2 blockers work about the same. So if one doesnât help with your heartburn, switching to a different one isnât likely to help. Switching to a higher-dose prescription version of the drug might help, though. Talk to your doctor if over-the-counter H2 blockers aren't working for you.

Some H2 blockers can interfere with other drugs, including:

Anti-seizure medicines

Blood thinners

Medicines forÂ heart rhythm problems

Talk to your doctor if you take any of these medicines and you need to take an H2 blocker.

What are the side effects of H2 blockers?

The most common side effects are mild and include:

Constipation

Diarrhea

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

What are PPIs?

PPIs are used to prevent frequent heartburn that happens more than twice a week. They work by lowering the amount of acid your stomach makes. Often, they work better than H2 blockers. You also can take these drugs for a longer period of time than H2 blockers.

PPIs are available over the counter and by prescription. But if you have GERD, you may need prescription-strength medication.

How do you take PPIs?

You need to take PPIs once a day on an empty stomach so theyâll work best. Usually youâll take the medicine every morning, about 30 to 60 minutes before you eatÂ breakfast, to control stomach acid.

Talk to your doctor before taking the PPI calledÂ omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) if you takeÂ clopidogrel (Plavix), a drug used to preventÂ heart attacks and strokes. Taking the two drugs may make clopidogrel less effective.

What are the side effects of PPIs?

The most common side effects are mild and include:

Diarrhea

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Stomach pain

PPIs may also raise your chances of getting kidney disease, and fractures of the hip, wrist, and spin, and may lead to low magnesium levels. The risk is highest in people who take high dose PPIs for a year or more.Â

Prokinetics

What are prokinetics?

Prokinetics help your stomach empty faster, so you have less acid left behind. Usually you take this medicine before meals and atÂ bedtime.

Prokinetics are sold only by prescription.

What are the side effects of prokinetics?

Prokinetics can have more serious side effects than PPIs or H2 blockers. These include:

Anxiety

Depression

Diarrhea

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Crankiness

Nausea

If Medicines Donât Help

Should I call my doctor?

Yes. If your heartburn isnât getting better, your medicines cause side effects you canât tolerate, or you have other complications, you may need surgery. It is rare to need surgery for heartburn.

What will my doctor do?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. It can be helpful to keep a journal to note what you eat and drink and when you have heartburn. This will help you and your doctor pinpoint your triggers.

If medicine and lifestyle changes donât control your heartburn, you can take one of these tests to find out what's causing the problem:

pH test.Â This measures the acidity of your esophagus. The doctor will either attach a small sensor to your esophagus or place a thin tube down your esophagus.Â

Endoscopy.Â A long, thin tube with a camera and light on the end is put down your esophagus so your doctor can look inside your esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy can look for problems such as an ulcer or narrowing inside your esophagus.

Barium X-ray.Â Youâll drink a liquid that coats the inside of your digestive tract. Then X-rays are taken, which will allow your doctor to see the outline of yourÂ digestive system.

When is heartburn an emergency?

Heartburn is usually a minor problem that goes away over time. But if you also have other symptoms, it could be a sign that something more serious is wrong. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if:

It hurts to swallow.

You feel like youâre choking.

You have black, tarry-lookingÂ bowel movements.

Your mouth or throat hurts when you eat.

You have difficulty swallowing foods

Your voice is hoarse.

Your vomit containsÂ blood or what looks like coffee grounds.

You have trouble breathing.

Is it heartburn or aÂ heart attack?

Heartburn doesnât affect yourÂ heart, but it can feel a lot like theÂ chest pain that happens during a heart attack. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms along with chest pain, even if youâre not sure that youâre having a heart attack:

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Pain that travels to your neck andÂ shoulder, jaw, or back

Shortness of breath

Sweating

Over-the-Counter Heartburn Relief

Type of medicineHow they workHow fast they start workingHow long the effects lastSide effects

Antacids

Â

They neutralize stomach acid.Within secondsUp to 3 hoursSome cause constipation and diarrhea.

H2 Blockers

Â

They lower the amount of acid your stomach makes.In about 30 minutesUp to 12 hours

They may cause constipation, diarrhea,Â headache, nausea, or vomiting.

Â

Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Â

They lower the amount of acid your stomach makes.Up to 4 daysUp to 24 hours

They may cause diarrhea,Â headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Â

Â

Constipation

How do I know if Iâm constipated?

Whatâs considered a normal number of bowel movements varies from person to person. If you are straining when going to the bathroom, you are probably constipated. You may also have hard stools or a feeling that your bowel movement isnât complete.

Occasional constipation is common, but if you have less than three bowel movements in a week, see your doctor.

What causes it?

There are many causes of constipation, and sometimes you have more than one:

Not drinking enough water

Eating a diet low in fiber

Traveling or changing your routine

Getting too little exercise

Taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, iron, and some pain medications (particularly narcotic pain medications)

Medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, IBS, and hypothyroidism

Pregnancy

Blockages in the large intestine

Problems with the nerves or muscles around the large intestine or rectum

Taking too many laxatives

When should I call my doctor?

If you are constipated for more than 2 weeks, are losing weight, have blood in your stool, or you are having severe pain, see your doctor. These may be signs of a serious problem.

How can I prevent and treat constipation without medication?

Drink plenty of water (60-80 ounces per day). An extra two to four glasses a day may help.

Eat prunes or bran cereal to get 20-35 grams of fiber per day.

Eat more vegetables and fruit.

Drink warm wateror herbal tea in the morning.

Exercise often.

What OTC medications can I take for constipation?

