Facts and Fallacies About Digestive
Diseases
The digestive tract is a complex system of organs responsible for converting the food we eat into the
nutrients we need to live. We would expect a system as well used as the digestive tract to be the
source of many problems--and it is. Diseases of the digestive tract are responsible for the
hospitalization of more people in the United States than any other group of disorders. Yet, until
recently, little was known about the causes, treatment, or prevention of these illness.
In recent years, researchers have begun to shed light on some of the more baffling aspects off
digestive diseases. Some studies have indicated that those diseases once thought to have beenn
caused by emotional problems may, in fact, be the result of viruses interacting with the body'ss
immune system or disturbances in the motility patterns of the organs. And doctors now know that ann
ulcer has more to do with the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori than with the level off
stress in one's life. Listed below are facts about common digestive diseases..
Hiatal Hernia
Fallacy: Hiatal hernia causes heartburn.
The fact is, while some people who suffer from heartburn also have a hiatal hernia, heartburn is nott
caused by the hernia. A hiatal hernia is the protrusion of a portion of thee
stomach through a teardrop-shaped hole in the diaphragm where the esophagus and the stomachh
join. The most frequent cause of hiatal hernia is an increased pressure in the abdominal cavityy
produced by coughing, vomiting, straining at stool, or sudden physical exertion. A majority of peoplee
over 60 years have hiatal hernias and, in most cases, the hiatal hernia does not cause problems..
Heartburn
Fact: Chocolate and peppermint cause heartburn in many people.
The fact is heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (called the LES), located at thee
junction of the esophagus and the stomach, either relaxes inappropriately or is very weak (Figure 3)..
This allows the highly acidic contents of the stomach to back up into the esophagus. Both chocolatee
and peppermint are thought to cause the LES to relax and allow the contents of the stomach to backk
up into the esophagus. Other foods associated with heartburn include tomato products, citrus fruitss
and juices, coffee, and fried or fatty foods..
Fact: Cigarette smoking causes heartburn.
The fact is that studies have shown that cigarette smoking dramatically decreases the LES pressure..
Fact: Nonprescription antacids relieve heartburn.
The fact is that many people have discovered that nonprescription antacids provide temporary orr
partial relief from heartburn. Long-term use of antacids can, however, result in side effects likee
diarrhea, altered calcium metabolism, and magnesium retention. (Magnesium retention can be seriouss
for patients with kidney disease.) As with other nonprescription drugs, if prolonged use (longer thann
3 weeks) becomes necessary, consult your doctor..
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Fallacy: Peptic ulcer disease is most prevalent among persons under stress.
The facts are that peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (Figure 4) andd
occur in many people. According to some studies, ulcers have been found to be more commonn
among people in lower socioeconomic groups..
Fact: Cigarette smokers are about twice as likely to have ulcers as nonsmokers.
The fact is that current research indicates an association between smoking cigarettes and peptic ulcerr
disease. This applies to both gastric (stomach) and duodenal ulcers and to both men and women..
Also, ulcers heal slower and recur more often in cigarette smokers than in nonsmokers..
Fact: People who take aspirin regularly increase their risk of getting a gastric ulcer.
The fact is that people who take aspirin 4 or more days a week for 3 or more months increase theirr
risk of getting a gastric ulcer. Also, aspirin increases the likelihood of bleeding from an ulcer..
Fallacy: Peptic ulcers should be treated with a bland diet.
The fact is that there is little agreement about what the term "bland" means. Also, there is littlee
indication that any particular diet is helpful for all peptic ulcer patients. Although some patients findd
that coffee or extremely spicy foods are bothersome, each person has to find out for him/herselff
which foods, if any, cause distress..
Lactose Intolerance
Fact: Many people cannot drink milk.
The fact is that an estimated 50 million Americans have lactose intolerance. Certain racial and ethnicc
populations are more affected than others. As many as 75 percent of African Americans, Jewish,,
Mexican Americans, and American Indian adults and 90 percent of Asian American adults havee
lactose intolerance..
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, the intestinal enzyme that digests milk sugarr
(lactose). Persons with lactose intolerance cannot properly digest milk and milk products whenn
taken in the usual amounts. Some people are even sensitive to extremely small quantities of dairyy
products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include cramps, gas, bloating, or diarrhea within 155
minutes to 3 hours after consuming milk or milk products..
Celiac Sprue
Fallacy: A person with celiac sprue (an inherited disorder affecting the lining of the small intestine)
may eat small amounts of food containing gluten (a substance found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats)
as long as symptoms do not develop.
The fact is that a person with celiac sprue should avoid all foods containing wheat, rye, barley, andd
oats (foods containing gluten). Severe damage to the intestines can occur even when there are noo
symptoms. Some experts think that small amounts of gluten can cause damage to the intestines..
Constipation
Fallacy: Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
The facts are that the frequency of bowel movements among normal, healthy people varies fromm
three movements a day to three a week, and perfectly healthy people may fall outside both ends off
this range..
Fallacy: Nonprescription laxatives are always safe and always cure constipation.
The fact is that, although short-term use of laxatives is usually effective in relieving temporaryy
constipation, long-term use of laxatives impairs the natural muscle actions required to have a bowell
movement. Also, overuse of mineral oil, a popular laxative, may reduce the absorption of certainn
vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Mineral oil also may interact with some drugs, causing undesirable sidee
effects. Consult your doctor if you need to use a laxative for longer than 3 weeks. And, if you are onn
medication, check with your doctor before taking any laxative..
