DISEASE and MEDICATION FAQs:

Will eating spicy food increase my chances of getting an ulcer?

No, absolutely not. However, eating certain foods may make your symptoms worse. In the past, ulcers were thought to be caused by stress or certain diets. Medical research has shown this not to be true. Ulcers in the stomach can be caused by several things. One major cause is a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori). Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that treat H. Pylori. These antibiotics have been successful in curing a high percentage of ulcers in the stomach. A second cause of stomach ulcers is regular use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) for pain (i.e. Celebrex, Vioxx, Ultram, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve). Because ulcers can be caused by regular use of NSAIDS, if you are taking over-the-counter pain medications on a regular basis, you will want to talk with your physician about the potential for ulcers and other GI side effects. A third cause may be an excessive amount of acid in the stomach. When this is the cause of the ulcer, the physician may prescribe medication to help control the acid and heal the ulcer.

What is the difference between Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis is a condition of the colon. Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward through weakened areas in the colon. The pouches can be formed when pressure inside the colon builds, usually because of constipation. Often, patients with diverticulosis have no symptoms of discomfort. If the pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis, which can be much more serious. Diverticulitis is usually associated with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and a change in the shape of stool. A patient with diverticulosis may never develop diverticulitis, but should diverticulitis occur, the patient should immediately see a physician. The physician may treat the patient with antibiotics and a modified diet.

What diet should I follow if I have diverticulosis of the colon?

Some foods must be avoided, as they can become trapped in the pockets as explained above. (These foods include: corn, seeds (sesame, cucumber, strawberry, poppy), nuts, ground meat, and popcorn.) A proper diet for diverticulosis includes fiber, bran, and roughage. Types of fiber, like psyllium and wheat bran, retain large quantities of water, which will provide bulkier stool. Large, soft and bulky stool may help decrease the pressure in the colon over a period of time, which will decrease the probability of forming diverticula. Cereals and whole wheat breads also contain fiber and bran. A daily intake of 20-30 grams of fiber is recommended.

If there is blood in my stool, does this mean I could have cancer?

While red blood in your stool could mean that you have cancer, this is usually not the case. There are many different conditions that can cause rectal bleeding. If you see blood in your stool, you should contact your physician immediately so that he can determine the cause.

When should I see a doctor about diarrhea?

Many different things cause diarrhea. While some diarrhea is mild and will resolve in a few days, some diarrhea may persist for several days or weeks. The main concern with diarrhea is dehydration. Be sure to drink a lot of fluids, especially those containing needed minerals such as sodium and potassium.

In some cases, diarrhea indicates a serious infection or condition. If the diarrhea is associated with other symptoms such as blood in the stool, fever, or severe abdominal pain, you should contact your physician. You should also let the physician know if the diarrhea follows recent antibiotic therapy. Even in the absence of other symptoms, if diarrhea continues for 72 hours or longer, it would be advisable to contact your physician.

Can smoking have an affect on my GERD?

Yes. Nicotine is a stimulant that causes the stomach to produce more acid and weakens lower esophageal sphincter tone, which worsens GERD.

What are hemorrhoids and their symptoms?

Hemorrhoids are cushions of swollen veins in the anal canal. If you have hemorrhoids, you may notice one or more of the following in the anal area: pain, itching, irritation, burning, or bleeding.

What can I do at home to treat external or internal hemorrhoids?

Several over-the-counter measures to treat hemorrhoids are available. These include: Ibuprofen for pain, warm sitz baths, stool softeners, aloe wipes, creams, and drinking 64 ounces of water daily. If these measures do not alleviate your symptoms, Dr. Stokes can prescribe Rectal Rocket suppositories, which contain hydrocortisone and lidocaine.

What is Infrared Coagulation?

Infrared Coagulation (IRC) is the most widely used treatment for internal hemorrhoids because it is fast and well tolerated by patients. For more information on this procedure, please see the Infrared Coagulation section on the procedure portion of our website.

How can I prevent constipation?

By eating more high fiber foods, drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily, and regularly exercising, you can prevent constipation.

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria which lives in the lining of the stomach and weakens the natural protection against stomach acid, which may then cause an ulcer. An ulcer may heal if treated with medication, but tends to come back once the medication is stopped. If the ulcer is caused by helicobacter pylori, it can be treated with antibiotics that can eradicate the bacteria 95% of the time. Unless the patient becomes re-infected with the helicobacter pylori bacteria at a later time, eradicating the bacteria usually leads to a permanent cure of the ulcer.

Is heartburn dangerous?

Heartburn is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn should be evaluated by a GI doctor when it is not controlled by modification in lifestyle, when over the counter medications are needed more than twice a week, or when symptoms remain unresolved despite medication. If heartburn is not treated, serious complications can occur, such as severe chest pain that mimics a heart attack, an esophageal stricture (a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus), bleeding, or a pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) change in the lining of the esophagus called Barrett's esophagus.

How do I recognize the symptoms of GERD?

The following symptoms may be an indication that you have GERD:
· Regurgitation
· Food or sour liquid backing up into your throat
· Frequent heartburn
· Frequent belching or burping
· Difficult or painful swallowing
· Chest pain or discomfort
· Discomfort when you eat, lie down or bend over
· Having the above symptoms when sleeping

Can I suddenly stop taking Prednisone?

No. Prednisone dosages must be slowly decreased over time. You should never stop taking Prednisone on your own. Your doctor is the only one who should lower your Prednisone dosage.

What is the difference between over the counter medication and medication that my doctor prescribes for heartburn or reflux?

Over the counter mediations, like Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet, or Axid, will reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Prescription medications, like Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, and Aciphex, will stop production of stomach acid and help to heal ulcers.

Can I become addicted to over-the-counter laxatives?

Yes. Regular use of laxatives can cause your colon to become dependent on the laxatives for the stimulant effect. Over time the colon will require more and more laxatives to achieve the same stimulant effect.

Must I continue my antibiotic once I begin feeling better?

Yes. Antibiotics are given for a specified time period for a specific reason. Depending on your medical condition, or the reason for the antibiotics, the physician will require you to take antibiotics for a specified amount of time. You should always take the recommended dose for the entire specified amount of time to ensure that the medicine will take effect and the condition does not reoccur.

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