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Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Abdominal pain, commonly known as **stomach pain**, is one of the most frequent reasons people visit a gastroenterologist. It may be mild and temporary or a sign of a serious medical condition. If the pain is severe, persistent, or keeps coming back, it should not be ignored. Abdominal pain can have many causes, including **gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), stomach ulcers, gallstones, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food poisoning, liver disease, pancreatitis, appendicitis, or intestinal infections**. The location, severity, and duration of the pain often help determine the underlying cause. You should seek medical attention if abdominal pain is associated with **persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, black stools, fever, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or severe pain that does not improve.** Treatment depends on the cause. Some patients only require dietary changes and medications, while others may need further investigations such as **ultra...

Food Getting Stuck in Your Throat? Here's What You Should Do

 If food frequently gets stuck in your throat or chest while eating, don't ignore it. Although it may happen occasionally if you eat too quickly, repeated episodes can indicate an underlying problem that needs medical attention. Food getting stuck may be caused by narrowing of the food pipe (esophageal stricture), long-standing acid reflux (GERD), inflammation of the esophagus, achalasia, or, less commonly, esophageal cancer. You may also experience pain while swallowing, choking, vomiting after meals, or unexplained weight loss. The best way to find the cause is an upper GI endoscopy , which allows a gastroenterologist to examine the food pipe, stomach, and upper intestine using a thin flexible camera. With appropriate sedation, painless endoscopy is comfortable for most patients. If the food pipe is narrowed, esophageal (food pipe) dilatation can be performed to gently widen the blockage and improve swallowing. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help yo...

What to Do When You Have Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, should never be ignored. If food feels stuck in your throat or chest, swallowing is painful, or you frequently choke while eating, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist as early diagnosis can prevent serious complications. Difficulty swallowing may be caused by long-standing acid reflux, narrowing of the food pipe (esophageal stricture), inflammation, achalasia, or, in some cases, a more serious condition such as esophageal cancer. Symptoms may include food sticking while swallowing, pain, repeated choking, vomiting after meals, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing liquids. The most effective way to identify the cause is an upper GI endoscopy, in which a flexible camera is passed through the mouth to examine the food pipe, stomach, and upper intestine. With appropriate sedation, the procedure is comfortable, and many patients undergo painless endoscopy. If the food pipe has become narrowed, esophageal (food pipe) dilatation can...

When Is Endoscopy Needed?

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 Many people suffer from acidity, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or indigestion and continue taking medicines without knowing the exact cause of their symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may recommend an endoscopy to find out what is happening inside your digestive system. An endoscopy is a simple procedure in which a thin flexible camera is passed through the mouth to examine the food pipe, stomach, and upper intestine. It helps doctors diagnose problems that cannot always be detected by blood tests or ultrasound. You may need an endoscopy if you have persistent acidity or heartburn that keeps coming back despite treatment. Frequent acid reflux can irritate the food pipe and stomach and may require further evaluation. People who experience ongoing stomach pain, burning in the upper abdomen, bloating, or indigestion may also benefit from an endoscopy. These symptoms can be caused by gastritis, stomach ulcers, or other digestive disorders. Difficulty swallowing food should never b...

Why Do I Feel Bloated After Every Meal?

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  Why Do I Feel Bloated After Every Meal? Feeling bloated after eating is one of the most common digestive complaints. Many people describe bloating as a sensation of fullness, tightness, swelling, or excess gas in the abdomen. While occasional bloating is common, persistent bloating after every meal may indicate an underlying digestive problem that should not be ignored. Bloating often occurs when gas accumulates in the digestive tract or when food moves slowly through the stomach and intestines. Some people notice that their abdomen becomes visibly enlarged after meals, while others mainly experience discomfort and heaviness. One of the most common causes of bloating is eating too quickly. When you eat rapidly, you swallow excess air along with food. This air becomes trapped in the digestive system and can cause abdominal distension and discomfort. Certain foods are also known to trigger bloating. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, cabbage, onions, carbonated beverages, and some dairy pr...

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

 # Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers ## What Is a Stomach Ulcer? A stomach ulcer, also known as a gastric ulcer, is a sore that develops in the lining of the stomach. It occurs when the protective layer of the stomach becomes damaged, allowing stomach acid to irritate the tissue underneath. Stomach ulcers are a common digestive problem and can affect people of all ages. Fortunately, they can usually be diagnosed and treated successfully when detected early. ## Common Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers ### 1. Burning Pain in the Upper Abdomen The most common symptom is a burning or gnawing pain in the upper part of the abdomen. The pain may: • Occur between meals • Wake you up at night • Improve temporarily after eating or taking antacids • Return repeatedly ### 2. Bloating Many patients experience a feeling of fullness or abdominal bloating, especially after meals. ### 3. Acidity and Heartburn Stomach ulcers can cause excessive acid-related symptoms, including: • Heartburn • Acid reflux • Sour ta...

What Causes Fatty Liver?

 🟡 **What Causes Fatty Liver?** Fatty liver occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. In the early stages, it may not cause any symptoms, but if ignored, it can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. ⚠️ Common Causes of Fatty Liver: • Being overweight or obese • Diabetes • High cholesterol or triglycerides • Lack of physical activity • Unhealthy diet rich in sugary drinks and fast food • Certain medications • Excessive alcohol consumption 🔍 Possible Symptoms: • Tiredness and fatigue • Heaviness or discomfort in the upper abdomen • Bloating • Often, there may be no symptoms at all ✅ The good news is that fatty liver can often be reversed with: • Weight loss • Regular exercise • Healthy eating habits • Proper medical treatment and follow-up Don't wait until liver damage occurs. Early diagnosis can help protect your liver health. 📍 Mansoorah Teaching Hospital, Multan Road, Lahore **Dr. Muhammad Shaheen** Consultant Gastroenterologist & He...