Women's care facilities Specialized care near you
	Women's health issues Services, support and information
	Pregnancy center Everything you need to have a baby
	Midlife issues Help with midlife issues
	Classes & screenings Sign up right online
	Ask a Librarian! Get answers to your questions - free!
	You can help Donations help provide improved care for everyone
	Links & resources Free email newsletter, other sites of interest
	Contact us For questions on women's health issues and services
	Return home Return to the Women's Health Care Services home page

Related links

	Doctors who can help Search for Aurora physicians that specialize in this field
	Related conditions   - Breast cancer   - Ectopic pregnancy   - Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)   - Female sexual dysfunction   - Tubal pregnancy   - Yeast infection   - Menopause   - Varicose veins   - Miscarriage   - Bladder infection   - Osteoporosis   - Ovarian cancer

Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Is a common condition and is experienced at least once a month by more than 60 million Americans, and twice a week by 20% of American adults
• Untreated, it may cause esophageal problems including esophageal ulcers which may lead to cancer of the esophagus

What factors affect GERD?

• Trigger foods: fried, fatty, spicy, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods (chili, pizza, spaghetti)
• Certain meds: some anti-inflammatory, some muscle relaxants and some high blood pressure meds
• Hiatal hernia
• Smoking
• Large meals
• Caffeine
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Being overweight

What are the symptoms of GERD?

• Heartburn – increase with eating, bending over or lying down
• Belching a sour-tasting liquid
• Regurgitation – bringing up food contents back into the mouth
• Constantly clearing throat/coughing
• Sore throat
• Dental disease
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hoarseness, loss of voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Asthma/pneumonia

What can I do?

• Change eating habits - avoid foods that trigger GERD such as: fried, fatty, spicy, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods (chili, pizza, spaghetti), eat at least 3 hours before bedtime, eat small frequent meals and stay upright after eating
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Sleep upright – elevate head of bed with blocks 4-6 inches
• Discuss your concerns/symptoms with your primary care provider

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Affects 25-45 million people in the U.S. which is 10-15% of the population
• One in 5 Americans has IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors
• Occurs more often in women. (3 to 1)
• Is the most common GI disorder for which women seek attention
• Usually begins around age 20-30 with the first symptoms beginning in the teen years
• Menses can worsen the symptoms
• Is a chronic disease, but can be managed with lifestyle modifications
• Can affect quality of life

What may cause IBS?

• Trigger foods: fatty, barley, wheat, rye, chocolate, milk products
• Carbonated beverages
• Low fiber diet
• Certain medications
• Stress/emotional upset/conflict
• Alcohol
• Large meals
• Caffeine

What are the signs of IBS?

• Cramping, abdominal pain (following meals or relieved after bowel movement)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal tenderness
• Constipation/diarrhea (may alternate)
• Bloating, distended abdomen
• Loss of appetite

What can I do?

• Change eating habits – increase fiber intake, decrease carbonated beverages, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, decrease intake of trigger foods: fatty, barley, wheat, rye, chocolate, milk products, smaller more frequent low fat meals (4-5 meals per day) and stop chewing gum
• Stress management – meditation, relaxation, counseling, support
• Exercise – 30-60 minutes of exercise 5-7 days a week
• Adequate sleep
• Biofeedback or acupuncture
• Discuss your concerns/symptoms with your primary care provider

Copyright Aurora Health Care, a Wisconsin-based health care provider.
3000 W. Montana St., Milwaukee, WI 53215, (414) 647-3000
Disclaimer | Privacy notice | Contact us
.