Gastrointestinal Issues: 
Perhaps gastroenterology is the most pervasive of all clinical specialties in medical practice. Certainly, people are frequently aware of symptoms arising from the gastrointestinal tract which, of course, are mostly self-managed by many of us. These can range from an episode of diarrhea and vomiting to concerns over diet and nutrition to problems arising from more specific disease-based pathology.
The time to see a physician when self management no longer works for you and you need medical advice.
What Are Gastrointestinal Infections?
Diarrhea, which is characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements, is often caused by gastrointestinal infections, although it can also come from other illnesses or changes in diet.
Germs such as parasites, viruses, or bacteria can all cause gastrointestinal infections.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Usually gastrointestinal infections cause abdominal cramping followed by diarrhea. You may also experience: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration mucus or blood in the stool.
These symptoms typically last for a few days or longer. If your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, however, you have chronic diarrhea. Call your doctor if you think that you have chronic diarrhea or if you see blood in your stool.
How Long Are Gastrointestinal Infections Contagious?
Diarrheal infections are highly contagious. They can spread from person to person via dirty hands, contaminated food or water, and some pets. Most cases are contagious for as long as a person has diarrhea, but some infections can be contagious for even longer.
Can I Prevent These Infections?
The most effective way to prevent contagious diarrheal infections is to wash your hands frequently. Dirty hands carry germs into the body when you do things like bite your nails or use your hands when eating. It's important to always wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating, especially if you know there's an illness going around.
Making sure your bathroom surfaces are clean can also help to prevent infections.
Food and water can also spread germs that cause diarrhea. To help protect yourself, cook foods thoroughly and wash raw fruits and vegetables well before eating them. Avoid eating pink hamburgers or other undercooked meat, and always refrigerate leftovers quickly - your delicious turkey dinner can grow nasty bacteria after just a few hours of sitting on the counter. Make sure your kitchen counters and cooking utensils are clean, too, especially after they've been in contact with raw meat, eggs, and poultry. Avoid eating food that's been left out for a few hours, even if it's been reheated, because toxins can still survive in the food.
If you're traveling or camping, never drink from streams, springs, or lakes unless local health authorities have certified the water safe for drinking. In some developing countries, you may want to stick to bottled water and drinks rather than tap water - and be careful about buying food from street vendors.
Pets, particularly reptiles, can also spread germs if they aren't kept away from family eating areas. Never wash pet cages or bowls in the same sink that your family uses to prepare meals. And always wash your hands after handling your pet!
How Are These Infections Treated?
Most infections that cause diarrhea, especially viral infections, will go away without treatment. Taking it easy at home and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration are the best ways to ride out the illness. If you do become dehydrated, you might need intravenous (IV) fluids to replace those lost to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
If you end up visiting your doctor, you may need to give a stool sample so he or she can find out what type of infection you have. Whether you need medicine will depend on which germ is causing the illness. If you have a parasitic infection, it will probably be treated with antiparasitic medicine to cure the illness. Most gastrointestinal infections caused by viruses and many bacterial infections do not need treatment, but someone with a weakened immune system who gets a bacterial intestinal illness may need to take prescription antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body.
Supplements we use in our practice:
We have compiled a listing of the most useful nutriceuticals and phytonutrients for the nutritional support of patients who have digestive problems.
Many of today's commonly used medicines had their origins long ago in herbal remedies. These remedies may be useful in easing many of the uncomfortable symptoms you feel. However, use of these supplements is definitely not intended to be a substitute for careful medical evaluation and treatment by a competent, licensed personal health care professional. These recommendations have not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Patients Medical and our doctors do not recommend changing any current medications or adding any new therapies without personally consulting a fully qualified physician.
If you would like more detailed information about the supplements before ordering them, please click on the supplement’s name below.
SpectraZyme® (for bloating and gas): This vegetarian digestive enzyme formula can help to reduce digestive discomfort when taken at the beginning of meals.
Zinlori 75® (for Reflux): This Zinc Carnosine supplement has been shown to reduce reflux, dyspepsia, and nausea in preliminary studies.
Ultra Flora IB™ (for Irritable Bowel): Our patients have seen significant reductions in the intensity and frequency of GI symptoms with this scientific blend of Lactobacillus and Bifidus.
TO ORDER: Please be prepared to complete the registration form before going to the shopping cart by Clicking Here. After you register, go to the Online Store and place your order. Alternatively, feel free to call Jasmine at 1-212-679-9667. She will process your order by phone. For fastest delivery, please order online.
NEXT STEPS:
If none of these suggestions work, please call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 1-212-661-7673 or send us an email to: appointments@patientsmedical.com . We look forward to hearing from you.