What is Diverticulitis?

 

Diverticulitis is a disease that affects the large intestine.

The large intestine is made up of the colon and the rectum. Diverticulitis occurs when the small sacs, or pouches, that line the large intestine become inflamed. 

These sacs are called diverticula.

This can lead to abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Diverticulitis can also cause fever, nausea, and vomiting.

If the inflammation is severe, it can even cause life-threatening complications.

Treatment for diverticulitis usually involves antibiotics to clear the infection and pain relief.

This condition can be painful and may require treatment. In some cases, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, such as infection or bleeding.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine.

In this article we discuss Diverticulitis and the effect it has on the body, the symptoms caused and how preventative measures can be taken to avoid it.

What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?

 

Diverticulitis can be mild or severe. In mild cases, the inflammation may go away on its own.

Potential symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Should you develop diverticulitis, you might have the following symptoms:

• Constant severe pain in your abdomen
• Nausea
• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Bloody stool
• Bleeding from your rectum

Whenever you experience symptoms of diverticulitis, it is best to seek medical help right away.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and causing more serious complications.

 

What Are the Causes of Diverticulitis?

 

There are many different conditions that can lead to diverticulitis.

The most common cause is a build-up of pressure in the intestines, which weakens the walls of the intestines and causes them to bulge out.

This can be caused by constipation, which is often the result of a diet that is low in fiber.

Other causes of diverticulitis include:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Injury

Diverticulitis can be a serious condition that requires hospitalization.

If you think you may have diverticulitis, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

 

What are the Complications of Diverticulitis?

 

There are a number of potential complications that can arise from diverticulitis, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can seek treatment early if necessary.

Some of the most common complications include abscess formation, perforation of the colon, fistula formation, and obstruction of the colon.

Less common but potentially more serious complications include peritonitis, sepsis, and death.

If you experience any severe abdominal pain or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Diagnosis Of Diverticulitis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history and perform a physical exam to diagnose diverticulitis.

In some cases, diverticulitis may be a sign of a more serious condition like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative colitis.

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment of these conditions. Your doctor may diagnose your condition using various methods, including:

Blood and urine tests
A blood test can help your doctor determine the severity of your condition and whether you have an infection.

Stool test
A stool test is a common diagnostic tool used to check for the presence of diverticulitis. This test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis, or to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

CT Scan
A CT scan can help to identify if there are any inflamed or infected pouches present, which can help to confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Additionally, CT can also be used to assess the severity of diverticulitis and guide treatment decisions.

 

Home Remedies for Diverticulitis

 

There are a number of effective home remedies for diverticulitis that can help to decrease inflammation and pain.

Some of the best home remedies for diverticulitis include consuming probiotics, eating a high-fiber diet, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Probiotics help to increase the good bacteria in the gut, which can help to reduce inflammation.

A high-fiber diet is also beneficial as it helps to soften stool and prevents constipation, which can worsen diverticulitis symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep the intestine hydrated and prevents constipation.

 

Diet and Diverticulitis

Diet plays an important role in the development and severity of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticulum, or pockets in the colon walls, become inflamed.

These pockets are usually caused by a high-fat, low-fiber diet. Eating a high-fiber diet can help to prevent diverticulitis.

Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the digestive system more easily. This can help to reduce the pressure on the colon walls and prevent the formation of diverticulum.

Your doctor might also suggest a diverticulitis diet as part of a short-term treatment plan for acute diverticulitis.

How to Prevent Diverticulitis

 

There are a few things you can do to prevent diverticulitis.

First, eat a high fiber diet.
This will help to keep your bowel movements regular.

Second, drink plenty of water. This will help to keep your intestines hydrated.

Third, exercise regularly. This will help to keep your intestines working properly.

Another prevention would be to avoid smoking.  Smoking is associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis.

Finally, if you have any medical conditions that could contribute to diverticulitis, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Risk Factors for Diverticulitis

 

There are a few different things that can increase your risk for diverticulitis.

First, if you have a family member who has had the condition, you may be more likely to get it yourself.

Additionally, being obese or having a history of smoking can also increase your risk.

Lastly, having a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can make you more susceptible to developing diverticulitis.

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor so you can be monitored closely.

 

How is Diverticulitis Treated?

 

Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, such as perforation of the intestine, abscesses, and fistulas.