When lifestyle changes donât solve your problems, there are several over-the-counter medications that can help. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about which medicine is right for you. Be sure to read labels carefully before taking these medicines. Using some over-the-counter treatments for constipation for more than 2 weeks can make your symptoms worse and may be a sign of something more serious.

Bulk-forming laxatives. You take these fiber supplements with water to bulk up your stool, which can trigger your bowels to push it out. Some common bulk laxatives areÂ methylcellulose, polycarbophil, psyllium, and wheat dextrin.

Lubricants, like mineral oil. They coat the surface of the intestine and block water from being absorbed from the stool, which helps it pass more easily.

Osmotic agents. These help keep more water in the intestine, which can expand the intestine and stimulate a bowel movement. Osmotic agents are not for some older adults and people with heart or kidney failure. Talk to your doctor before taking this type of medicine.

Stool softeners. By adding fluid to stools, softeners help you avoid straining and make them easier to pass.

Stimulants. These laxatives make the intestines contract, which helps move the stool.

Suppositories or enemas. Some laxatives come in a form that can be inserted into the rectum. These are helpful when you have to avoid straining, such as after surgery or childbirth.

Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum and the anus, and they can be uncomfortable. They can be either inside the rectum (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external). Internal hemorrhoids usually donât cause discomfort, though straining to have a bowel movement may cause them to bleed or lead to spasms in the muscles of the rectum, which can be painful. External hemorrhoids itch and may bleed.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Bleeding during a bowel movement. You might also notice blood on the toilet paper after you wipe.

Itching around the anus

Swelling or pain around the anus

Painful or sensitive lumps around the anus

If you think you have hemorrhoids, see your doctor. Bleeding can also be a symptom of something more serious.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Constipation or straining during bowel movements causes most hemorrhoids. You may also have hemorrhoids if you don't get enough fiber in your diet.

Being pregnant or overweight can cause hemorrhoids because of the extra pressure on your rectum. Hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy can also weaken the muscles of the rectum and anus.

Youâre also more likely to get them if you sit for long periods of time. And they're more common as you get older. Other causes include having diabetes, a past rectal surgery, and colon cancer.

When should I call my doctor?

If you think you have hemorrhoids, see your doctor. They can recommend treatment and make sure your symptoms are not caused by another condition.

You should also see your doctor if your hemorrhoids havenât gotten better with treatment. You may need to see a doctor who specializes in hemorrhoids.

How can I treat hemorrhoids without medication?

Add fiber to your diet to help relieve constipation and make your stools softer. This will make it easier to have bowel movements and reduce the pressure on hemorrhoids.

Try a stool softener.

Exercise to help relieve constipation.

Donât strain during bowel movements.

Soak in a plain, warm bath or sitz bath (a few inches of water that covers your private parts and bottom) to help relieve the pain.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Use moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper so you donât irritate the area any further.

Apply an ice pack or cold compress to help with swelling.

Avoid spicy foods to prevent itching.

Which OTC medications treat hemorrhoids?

Medications include creams, suppositories, pads, and ointments. Most products contain witch hazel or hydrocortisone, which can help stop the itching and swelling and may ease pain. Most over-the-counter medications should not be used for more than a week. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which is the best option for you.

Diarrhea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is loose, watery stool that sends you to the bathroom more often than usual. When you have diarrhea, you may have stomach pain and cramps or bloating.

What causes it?

Many things cause diarrhea, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, medications, and medical conditions that affect the stomach, intestines, or colon. What you eat can also be a culprit.

When should I call my doctor?

If you have occasional, mild diarrhea, there is probably no reason for concern. But if it lasts for more than 2 days and hasnât improved, you should call your doctor. If your infant or child has diarrhea, call your pediatrician.

How to Fix Digestive Issues

Fiber

Fiber is a natural part of plants. There are two types. Both are important and work in different ways.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, turning into a gel. Think of it as a sponge, soaking up fluid. Soluble fiber can help with diarrhea, which happens when there is too much water in your colon. It also slows the emptying of your stomach so you feel fuller longer, which can help you lose weight.

Sources include:

Apples

Citrus fruits

Lentils

Nuts

Oatmeal

Psyllium

Insoluble fiber doesnât dissolve in water. Think of it as a broom: It helps keep food and waste moving through your body. Because insoluble fiber attracts water in your gut, it makes stools softer and easier to pass. Eating a diet rich in insoluble fiber can help with constipation.

Sources include:

Carrots

Cauliflower

Legumes

Potatoes

Whole grains

Women should get about 25 grams of fiber per day. Men should get 38 grams.

If you have trouble getting enough fiber from foods, your doctor may suggest you take fiber supplements.

Drinking water

Water is essential to good health and normal bowel function. Water also helps keep stools soft but solid and well-formed. Avoid drinking beverages such as coffee or soda if you think they trigger your digestive problems.

Probiotics

Your digestive tract is full of different kinds of bacteria. You may think that is a bad thing, but most of the bacteria in your gut are healthy. They break down toxins, help your body make some vitamins, and play a role in keeping you healthy. But when you have too much of some kinds of bacteria, you may get an illness or have unpleasant symptoms.

Probiotics are like the healthy bacteria in your body. Eating foods that contain them, or taking probiotic supplements, can help keep a balance of good and bad bacteria in your body.

Experts arenât sure exactly how they work, but probiotics may help:

Relieve bloating from gas

Keep you regular

Relieve some types of diarrhea

Boost your immunity

Fight infections

Prevent harmful bacteria from growing in your stomach

Destroy the bacteria that make you sick

Make B vitamins your body needs