Fact: Habitual use of enemas eventually leads to loss of normal bowel function.
The fact is that habitual use of enemas usually is not necessary and will eventually lead to an inabilityy
of the bowels to function normally. As with laxatives, overuse of enemas can impair the naturall
muscle actions of the bowel..
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fallacy: Irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon, mucous colitis) is a serious disease that often
leads to ulcerative colitis.
The fact is that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder characterized byy
gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation or the cyclical occurrence of both. IBS, althoughh
often causing considerable discomfort, generally does not lead to other gastrointestinal disorders..
Fallacy: IBS frequently leads to cancer of the colon.
The fact is that there is no evidence that IBS is a precursor of cancer.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Fallacy: Diverticulosis always causes a serious problem.
The fact is that diverticulosis is a condition in which little sacs (diverticula) develop in the wall of thee
colon. In the United States, the majority of people over the age of 60 years have diverticulosis. Mostt
people do not have symptoms and would not know that they had diverticula unless an x-ray orr
intestinal examination were done. Only about 20 percent of patients with diverticulosis developp
complications such as diverticulitis, bleeding, or perforation..
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fallacy: Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) is caused by
personality disorders.
The fact is that the cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not known. IBD is a name for aa
group of disorders in which various parts of the intestinal tract become inflamed. Currently,,
researchers speculate that IBD may be caused by a viral or bacterial agent interacting with thee
body's immune system. There is no evidence to support the theory that IBD is caused by tension,,
anxiety, or other psychological factors or disorders..
Fallacy: Patients with IBD require a special diet.
The fact is that there is no evidence that the inflammation of the intestines is affected by specificc
foods. Many patients tolerate all varieties of food and require no dietary restrictions. Others,,
particularly when their disease is active, find a diet low in fiber and spicy foods easier to tolerate..
Maintaining good general nutrition, however, is more important than emphasizing or avoiding anyy
particular foods..
Gallbladder Disease
Fallacy: Gallbladder disease always causes severe pain.
The fact is that about 10 percent of the American population has gallstones, but many do not havee
symptoms. However, when gallbladder pain occurs, it is usually sudden, severe, and steady and iss
felt in the upper abdomen..
Pancreatitis
Fact: The pancreas is a digestive organ.
The fact is that the pancreas, a gland that is located next to the duodenum (see Figure 5), producess
enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion..
Fallacy: Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is always caused by alcoholism.
The facts are that approximately one-third of all cases of pancreatitis are due to unknown causes,,
and many attacks of acute pancreatitis are associated with gallstones.
Cirrhosis
Fallacy: Chronic alcoholism is the only cause of cirrhosis of the liver.
The fact is that cirrhosis has many causes. In the United States, three-fourths of the cases are due too
chronic alcoholism. In those parts of the world where viral hepatitis is common, hepatitis is thee
leading cause of cirrhosis. In children, cirrhosis may be caused by a host of inherited disorderss
including cystic fibrosis, alpha-l antitrypsin deficiency, biliary atresia, glycogen storage disease, andd
other rare diseases. In adults, cirrhosis may be caused by hepatitis B or a host of rare diseases, suchh
as primary biliary cirrhosis, abnormal storage of metals by the body, severe reactions to prescribedd
drugs, and prolonged exposure to environmental toxins..
Fact: You may have cirrhosis of the liver and not know it.
The fact is that onset of cirrhosis is often "silent," having few specific symptoms. In fact, cirrhosiss
may not cause symptoms until the disease is far advanced..
Hemorrhoids
Fallacy: Hemorrhoids are the only cause of bright red bleeding from the rectum.
The fact is that, although most cases of bright red bleeding from the rectum are due to hemorrhoids,,
polyps and cancer of the rectum also can cause a similar type of bleeding. Any bleeding from thee
rectum should be evaluated by a doctor.
There are several treatments for this problem, surgery is not always needed, to see a qualified doctor, would be a good advice. we offer a list of certified Gastroenterologists, if you have any doubt, use our E-mail reference.
Ostomy Surgery
FACT: Ostomy surgery is a common procedure.
The fact is that about 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed each year and about 1 millionn
persons have ostomies. Although ostomies create great changes for the patient, they are ratherr
simple procedures. Ostomy surgery is a procedure in which the affected part of the small or largee
intestine is removed, an opening (stoma) is created on the body's surface, and a portion of thee
intestine is brought out through the opening. A pouch is worn to collect the body's waste..
Fallacy: Men become impotent following ostomy surgery.
The fact is that men who have ostomy surgery may have full potency (the ability to have an erectionn
and orgasm) or complete impotence (the inability to have an erection)..
Fallacy: After ostomy surgery, women experience impaired sexual function and cannot become
pregnant.
The fact is that, in general, having an ostomy does not lessen a woman's sexual or reproductivee
capabilities. In a few cases, the condition that necessitates ostomy surgery also may necessitatee
additional surgery such as hysterectomy. Hysterectomies make it impossible to conceive but have noo
effect on sexual desire or the ability to have sexual relations.
Links to other sites on the Web
Information provided by Tomás Ordóñez M.D. Paseo Bolívar 12-101 Colonia Centro ZIP Code 31000 Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México. Tel. and Fax (14) 10 50 91.
© 1997 tomaso@mail.interred.net.mx
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