There are a few different treatments for diverticulitis. Some cases may clear up on their own, but some are more severe.

Treatment for diverticulitis typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection and surgery to remove the pockets.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Although these remedies and guidelines might alleviate the pain, it is recommended to get a professional diagnosis from your doctor or gastroenterologist in order to discuss the way forward.

A colonoscopy is a quick and painless procedure that can save your life.

It’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare so you can be as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Dr Eduan prides himself on his ability to help his patients to the best of his ability by embracing good listening skills, effective communication, compassion and knowledge and skill honed during years of private gastroenterology practice.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to treat diverticulitis. The best approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.

If you have mild diverticulitis, you may be able to manage your symptoms at home with rest and a liquid diet.

If you have moderate to severe diverticulitis, you’ll likely need antibiotics and a hospital stay. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

No matter what treatment approach you need, the goal is always the same: to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.

If you would like to book an appointment with a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist or would simply like more information on a particular GI topic, don’t hesitate to use our online booking form or call Dr. Deetlefs at 021 551 867. 

IBD Introduction

 

There are many different diseases and disorders that can affect the gastrointestinal system, making it difficult to diagnose any one condition.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one such condition that can be characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI tract, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

The two most common types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

IBD can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be similar to other GI conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

A diagnosis of IBD is typically made by a combination of medical history, physical examination, lab testing, and imaging studies.

Treatment for IBD typically includes medications to reduce inflammation, as well as diet and lifestyle changes.

Let’s get into IBD in more detail, discussing the different types of IBD and diagnostic and treatments thereof.

 

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Irritable Bowel Disease, or IBD, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

IBD can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other GI disorders.

IBD can cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

There is no cure for IBD, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.

Crohn’s Disease Explained

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a debilitating and often painful disease that can lead to a number of serious complications.

Crohn’s disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Mouth sores
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever

Ulcerative Colitis Explained

 

When you hear the term “ulcerative colitis,” you may not know what it is. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine, or colon.

The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is abdominal pain and cramping, as well as diarrhea. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and rectal bleeding.

Ulcerative colitis is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and keep the disease in remission.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Bloody diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

 

The Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There are a few key things to look for when trying to identify IBD.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can vary depending on the type of disease, but may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Bloody stool

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, stool samples, and imaging.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.

 

The Causes of Irritable Bowel Disease

 

There are many different potential causes of irritable bowel disease, and unfortunately, the exact cause is still unknown.

However, there are a few different theories as to what may contribute to the development of this disorder.

One theory suggests that a bacterial imbalance in the gut may play a role. Another possibility is that a viral infection could trigger the disorder.

Additionally, it has been suggested that certain food sensitivities may contribute to the development of irritable bowel disease. Stress and anxiety have also been shown to worsen symptoms of irritable bowel disease.

Therefore, it is important to manage stress in order to help keep symptoms under control.

The Tests Used to Diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There are a few different tests that may be used to help diagnose inflammatory bowel disease and includes:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Imaging tests
• X-rays
• CT scans
• Endoscopy

Blood Tests
There are a few different ways that doctors can test for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). A blood test is one way that can be done in order to help diagnose IBD. There are certain proteins in the blood that are an indication of inflammation. One of these proteins is called C-reactive protein (CRP). If the CRP levels in the blood are high, it is a sign that there is inflammation present in the body.

Stool Samples
One way to help diagnose IBD is through a stool sample. Your doctor will likely ask you to provide a stool sample so that they can test it for the presence of blood or inflammation. This is an important test because it can help rule out other conditions, such as infections, that may be causing your symptoms.

X-Rays
An X-ray can reveal changes in the intestine that are characteristic of IBD. In IBD, the lining of the intestine is inflamed. This can cause the intestine to narrow, which may lead to blockages. An X-ray can show if the intestine is narrowed or if there are any blockages. An X-ray can also show if there are any other abnormal changes in the intestine, such as ulcers.

CT Scans
A CT scan is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

MRI
MRI can create detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract and show areas of inflammation. This information can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.

If you think you may have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, it is important to see a doctor and get a diagnosis.

 

The Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The goal of treating IBD is to reduce inflammation.

The best treatment plan for each individual will be determined by the severity of the disease, the type of IBD diagnosed, and other factors unique to the patient.

