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Gut Health Space is an expert-led community of people who support each other on their gut, bowel, or stomach health. Ask questions on your Gastroenterology issues like Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Digestive Disorders and Stomach Pain.

@brap 24

I have fecal body odour

I've had a fecal odour for some time now and can not get it to go. Been to the doctors multiple t...

0 answers 0 comments 255 views 2022-10-12 22:53:21 UTC

@LilRed03 53

Do i have an intestinal parasite?

Its been 2 years since i first seen symptoms of what i am pretty sure is a parasite. I have all t...

0 answers 0 comments 232 views 2022-10-10 08:35:16 UTC

@Patient999 40

Which blood levels are more tied to colon cancer

Please see my questions below:When it comes to WBC and SED rate, I understand levels will be high...

1 answers 1 comments 581 views 2022-10-06 13:55:35 UTC

@Patient999 thanks for your questions.first of all, WBC and SED ( I assume it's ESR) are non specific markers of cancer in general (unless for certain type of leukaemia). Doctors don't use WBC or ESR to diagnose or provide prognosis of cancer patients.
Neither is white cell types used to assess cancer progression during treatment .
Finally fasting does not affect ESR.

Dr. John H

• space doctor 2022-10-09 01:08:35 UTC

@A-Marie-88 35

What does mild prominence portal triads mean on a liver ultrasound? It also says my liver is enla...

1 answers 0 comments 696 views 2022-09-09 21:04:12 UTC

@A-Marie-88 , the report seem to suggest there is a degree of iron deposition with the history of haemochromatosis. While it is less likely for pre-menopausal women to have significant liver disease/enlarged liver from haemochromatosis. I would reocmmend you see a liver specialist for other causes of enlarged liver. The prominence of portal triad is rather nonspecific.
Hope this helps!

Dr. John H

• space doctor 2022-09-23 06:09:37 UTC

@mbelmon 33

Why is constipation worse at night?

Hello, I have been suffering from chronic constipation. I can manage it during the day through...

0 answers 0 comments 407 views 2022-03-27 13:26:18 UTC

ARTICLE

Facts about Chronic Constipation

Some people find constipation to be an absolutely miserable condition. Not only does ... (continued)

0 comments 2022-03-02 11:49:38 UTC

ARTICLE

How to prevent Helicobacter Pylori infections?

This isn't the first time Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori has made headlines. "Can h... (continued)

0 comments 2022-02-23 05:20:11 UTC

@pinkonrs 25

Can a High White blood cell count be constipation

Background information I have anorexia and this started after I started recovery. So I went to th...

1 answers 0 comments 2056 views 2021-09-26 20:15:17 UTC

@pinkonrs I am sorry to hear you are dealing with symptoms like these. Having high white blood cell count is quite non-specific when you are experiencing GERD symptoms. Constipation does not cause high white cell count. It is possible you have other conditions causing the symptoms you are experiencing right now such as gallstone condition blocking the bile duct or diverticulitis.

Sorry for any inconvenience this causes!
While I cannot diagnose from here, it would be important for further conversations should be from a health care professional in order to get more accurate information about what might be happening with your blood stool and acid reflux symptoms.

Dr. John H

• space doctor 2022-02-26 23:44:03 UTC

@gerdboss 33

Can you recover from GERD?

1 answers 0 comments 418 views 2020-05-27 08:57:54 UTC

A very good day to you
GERD is a complex condition that requires proper investigation into the causes of both the acidity within the stomach and the mechanisms of the reflux of the acid into the stomach.
Thereafter, using this information, the diet and lifestyle modification that is required can be formulated. This goes a long way in relieving the symptoms.
Further to that would be very effective medication that would help with both acid reduction and the anti-reflux mechanism.
It is also important that a gastroscopy is done to confirm the diagnosis and to look for causes and complications of GERD like inflammation, ulcers and pre cancerous changes. To achieve this, it would frequently require biopsies during the gastroscopy. Helicobacter Pylori bacteria within the stomach is also an important cause will be tested for as well. There are other important tests like the pH and pressure monitoring or even the traditional barium swallow that can give further information on the diagnosis and severity of the disease.
With all this information at hand, it can improve the symptoms and manage GERD very well.

