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Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP
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What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of an upset stomach include occasional
heartburn, a taste of
bile in the mouth and pains in the stomach, which can be made worse by coffee,
citrus fruits, fatty foods, onions, alcohol and chocolate.
In some cases, milk can ease the pains. Other symptoms include
irregular bowel movements,
constipation and pain
when going to the toilet.
What are the possible causes?
Reflux oesophagitis
Usually the problem is caused by
reflux oesophagitis,
which is brought on by stomach acid that has moved up to the gullet. This
usually feels like heartburn or leaves a taste of bile in the mouth.
Reflux oesophagitis can be caused by the opening of the muscle
around the top of the stomach, or because the stomach is being pushed due to
pregnancy or
obesity.
Drinking coffee and eating citrus fruits, fatty foods,
onions, alcohol and chocolate often makes the condition worse as these
encourage the muscle at the top of the stomach to relax.
Ulcers
Ulcers have similar
symptoms and are, therefore, sometimes mistaken for reflux oesophagitis. If
symptoms include weight loss and black stools it is important to contact a
doctor, who can determine whether or not the condition is caused by an
ulcer.
In 9 out of 10 cases an ulcer is caused by a bacteria called
Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria can be treated with an
antiulcer medicine and antibiotics, which also reduces the risk of contracting
new ulcers.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Another cause could be
irritable bowel
syndrome, which often appears as a pain that gets worse when eating, and
is helped by going to the toilet. An irritated large intestine occurs when
there is a change of movement in the intestines. It usually helps to drink a
lot of water and go to the toilet regularly.
What can be done to help?
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Ask a pharmacist for advice about treatments that can be bought
over the counter without a prescription.
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If these do not help visit a doctor to establish the cause of
the symptoms.
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After being diagnosed, complete the prescribed treatment.
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If initial treatment does not work, return to the doctor. Most
cases of
reflux oesophagitis
and ulcers can be treated successfully with medicine for
excess stomach acid and sometimes
antibiotics.
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If the cause is
irritable bowel
syndrome, do not buy stomach acid neutralisers (antacids). They won't have any
effect.
What are the danger signs?
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Bloody, black or tar-like stools - all of which suggest
bleeding from within the digestive system.
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Nausea, or vomit containing blood, or with an appearance
similar to ground coffee.
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Unintentional weight loss.
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Paleness and fatigue due to an unexplained lack of iron.
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Sudden, sharp pains.
All these symptoms require a doctor's diagnosis,
as the condition can become very dangerous.
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Based on a text by Dr Carl J Brandt
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Last updated 02.03.2005
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