Common Stomach Problems and How We Can Help
Digestive problems can happen to anyone and gastroenterologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating stomach issues. Dr. Gary Chen is one of the specialists in gastroenterology at the Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, in Las Vegas, NV. Here are some of the common gastric problems he can help you with.
Constipation
The most common causes of constipation include insufficient fiber in your diet, not drinking enough water, resisting the urge to go to the bathroom, not getting enough exercise, and taking certain medications. To avoid constipation and the discomfort it causes, the first thing to do is change your diet by gradually adding more fiber. You should also increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet, and bulk up on beans. Additionally, it helps to drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Gas and Bloating
Intestinal gas and abdominal bloating affect just about everyone at some time or other. Both are normal conditions that occur as your body converts food into energy. If, however, you are experiencing them often and they are making you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, you can make a few lifestyle changes to help reduce their effects. These changes include eating more slowly to avoid swallowing as much air, exercising regularly, avoiding carbonated beverages, avoiding chewing gum, quitting smoking, and checking your dentures.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when acid from the stomach flows backward into the esophagus – the tube connecting the stomach and throat. When this happens, you may feel a burning sensation in your chest and throat. You may also notice a taste of regurgitated food. In some cases, acid reflux may develop into a more severe condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you suffer from occasional bouts of acid reflux, you can make some lifestyle changes to alleviate the condition. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and eating low-fat, high-protein meals.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is caused by a viral infection and is the second most common illness in the U.S. It is spread through contaminated food and water and passed on by contact with someone who is infected. The best way to avoid gastroenteritis is by washing your hands frequently. The most common symptoms of this condition are vomiting and diarrhea, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. After you recover from gastroenteritis, taking a probiotic supplement can help to rebalance the beneficial microbacteria throughout your GI tract and also to strengthen your immune system.
If you need a gastroenterologist in Las Vegas, call Dr. Chen at 702-483-4483.