Dr. Ganesh R 2020-05-29 13:47:28 UTC

@bluecotton 38

My mum has been having this rising feeling of food/acid regurgitating after her evening dinners. ...

Her doctor says it could be just acid reflux but I am concerned since it has been going on for qu...

1 answers 1 comments 436 views 2020-04-03 15:30:59 UTC

I recommend that she gets a referral for a gastroscope to see if there is anything wrong in her stomach.

Dr. Felicia H 2020-04-03 19:30:40 UTC

@Concerned 36

If I’m experiencing excessive thirst for a week, what can that imply?

I feel very thirsty despite drinking water. The thirst is better when having meals and will resur...

1 answers 0 comments 411 views 2020-04-02 14:44:34 UTC

Hi @Concerned thats a common question! The warmer temperature in Singapore this past week is a possible cause if you may have been outdoors or perspiring from activity often. Other common causes include changes in diet, perhaps if you may have been consuming more preserved food with all the social distancing measures in place. That being said, with the gastric and bloating issues, are there other symptoms like loose stools or giddiness? Other possible underlying conditions that are less likely include early onset diabetes.

If there are no other symptoms and you feel otherwise well, you may want to consider hydration and rest to observe for some time. However, if you are having other symptoms such as those highlighted above, or if the thirst/ gastric symptoms persist or progresses, you should have a physical review with a doctor. One of the tests they may consider is a fasting blood glucose test. So if you do proceed for a review, try to see them early in the morning and fast for 8 hours from the night before (avoid oral food/drink intake apart from plain water) in case they assess you and determine that you may need to go for testing.

Dr. Dinesh G 2020-04-03 05:21:22 UTC

@Doug 38

Is GERD curable? Tips How To Overcome This Condition

Just seen an ENT specialist for my persistent throat itch and was diagnosed with GERD. Is GERD r...

1 answers 1 comments 410 views 2020-03-30 13:16:21 UTC

Hello @Doug , GERD is a condition that can be attributed to a variety of causes. Assuming that potentially reversible structural causes (e.g hiatal hernia) have been ruled out, your condition can significantly improve within a week with strict adherence to a dietary regime and some medication. Avoid spicy/ oily food and large meals especially during dinner times. Have smaller but more frequent meals. Your doctor may prescribe you with medication such as prokinetics (such as domperidone) and acid suppressants (such as omeprazole) during the acute episode. Even if you have recovered from the symptoms of GERD, I still discourage taking the food you’ve been asked to avoid in large quantities as it may precipitate the onset of symptoms again.

Dr. Bryan K 2020-03-30 16:30:58 UTC

@gerdboss 33

Is gerd somthing I have to live with for the rest of my life or will I get better?

1 answers 0 comments 405 views 2019-10-10 03:32:19 UTC

Hi @gerdboss , GERD is treatable with a course of medication but may never truly recover. There are a few common reasons why people do not recover or have multiple episodes of discomfort/regurg/heartburn symptoms. (a) H Pylori Infection - This is the most common form of bacterial infection of the stomach that can result in GERD. Unfortunately the most accurate diagnosis can only be done through a scope with a biopsy done. The results are obtained the next day. Another method of screening is a "urea breath test" - which has a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 97%. Though it is quite a costly test and often not covered for insurance purposes. If symptoms persistent, some clinicians may choose to treat for it even without any investigations done. (b) Advanced disease - GERD typically has multiple stages which can only be determined with a scope. High grade disease typically present with more severe/persistent symptoms (c) Trigger avoidance - In general patients with persistent symptoms would be advised to avoid foods that are highly acidic e.g. citrus food, caffine (not just coffee) and spicy foods. These are the usual culprits for recurrent symptoms. Your physician may also ask you to keep a food diary to see what foods typically cause your symptoms - most patient are able to identify a trend. (d) Non compliance to medication course/Ineffective medication - Most courses of medications have to be taken over a 2- 4 week period daily, either once or twice a day. This treatment aims to attempt to "reset" the pH level of your gut. Some patients may require more potent medications (such as pantoprazole/esomeprazole) compared to traditional over the counter medication (such as gaviscon). Unfortunately the more potent medications are much more expensive and it would be more advisable to see a specialist first for preliminary investigations (e.g esomeprazole can be $7 per tablet).

