Digestive System

Question: What is GERD?

Answer: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition in which the acids from the stomach move backward from the stomach into the esophagus (an action called reflux). This can occur if the muscular actions in the esophagus or other protective mechanisms fail. The hallmark symptoms of GERD are heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest and throat) and regurgitation (a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus).

Question: How dose smoking affect the digestive system?

Answer: Smoking has been shown to have harmful effects on all parts of the digestive system, contributing to such common disorders as heartburn and peptic ulcers. It also increases the risk of Crohn's disease and possibly gallstones. Smoking seems to affect the liver, too, by changing the way it handles drugs and alcohol. In fact, there seems to be enough evidence to stop smoking solely on the basis of digestive distress.

Question: Is there a cure for piles?

Answer: Piles are also known as hemorrhoids. They can be "internal" or "external."

Internal hemorrhoids are found in the anal canal and are covered with the anal lining. External hemorrhoids are located within the rectum or outside the anus and are covered by skin. Doctors used to think that hemorrhoids were due to "varicose veins" of the anus. This, however, is incorrect, and hemorrhoids are now thought to be due to "cushions" that contain both arteries and veins. These cushions are areas within the rectal mucosa that are anchored there by muscle fibers. Because of their constant exposure to downward pressure, the muscle fibers can become weak and cause the cushions to slide downward, resulting in a hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids are painless but may cause bleeding with bowel movements. External hemorrhoids do not usually cause symptoms unless they become inflamed. If they do become inflamed, they can be very painful and sometimes bleed. Treatment for hemorrhoids depends on what type of hemorrhoid you have and how bad the symptoms are. You should talk to your doctor to find out what treatment is right for you. Hemorrhoid treatments can include

Not pushing hard when you have a bowel movement.
Stool softeners.
A diet high in fiber.
Plenty of fluids, especially water (up to 6-8 glasses a day).
Sitz baths.
Topical or suppository preparations (like Preparation H) to treat itching or pain.
Banding of hemorrhoids to remove them.
Using infrared light and heat, freezing, or injecting chemicals into the hemorrhoid to remove it or reduce its size.
Surgical removal.

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