That said, there are a few common treatments that are often used to manage IBD.
These include:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune suppressants, and biologic therapies are all commonly used to treat IBD.
• Diet: What you eat can have a big impact on your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a special diet, such as the low-FODMAP diet, to help
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress can aggravate IBD symptoms and cause flare-ups therefor stress should be managed. Light to moderate exercise is believed to be good for people with IBD.

Treatment for IBD typically involves the use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories, immune-modulators, and antibiotics.

In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.

 

Conclusion

In summary, inflammatory bowel disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic those of other gastrointestinal disorders.

However, there are some key differences that can help your doctor make a definitive diagnosis.

Be sure to keep track of your symptoms and share them with your doctor so that they can help you get the treatment you need to manage your condition.

For any additional information regarding IBD, it’s best to find a trusted and experienced Gastroenterologist who can answer your questions clearly, recommend appropriate solutions, and perform tests with precision and expertise.

Dr. Deetlefs has earned the reputation of a trusted health expert providing consultative, diagnostic, and therapeutic endoscopic and related services to patients in Cape Town and beyond. 

Dr. Deetlefs can be contacted to confirm the estimated breakdown should you be interested in having the procedure done.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their bodies mount an immune response that attacks the small intestine. This can lead to damage of the small intestine and malabsorption of nutrients.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia to mention a few.

Celiac disease is a serious condition, and it is important for people who think they may have the condition to be diagnosed by a medical professional.

There is no cure for celiac disease, but the symptoms can be controlled by following a gluten-free diet.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

When you eat gluten, your immune system reacts by damaging the lining of your small intestine.

This can lead to a host of problems, including malnutrition, because your body cannot absorb nutrients properly.

Symptoms of celiac disease can range from mild to severe, and can include the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Bone or joint pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Skin rashes

Children and adults tend to have a different set of symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so that you can get a diagnosis and start treatment.
 

 

Causes of Celiac Disease

 

The exact cause of celiac disease is still not completely known.

It is believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role.

Some people who develop celiac disease may have a genetic mutation that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine more often.

Other people develop the disease because they live such stressful lives that they lose immune system function.

Whatever the cause, the disease affects about 1 in 5 people in the United Kingdom.

About 60% of people with coeliac disease have an associated condition, such as Crohn’s disease or arthritis.

 

How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

There is no one test that can definitively diagnose celiac disease.

Instead, doctors will often use a combination of blood tests, intestinal biopsies, and family history to make a diagnosis.

Blood Tests
A blood test for antibodies is the usual way to test for coeliac disease. You should include gluten in your diet when the blood test is carried out, as avoiding it could give an inaccurate result.

Intestinal Biopsies

If you need to have a biopsy, an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at one end) will be inserted into your mouth and gently passed down to your small intestine.

 

How Is Celiac Disease Treated?

Celiac disease cannot be cured but it can be managed by following a celiac diet. If you have been diagnosed as having celiac disease, then you may also want to consider adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.

Many find that by eliminating gluten from their diets they experience improvements in not only their health but their general quality of life as well.

It can be very beneficial in helping you understand the seriousness of this condition and will help you to feel confident in your decision to go gluten-free as well.

 

The Importance of a Gluten-Free Diet

 

The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.  This means eliminating all foods that contain gluten from your diet.

It can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for managing the disease. There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a gluten-free diet.

Eating gluten-free is important because it can help those who are intolerant to wheat.

The dietary shift helps the body properly digest food. Not only does going gluten-free offer relief from uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and chronic constipation, but also it is considered a diet that will help with weight loss for people who are unable to lose excess weight no matter what diet or exercise program they follow.

It seems that this diet may have more of an effect on health than originally thought, since many claim to have lost weight, gained energy, and felt healthier after going on a gluten-free diet.

Gluten can be found in the following food items which should be avoided:

• Candy
• Potato Chips
• French Fries
• Cold Cuts
• Soy Sauce
• Sauces
• Bread
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Baked Goods
• Alcoholic Beverages like Beer

Foods to eat:

• Eggs
• Meat and Fish
• Grains
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Dairy
• Nuts
• Seeds

 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Celiac Disease?

 

If you have celiac disease, it’s important to be aware of the potential long-term effects of the condition.

While the disease is manageable with a gluten-free diet, there are some potential complications that can occur if the disease is left untreated.

One of the most serious potential complications of celiac disease is malnutrition. This can happen because the damage to the intestine caused by celiac disease prevents the absorption of nutrients from food.

