Gastrointestinal & Liver Center (Gastro-Intestinal & Scope Center)
The gastrointestinal (GI) system, a vital part of the body, is responsible for digestion, absorption, and excretion. It includes the mouth, pharynx, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Below are five common GI diseases:

1. Peptic Ulcer Disease

Symptoms:

• Burning or gnawing pain in the epigastrium (upper abdomen), below the sternum, or left rib cage.

• Pain worsens when hungry or after eating; relieved temporarily by food.

• Severe cases: Vomiting blood, black stools, weight loss, loss of appetite.

Causes:

• Helicobacter pylori infection (spread via contaminated food/water).

• Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, painkillers), certain acne medications.

• Smoking, alcohol, stress, irregular meals, spicy foods.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Care:

• Black or bloody stools.

• Jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes).

• Severe, prolonged abdominal pain.

• Vomiting blood or persistent vomiting.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Family history of GI diseases or palpable abdominal lumps.

Self-Care for Mild Cases (<2 weeks):

• Take antacids.

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy foods.

• Eat regular meals.

• Exercise.

• Limit NSAIDs.

When to Seek Medical Help:
If symptoms persist >1 month or worsen, endoscopy is required to check for ulcers, tumors, or cancer.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Symptoms:

• Heartburn (burning chest/upper abdomen pain).

• Sour/bitter taste in the mouth, chronic sore throat.

• Difficulty swallowing, lump-in-throat sensation.

• Chronic cough, hoarseness, nighttime choking.

• Asthma exacerbation, recurrent pneumonia.

Risk Factors:

• Obesity, smoking, alcohol.

• High-fat/spicy/acidic foods (e.g., chocolate, coffee, soda, fried foods).

• Overeating, stress.

3. Ulcerative Colitis

Note: The original Thai text incorrectly discusses hepatitis B here. Translated as per source:
Hepatitis B spreads from mother to child during birth, especially if the mother is unaware of her infection. Early childhood infection often becomes chronic. Transmission routes include:

• Unprotected sex, shared needles, unsterile medical procedures.

• Blood transfusions, dialysis, organ transplants.

• Household exposure to contaminated items (razors, nail clippers).

Symptoms:

• Mild fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice.

• Advanced stages: Liver lumps (often indicating late-stage disease).

Prevention:

• Avoid alcohol, chemicals, toxins.

• Maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and rest.

• Fibroscan: A 5-minute ultrasound to detect liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, especially in heavy drinkers.

Chronic Hepatitis B Management:
Focuses on reducing liver inflammation to prevent cirrhosis and liver cancer.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain/cramps relieved by defecation.

• Alternating diarrhea and constipation.

• Bloating, gas, mucus in stools.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Mild cases: Reassurance and lifestyle changes.

• Severe cases: Medications to regulate bowel movements.

5. Gallstones

Overview:

• Hard deposits (cholesterol/bilirubin) in the gallbladder.

• Common in adults >40, especially women.

Symptoms:

• Severe right upper abdominal pain (15 mins–hours), radiating to the right shoulder.

• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion.

• Acute cholecystitis: Fever, jaundice, dark urine.

Asymptomatic Cases:
Often discovered during routine check-ups.