Dr. Adam Justin Klein, DO

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.

Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.

Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.

Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.

Mononucleosis happens in three stages:

During the initial stage, those with mono may experience few symptoms as EBV replicates in the body. Symptoms such as headaches and body aches are often misattributed to allergies or stress. People with mono may continue performing their daily activities and attending school, leading to increased transmission of the virus to others. The initial stage lasts for about five to fourteen days.

During the acute stage, mono symptoms intensify and may include the enlargement of the spleen, a sore throat, fatigue, liver issues, and skin rashes. The mono infection is at its worst in this stage.

Lastly, the convalescent stage is when recovery begins. This period of healing can last from two to six months.

Mono can be detected by a physical exam; physicians can diagnose mono by checking for inflamed lymph nodes, tonsils, or spleens. Blood antibody tests may also help diagnose mono by revealing antibodies in the blood that were formed as a response to the Epstein-Barr virus. Elevated levels of white blood cells can also suggest that a patient has mono.

There are no medications specifically for mono or the Epstein-Barr virus, and patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, and taking anti-inflammatory ibuprofen (motrin) may also help people who are afflicted with mono feel better.

People with mono should take precautions to avoid spreading the condition to others. They can prevent infection by not sharing glasses, food, and utensils with others until they fully recover.