Malnutrition can lead to weight loss, anemia, and other serious health problems.

Celiac disease can also increase the risk for other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease.

 

What Are the Risks of Celiac Disease?

There are a number of risks associated with celiac disease, including:

Malnutrition
When your body is unable to absorb nutrients properly, you may become malnourished. This can lead to weight loss, fatigue, and a number of other health problems.

 Anemia
Celiac disease can cause anemia, or a low level of red blood cells, due to the malabsorption.
Iron is an important nutrient needed to prevent anemia.

Anemia occurs when there is a lack of healthy red blood cells.

Your body gets iron from food, so anemia can occur if you do not have enough iron in your diet.

 

The Link Between Celiac Disease and other Autoimmune Condition

There is a strong link between coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

In fact, people with coeliac disease are more than twice as likely to develop another autoimmune condition.

If you have coeliac disease, it’s important to be aware of the link to other autoimmune conditions and to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing.

 

 

 

When To See a doctor

 

Celiac disease is a multi-systemic autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract.
It is caused by an immune reaction to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the small intestine, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.

There is no cure for celiac disease, but the only treatment is to avoid eating gluten.

Although these remedies and guidelines might alleviate the pain, it is recommended to get a professional diagnosis from your doctor or gastroenterologist in order to discuss the way forward.

Dr Eduan prides himself on his ability to help his patients to the best of his ability by embracing good listening skills, effective communication, compassion and knowledge and skill honed during years of private gastroenterology practice.

If you would like to book an appointment with a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist or would simply like more information on a particular GI topic, don’t hesitate to use our online booking form 
or call Dr. Deetlefs at 021 551 867.

What is Lactose Intolerance

 

Lactose intolerance is a condition that affects some people when they consume dairy products. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products.

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme, lactase, to break down the lactose.

As a result, the lactose remains in the digestive system where it can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Lactose intolerance is a common condition, affecting up to 65 percent of the population. It is more common in people of Asian, African, and Hispanic descent.

However, it can occur in any ethnic group. There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but there are ways to control it.

 

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

 

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy.

People who are lactose intolerant may have symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea after drinking milk or eating milk products.

These symptoms can vary from person to person and may not occur in everyone who is lactose intolerant.

If you think you may be lactose intolerant, talk to your doctor. He or she can do a test to see if you have a problem digesting lactose.

There are a number of ways to manage lactose intolerance. You can try to avoid milk and dairy products.

The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin from 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Gas

What Causes Lactose Intolerance?

 

Primary Lactose Intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance is caused by a decrease in lactase production with age. With primary lactose intolerance you lose the ability to absorb lactose over time.

This form of lactose intolerance may be partially genetic since it’s more common in some populations.

If you experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea after drinking milk or eating dairy products, you may have primary lactose intolerance.

This means you don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose, the sugar in milk.

You can still eat some dairy products if you have primary lactose intolerance, but you’ll need to experiment to find out which ones work best for you.

 

Secondary Lactose Intolerance
Secondary lactose intolerance, however, is a condition that is not as well-known, but can be just as debilitating.

Secondary lactose intolerance is a condition that results from damage to the small intestine that has been caused by another illness or injury.

This damage can prevent the small intestine from properly breaking down lactose, causing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Secondary lactose intolerance can be treated by avoiding dairy products and taking lactase supplements to help the small intestine break down lactose.

 

Congenital Lactose Intolerance
Congenital lactose intolerance is present in newborns.  Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic disorder that interferes with the digestion of lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.

Infants with this disorder are unable to break down lactose, so the sugar remains in their digestive system, where it can cause cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

Treatment for congenital lactose intolerance typically includes a lactose-free diet.

 

How To Diagnose Lactose Intolerance

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.

The best way to diagnose lactose intolerance is to eliminate milk and milk products from your diet for a week or two and then reintroduce them.

If your symptoms return when you eat milk and milk products, you are likely lactose intolerant.

There are several tests that can be used to confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance such as:

Hydrogen Breath Test
Many people who experience gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal pain turn to hydrogen breath tests as a way to diagnose the root of their discomfort.

During a hydrogen breath test, a person drinks a beverage that is laced with sugar and a small amount of hydrogen.

If the person has an overgrowth of bacteria in their small intestine, the bacteria will break down the sugar and release hydrogen gas.

