|
FAQ
Detailed Search
|
| Topic: |
Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: |
Sorting out the most Common GI Complaints. |
| Author: |
Friedman, L.S.; Robinson, M. |
| Source: |
Patient Care. 36(3): 21-22, 25-26, 28, 31. February 15, 2002. |
| Availability: |
Available from Medical Economics. 5 Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645. (800) 432-4570. Fax (201) 573-4956. |
| Abstract: |
Millions of patients have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including belching (burping), intestinal gas (flatulence), abdominal distension, and indigestion, among others. Most of these do not signal the presence of a serious illness, but the practitioner's advice on preventing and treating nuisance symptoms can be enormously valuable to patients. This article helps primary care providers sort out the most common GI complaints. The authors stress that even trivial GI complaints deserve careful attention in the history and physical. Ominous symptoms include anemia, dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), bleeding, and weight loss. Once a potentially serious GI disorder has been ruled out, prevention and treatment efforts against the patient's most troublesome complaints can be initiated. Alpha-D-galactosidase may reduce gas associated with bean consumption; patients should be encouraged to incorporate these valuable foods in their diets. Sorbitol containing products may cause excessive gas production, even diarrhea. Patients should not increase their fiber consumption without increasing their fluid intake. Heartburn is usually well managed with H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors. The authors caution that testing for gallstones is not indicated, unless the patient has the characteristic severe pain associated with this condition. And eradicating Helicobacter pylori in a patient with nonulcer dyspepsia usually does not reduce the symptoms. 1 figure. 1 table. 6 references. |
| Format: |
Journal Article |
| Language: |
English. |
| Major Keywords: |
Digestive System Diseases. Gastrointestinal System. Symptoms. Patient Care Management. Flatulence. Constipation. Diagnosis. Therapy. Etiology. |
| Minor Keywords: |
Diagnostic Tests. Risk Factors. Food Sensitivity. Dietary Fiber. Gallstones. Dyspepsia. Diarrhea. Abdominal Pain. Patient Selection. |
| Publication Number: |
DDJA08807 |
| Printer-Friendly Version | Return to Search Results |
|
<-- previous record
|
next record -->
|
|
 |
|
