15 Questions answered

What are the side effects of constantly taking laxatives to pass motion?

There are 5 groups of laxatives: osmotic laxatives bulk-forming laxatives stimulating laxatives stool softeners and rectal suppositories Common side effects of laxatives include: bloating skin rash cramping diarrhea nausea thirst Laxatives are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Overuse of laxatives can result in the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, which can lead to dependency on laxatives to have a bowel movement. Talk with your doctor before using any laxative.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

What causes small intestinal bacterial overgrowth?

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. SIBO can be considered to be of two types. One is associated with identifiable diseases or conditions of the intestines. The other is not. SIBO of either type can give rise to similar symptoms including indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or loose stools. The type associated with intestinal diseases and conditions may result in, the inability of the body to absorb nutrients from the intestine and may lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

When is it necessary to take antibiotics for diarrhoea and stomachache?

Antibiotics are indicated only in acute gastroenteritis caused by bacteria which is tested from stool. Stomach ache is not treated with antibiotics. However, if there is a bacteria in stoamch called Helicobacter pylori associated with gastritis or ulcer, treatment with antibiotics is given to eradicate this bacteria. The eradication need to be confirmed subsequently 3 months later with yurea breath test.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

What foods cause dry and sensitive skin?

Hello, Sensitive skin is not a disease, but usually a symptom of another condition. Dry skin is one of them. Usually you may have dry skin when skin loses too much water and oil. Having enough water during the day is the most important thing you can do. If you have sensitive skin, you can try reducing or avoiding all the foods that can dehydrate your body when taken in excess, such as coffee, alcohol, and black tea. In some cases some foods and/or food additives may cause skin irritation.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

Why does haemorrhoids cause anal itching, and how can I treat it?

An itch due to haemorrhoids responds well to topical cream application. Cream is usually prescribed by a doctor after assessment of a hemorrhoid condition.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

What type of diet reduces acid reflux?

Studies have shown that patients who follow the Mediterranean diet have marked improvement in GERD. Diet can impact tremendously in improving and preventing this condition. The main pillar of this diet consists in consuming mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, olive oil, lean sources of animal protein few times a week, a reduced amount of red meat and saturated fats, and few processed foods or refined sugars.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

Are changes to cells in the stomach lining reversible?

There are some changes in stomach lining which are reversible after treatment, such as gastritis - which are inflammatory changes, or gastric erosions which resolve after treatment. Some changes to the stomach lining such as intestinal metaplasia need further monitoring and follow up and gastroscopy surveillance. Those changes are not reversible with medications. Thank you very much for your question.

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Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

Should I be worried if I get bloody stools a week before my period?

Yes. Blood in the stool always require further evaluation.

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Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

Can functional dyspepsia be treated?

You should consult your doctor if: your indigestion symptoms persist for more than two weeks, especially if this is a new symptom, do not respond to over the counter medication, interfere with work, leisure and/or sleep over 40 years old have a family history of digestive or colon problems or cancer drink alcohol or smoke take aspirin or pain killers regularly You should consult your doctor urgently if you experience: prolonged or severe pain recurrent vomiting red or altered blood (like coffee grounds) in vomit black ‘tarry’ stools loss of appetite or weight loss...

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Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

What should I do next if I still get dyspepsia after H Pylori treatment?

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach. It is now known to be associated with gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and stomach cancers. Common complaints include pain or discomfort (usually in the upper abdomen), bloating, feeling full after meals, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting. In other patients it may stay in the stomach without causing any symptoms. We recommend eradication of Helicobacter pylori by medication. The check for Helicobacter pylori after treatment is done by urea breath test.

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Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

Can probiotics help to prevent constipation?

Probiotics help to restore and maintain healthy microflora of gut. Probiotics improve bowel movement and stool consistency. However, in chronic constipation, they need to be combined with enough intake of fiber, water, regular exercise and overall healthy diet and lifestyle.

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Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

When is surgery required for gallstones?

Surgery for gallstones is recommended when gallstones cause problems, meaning when patients have symptoms due to this condition. Patients may experience pain in the upper abdomen and right upper side of the abdomen after food associated with nausea and vomiting. Surgery is also recommended when complications like jaundice, fever, severe pain occur which are results of inflammation of gallbladder (cholecystitis), stone causing blockage of bile flow in bile duct and inflammation (cholangitis), or pancreatitis.

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Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

How is functional dyspepsia associated with gastritis?

A “sensitive stomach” in medical terms means non-ulcer or functional dyspepsia. In this case, indigestion symptoms can affect the quality of life. Tests such as a gastroscopy (endoscopic examination of the stomach) and ultrasound of the abdomen may not show any specific cause for the symptoms. ‘Gastritis’ is a term often used by the general public to describe indigestion. The medical definition of gastritis refers more specifically to inflammation of the lining of the stomach which is found during gastroscopy.

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Answered By

Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

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* This profile has been last updated on September 28, 2020.