This gas is then exhaled and detected by a machine that measures the level of hydrogen in the breath.

A hydrogen breath test can help identify conditions such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth, lactose intolerance, and fructose malabsorption.

Blood Test
A blood test can determine if you are lactose intolerant. The test measures the amount of lactose in your blood after you drink a lactose-containing beverage.

If your blood sugar level doesn’t rise as expected, you are likely lactose intolerant.

 

Treatments for Lactose Intolerance

What Foods Contain Lactose?
Living with lactose intolerance, the most important thing is to avoid foods that contain lactose.

These include:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Ice cream

There are many foods that do not contain lactose, including many fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and grains.

Dietary Changes
Swap your usual rice or pasta side dish for a colourful salad.

Instead of eating processed snack foods, snack on vegetables such as carrots, snow peas or cherry tomatoes along with a spicy hummus dip or peanut butter

How to Start Recovering from Lactose Intolerance

If you’re suffering from lactose intolerance, starting the recovery process is essential. By using the following nine tips, you can get back on track quickly.

Medication
Probiotics and prebiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help improve your health.

Prebiotics are types of fiber that provide food for these microorganisms, while probiotics are the microorganisms themselves.

Studies have shown that both probiotics and prebiotics can help reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. 

How Can Lactose Intolerance be Prevented?

Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose.

Lactose intolerance can be prevented by eating foods that are low in lactose or by taking lactase supplements before eating foods that contain lactose. Lactase supplements are available over the counter.

 

 

What Are the Risks of Lactose Intolerance?

While it is not dangerous, it can be very unpleasant. For people who are lactose intolerant, it is best to avoid dairy products and to find alternative sources of calcium.

 

 

How To Live with Lactose Intolerance

If you’re one of the estimated 65 percent of the world’s population who suffers from lactose intolerance, you know that avoiding dairy can be challenging.

From cheese to milk to yogurt, dairy is everywhere. But what are the risks of lactose intolerance? How can you live with it?

Ways to change your diet to minimize symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

• Choosing smaller servings of dairy
• Saving milk for mealtimes
• Experimenting with an assortment of dairy products
• Buying lactose-reduced or lactose-free products
• Using lactase enzyme tablets or drops

 

 

Think You Might be Lactose Intolerant?

If you are frequently experiencing symptoms like nausea, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products, it is important to consult with your doctor.

This is particularly relevant if you are concerned about getting enough calcium in your diet.

There are a variety of ways to get the recommended daily intake of calcium, including consuming dairy products that have been specially treated to reduce lactose.

Dr. Deetlefs is a gastroenterologist expert using patient-focused GI treatment and procedures in Cape Town.

Get in touch with Dr. Deetlefs for any gastrointestinal disorders or concerns you might have.

Make your appointment now.

Overview

Capsule endoscopy, or sometimes called pill cam, is a diagnostic medical procedure that can be used to take pictures of the inside of the digestive tract and diagnose and monitor diseases. 

Capsule endoscopy is a safe and convenient way to see what is happening inside your digestive system. 

Instead of using an invasive camera on a long tube that has to go through the mouth into the stomach, doctors can now use this new technology with no need for sedation. 

This makes it easier for people who are claustrophobic or have bad gag reflexes. The entire exam takes about two minutes and requires no fasting beforehand.

Let’s dig a little deeper on the topic and discuss the benefits, side effects and recovery time of having a capsule endoscopy done.
 

 

What is a Capsule Endoscopy?

 

Endoscopy is one of the modern options to diagnose and treat digestive system disorders and diseases.

Capsule endoscopy is a new procedure that uses advanced diagnostic technology to give doctors a detailed view of your digestive tract. 

The capsule endoscopy procedure is usually performed in two stages that involve two small pills, each about the size of a large vitamin. 

Also called pill endoscopy, they are swallowed to conduct an examination during gastroscopy. 

The capsules are equipped with diagnostic technology to take clear pictures of the inner lining of the oesophagus, stomach, or bowel using highly detailed pictures. 

To carry out this feat, they are fitted with miniature cameras and detectors for taking pictures and conducting tests at different intervals over the period of their journey through your gastrointestinal tract. 

The procedure is minimally invasive, and you won’t be required to stay overnight in hospital after this procedure. 

Your doctor will be able to view the findings directly on computer screens during your next appointment. 

