Digestive Health for Women

Signs & Symptoms

Bloating in the stomach is a common condition, especially in women. However, bloating may indicate something more serious. Here are the warning signs and symptoms accompanying bloating that may indicate more severe illnesses:

• Weight loss without any change in diet or exercise regimen
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight gain or a rapidly expanding waistline
• Jaundice
• Blood in stool
• Vaginal bleeding in between periods
• Fever

If you experience bloating together with any of the above symptoms, consult your gastroenterologist immediately. At times, the symptoms may indicate a more serious illness such as cancer of the colon, ovary, uterus, stomach or liver. Early diagnosis and regular screening is important. Talk to your doctor to find out more.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your gastroenterologist will look at your medical history and perform a physical examination. If necessary, diagnostic tests or endoscopy may be prescribed for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment varies depending on diagnosis, and your gastroenterologist may prescribe medication or recommend lifestyle changes to treat digestive disorders. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Talk to your gastroenterologist to find out more.

Signs & Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms vary among individuals. The common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort that improves after a bowel movement
• Bloating and flatulence
• Loose stools
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Changes in stool appearance
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

People with IBS often suffer from other gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or anxiety. If you experience any of the above symptoms, talk to your gastroenterologist to find out more. Regular screenings will help to diagnose your condition early and prevent further complications.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your gastroenterologist will examine your medical history, including allergies and lifestyle habits. The following tests may be conducted:

• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• X-ray
• Blood tests
• Stool tests

Treatment varies across individuals depending on the severity of the condition. At times, lifestyle changes may be recommended, such as lowering stress levels and avoiding caffeine, smoking and alcohol. Talk to your gastroenterologist to find out more.

References:

Grundmann O, Yoon SL. Irritable bowel syndrome: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment: an update for health-care practitioners. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2010;25:691–699.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of gastritis differ between individuals and may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or persist over a period of time (chronic gastritis). Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Burning feeling in stomach between meals or at night
• Black, tarry stools
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

If you have the above symptoms, talk to your gastroenterologist. With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment and care, it is possible to manage the condition.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your gastroenterologist may check your medical history and recommend one of the following tests:

• Stool test
• Breath test
• Endoscopy
• Fecal occult blood test

Treatment for gastritis usually involves medication and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding hot and spicy foods. Consult your gastroenterologist to work out a treatment plan customised to your individual needs.

1. If you experience bloating, the recommendation would be to avoid very strenuous exercises that result in heavy breathing. Taking medication prescribed for bloating prior to such exercises is usually helpful.
2. If you experience diarrhoea, it would be best to avoid consuming caffeine or solid food prior to exercise. In addition, prior planning is recommended to have a route that includes toilet facilities.
3. For individuals experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, avoid exercises that cause sudden or significant increase of intra-abdominal pressure such as abdominal crunches, heavy weightlifting or contact sports. Eating should be done more than 2 hours prior to exercise, and the individual should avoid oily/fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, large meals, peppermint and tomatoes.

For a better quality of life, it is important to consult your gastroenterologist to learn how you can manage gastrointestinal disorders and while maintaining an active lifestyle.

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