JUNE 2013
Senior Voice America
Page 3
Health Roundup
Don’t be Shy with Your Doctor About Gastrointestinal Symptoms For millions of adults in the United States, daily activities like going to work or school may also be accompanied by bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation. People may not talk to their doctor about these symptoms because they’re embarrassed and find the conversation a difficult one to have. They suffer in silence. Recurring abdominal pain and constipation, including hard stools and infrequent and incomplete bowel movements, may indicate a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or, without the presence of abdominal pain, chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). There is no cure for these condi tions, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms, starting with a candid conversation with a doctor, sparing none of the nittygritty details. Dr. Steven Lamm, internist and author of “No Guts, No Glory” says patients don’t always communicate all their symptoms to a doctor even when
those symptoms may have a negative impact on their lives. “Patients must have candid discussions with their physician to find treatments that work best for them. No one should feel embarrassed to talk about symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation.”
meals more often may also help. Some people with IBS may have intolerances to certain sugars such as fructose or lactose. Limiting intake of foods containing these sugars may also be helpful. • Drink plenty of water: About six Here are some tips from Dr. Lamm: to eight glasses of water daily are important to stay hydrated. • Over-the-counter (OTC) pro- • More exercise, less stress: In ducts: Laxatives and stool creased exercise and stress softeners are approved to treat reduction have been shown to occasional constipation. These help relieve symptoms. Relaxation techniques may help products are not intended for long-term use without supervi- in stressful situations, and increasing exercise like walking sion of a physician and are not FDA approved for IBS-C and yoga may also help. Check with your doctor before starting treatment. • Talk to your doctor: Tell your an exercise program. doctor all of your symptoms, as • Change your diet: Fiber may help create softer stools that are well as treatments that have or have not worked for you. Your easier to pass. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, doctor may prescribe a medica- tion approved by the Food and and bran flakes. For IBS-C Drug Administration (FDA) that sufferers, fatty foods, alcohol, targets your symptoms associa- and caffeinated drinks may ted with IBS-C or CIC. worsen symptoms. Having smaller portions or smaller
Learning about and improving your GI health should be a part of your daily life. Take charge by speaking to your doctor and telling it like it is, sparing none of the nitty-gritty details.