Dr. Adnaan S 2019-10-12 10:58:27 UTC

@Bertrand 32

Have bloating on left side after eating; have had the problem for about 4 days. Stomach feels lik...

1 answers 0 comments 418 views 2019-09-11 16:08:32 UTC

Hi @Bertrand yes this complaint needs to be discussed with a GP. You can try having a preliminary discussion with a GP online via an app like DoctorWorld, however you may still be referred to a clinic in-person if they determine that you need to be examined.

Dr. Dinesh G 2019-09-13 03:53:31 UTC

@igotz99problemz 36

Is burping bad for acid reflux?

1 answers 0 comments 389 views 2019-08-27 07:11:40 UTC

Hi @igotz99problemz great question! Yes it is bad for acid reflux almost as much as it is impolite, although acid reflux can itself cause burping. If frequent burping is a problem you encounter, try eating slower, and avoid chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, and drinking carbonated drinks. If the problem persists or you develop pain or worsening reflux symptoms, you should see a GP or Gastroenterologist for further evaluation.

Dr. Dinesh G 2019-08-27 14:18:27 UTC

@gerdboss 33

Why does asthma medication cause acid reflux?

1 answers 0 comments 402 views 2019-08-18 18:12:19 UTC

Hi @gerdboss great question! Asthma has many medications including several inhalers. Some of these inhalers work by relaxing smooth muscle, helping to alleviate asthmatic symptoms like wheeze by reducing bronchoconstriction. This can contribute to GERD through regular use in the long-term. However, if you find yourself needing to use these asthma relievers frequently, this means that your underlying asthma may need to be reviewed by a GP for consideration of asthma controllers, a different type of inhaler without this effect. However, I would add that acid reflux itself has many possible causes and can often be multifactorial, requiring the involvement of specialists to nail down the contributing causes. Contributing factors include obesity, tight clothing, and chronic alcohol consumption. If this is something you experience I would recommend seeing a GP to have a detailed discussion and examination for what could be the root cause to allay your concerns, as some patients may require tests for potential reversible causes of GERD to guide their management. Hope this helps!

Dr. Dinesh G 2019-08-19 13:51:42 UTC

@gerdboss 33

Can GERD lead to cancer?

2 answers 0 comments 464 views 2019-08-17 08:31:03 UTC

Hi @gerdboss this is a great question. That is correct, studies have shown that a small proportion of patients with recurrent GERD causing certain changes in the lower throat can eventually develop cancer. You can speak to a gastroenterologist for detailed evaluation if you think this may be a concern.

Dr. Dinesh G 2019-08-19 13:51:27 UTC

@gerdboss 33

How to get rid of heartburn

GERD

1 answers 0 comments 392 views 2019-08-17 08:23:43 UTC

Hi @gerdboss, great question! Heartburn is a burning sensation in the tummy accompanied by reflux of undigested food/sour fluid from the stomach. It has many possible causes and can often be multifactorial, requiring the involvement of specialists to nail down the contributing causes. Contributing factors include obesity, tight clothing, and chronic alcohol consumption. There are some over the counter (OTC) remedies for this symptom like Gaviscon, but if this is something you experience I would recommend seeing a GP to have a detailed discussion and examination for what could be the root cause and allay your concerns, as some patients may require tests for potential reversible causes of GERD to guide their management. Hope this helps! If you have any further questions or would like to have a detailed discussion about possible causes and what to do next, feel free to connect with me via the DoctorWorld application for a teleconsultation.

Dr. Dinesh G 2019-08-19 13:51:37 UTC

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