Nausea/Vomiting, Constipation, Diarrhea, & GERD

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are those that deal with your stomach and how it functions on a daily basis.  All of our professionals at Total Home Health realize that some GI disorders can be very discomforting, cause multiple problems with your health, and make you have to avoid food and drink that you really enjoy.  Our nurses will work to gain an awareness of your nutritional needs based on any GI disorders you may being experiencing.  Having you play an active role in your care is important to us, so we will explore your dietary needs with you, and recommend any modifications that go hand in hand with your disease process to increase your chances of successful treatment.

The purpose of this reading will be to discuss and educate you on some of the more common GI disorders and what our professional staff can do for you in those instances.  Our focus throughout this article will be on the GI disorders of nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Each of these disorders will now be discussed more in-depth for your information, with nursing interventions to help you through each one.

o   Nausea and vomiting

·         Potential causes of this include a decrease in the acid that is made by your stomach; a decrease in the way your stomach and intestinal muscles spontaneously and actively move; having an allergy to certain foods; a bacterial or viral infection; increased pressure in your brain; adverse effects of some medications; or disorders of your liver, gall bladder, or pancreas.

·         The underlying cause of any nausea and vomiting you experience will be investigated by your professional Total Home Health team.

·         Being able to observe what your emesis (vomit) looks like will help to determine your diagnosis and treatment.  For example, if your emesis looks like coffee-grounds, that indicates the presence of blood.

·         Once your episodes of nausea and vomiting start to get better, your diet will consist of clear liquids followed by full liquids, and then will be advanced as you can tolerate it.

·         During nausea and vomiting episodes, easy-to-digest, low-fat carbohydrate foods are usually tolerated well.  These foods include crackers, toast, oatmeal, pretzels, and plain bread.

·         It’s best to avoid liquids with meals because they cause you to feel full.

·         Avoid hot and spicy foods.

·         Eat food that is at room temperature or chilled.

·         Avoid foods high in fat because they are hard to digest.

o   Constipation

·         Difficult or infrequent passage of stools, which may be hard and dry.

·         Causes of this include irregular bowel habits, inactivity, long-term use of laxatives, obstruction, medications, GI disorders, and inadequate consumption of fiber and fluid.

·         Exercise will be encouraged, along with a diet high in fiber which is the preferred treatment.  Adequate fluids will also be promoted to make passage of stool easier.

·         Medications may have to be changed if they are causing constipation.

·         Our professionals will assess what is normal for your bowel movement patterns, along with your activity level, dietary intake, and stress.

·         It is important to remember that long-term use of laxatives should be avoided.

o   Diarrhea

·         This may cause depletion of potassium, sodium, and fluid in your body…as well as nutritional complications.

·         Common causes of diarrhea include emotional and physical stress, GI disorders, infections, and certain drug therapies.

·         A high-fiber diet may be prescribed to you, unless it is the fiber that is causing your diarrhea.

·         Nutrition therapy will vary with the severity and duration of your diarrhea episode.  Generally, a liberal intake of fluid is needed to replace what losses occur.

o   Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

·         GERD is the result of an abnormal reflux of gastric secretions back up into the esophagus.  This leads to indigestion and feelings of heartburn.

·         Long-term GERD, if left untreated, can cause serious complications…including cancer.

·         Signs of GERD include heartburn, painful swallowing, regurgitation, coughing, hoarse voice, and pain in your upper stomach area.  Sometimes, pain from GERD may be mistaken for a heart attack.

·         You should avoid situations that lead to increased pressure on your stomach, such as wearing tight clothing.

·         Avoid eating 2 hours or less before lying down.

·         Elevate your head and upper body instead of lying flat, avoid large meals, and avoid snacks at bedtime.

·         Weight loss will be encouraged if needed.

·         You should know that foods that trigger GERD include citrus fruits and juices, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages.

·         It is a good idea to avoid the following items to decrease you chance of experiencing GERD: fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, cigarette smoke, and peppermint/spearmint.

Overall, those GI disorders can prove to be very unwelcomed and interrupt your daily routine.  Total Home Health completely understands this and will provide you with continuous education and always encourage you to make positive changes to maintain the best health possible for yourself.  We look forward to being invited into your home and beginning a great journey of care for both you and those you love.  Enroll today!