A small wand is passed over the oesophagus and transmits the images and video to a central computer for interpretation by a physician. 

 

Why Would you Need a Capsule Endoscopy?

 

Are you a type 2 diabetic?

For those with a family history of cancer, a past cancer diagnosis, or a concern about latent cancer cells, capsule endoscopy is the most effective way to detect any abnormalities.

Studies have shown that patients who undergo capsule endoscopy are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than those who do not.

If you have been thinking about it but have been reluctant to do so, start learning more reasons why you should get a capsule endoscopy as soon as possible:
 

• Capsule endoscopy is the only way to detect Barrett oesophagus which very rarely causes any symptoms. 
• It is also the most reliable way of detecting latent cancer cells in the body. 
• It is an effective diagnostic tool for anyone who has had previous abdominal surgery,
  or who has a family history of cancer or carcinomas 
• Detecting the source of GI bleeding 
• Helping to diagnose conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis 
• Identification of polyps or tumours in the gastrointestinal tract 
• Investigating abdominal pain

Capsule endoscopy is a simple, effective and painless procedure with fast reliable results.

  
The Advantages of a Capsule Endoscopy

The idea of a camera inside your body is not an easy one to swallow, but the advantages of this procedure are many. 

• Capsule endoscopy provides an alternative to traditional endoscopic procedures. 
• It can examine the small intestine, which can be hard to reach during an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. 
• Capsule endoscopy also detects intestinal abnormalities that do not show up on imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays. 
• Capsule Endoscopy provides limited preparation and no anaesthesia which makes this such a quick and convenient procedure.
• The results are immediate and reliable.

 

What are the Side Effects of Capsule Endoscopy?

 

The most typical side effects of capsule endoscopy are:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Gas Pain
• Stomach Cramps
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea

It is common to experience mild dizziness during the procedure that will subside after the examination is completed.
 

What are the Risks with Capsule Endoscopy?

 

Capsule endoscopy is painless and extremely safe.

The only potential complication is capsule retention. This means that the capsule gets stuck in the bowel. 

This risk is very low and happens on average in 1 out of every 100 people who do the test.

The risk is higher if you have had previous abdominal surgery or if you had symptoms that would suggest bowel obstruction.

The risk is also higher if you have Crohn’s disease.

In general, if the capsule gets stuck it means that there is a severe narrowing in the bowel, which will need an operation.

You should therefore not do a capsule endoscopy test if you are not prepared to have an operation if it is needed.

 

How to Prepare for the Procedure

 

Your small bowel needs to be clean before commencing the capsule endoscopy investigation.

Your bowel preparation the day before the capsule endoscopy consists of the following:

• You must be on a clear fluid diet for 24 hours before the procedure.
• Your normal breakfast can be eaten the day before the capsule endoscopy appointment.
• This should be followed by plenty of clear fluids taken during the rest of the day.
• Examples of clear fluids include Water, Energade or a similar alternative, clear juice (apple, grape), tea or coffee without milk (sugar is allowed), without any solids in or jelly (avoid red jelly). Clear, strained soup can be taken but no later than 1 pm.
• The afternoon before the procedure, you should drink 1-litre Moviprep that has been prescribed.
• Please be fasting from 8 pm on the evening before your capsule endoscopy procedure – this means no medication, fluids or solids of any kind from 8 pm until I meet you the following morning.
• Take a second litre of Moviprep at 4 am the morning of the capsule endoscopy procedure, with plenty of water.

All of the above will be discussed and confirmed by your doctor prior to the procedure.

 

Recovery Time After a Capsule Endoscopy Procedure
 

Since the capsule endoscopy procedure involves the patient swallowing a pill that contains a tiny camera, it requires very little downtime. 

The pill is essentially just swallowed whole, so the patient only needs to rest for an hour or so before resuming their regular routine. 

They can also eat normally and resume normal activity thereafter.

Summary

 

GI Doc Cape Town is a practice founded to provide medical solutions in the area of gastroenterology.

Over the years, Dr. Eduan Deetlefs has earned the reputation of a trusted health expert providing consultative, diagnostic, and therapeutic endoscopic and related services to patients in Cape Town and beyond.

Should you experience any of the above symptoms or need any additional information regarding the above procedure, give Dr. Deetlefs a call at 021 551 8678.

Book an appointment online