The festive season is a time of joy, family, and, of course, indulgence in delicious food. However, if you overindulge, there’s a chance you could end up with indigestion.

If you want to enjoy Christmas without worrying about the pain of indigestion, here you’ll discover practical tips and advice. Also, when persistent indigestion might be a symptom of another underlying condition.

Which foods cause indigestion?

Various foods are known to cause indigestion, particularly around the festive season. The main culprits include:

• Rich fatty foods
• Spicy Foods
• Sugary foods
• Dairy products

Rich, fatty foods, like roasted meats, gravy, and buttery pastries can be challenging to digest. They may taste heavenly but can lead to a lot of discomfort if you consume too much of them. Similarly, spicy foods and those high in seasoning can trigger acid reflux or heartburn.

Sweets and desserts, while tempting, can also contribute, especially when consumed in large quantities. The high sugar content can cause bloating and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness.

Also, be mindful of dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant. The key is to enjoy these foods in moderation, rather than over-indulging.

How to treat indigestion

If indigestion does strike, there are several ways to get rid of the discomfort. First, try simple home remedies like sipping on peppermint tea or ginger tea, both known for their digestive benefits. Ginger can particularly help soothe the stomach and reduce feelings of nausea.

Staying hydrated also helps digestion, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. However, avoid drinking too much water during meals, as it can dilute stomach acid and hinder digestion.

Gentle physical activity, like a leisurely walk after a meal, can aid digestion. Probiotics, whether in food form like yoghurt or as supplements, can also help in maintaining a healthy gut, which is vital for smooth digestion.

Over-the-counter antacids can be effective for immediate relief, but they should be used sparingly.

Knowing when to seek help

While occasional indigestion is common, it’s important to recognise when it’s more than just a one-off occurrence. If you find yourself frequently experiencing issues, or if the symptoms are particularly severe, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a medical specialist with expertise in gastrointestinal conditions. Especially when it is accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting.

Chronic or severe indigestion can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or even gallbladder disease can manifest as indigestion.

Remember, while festive food and drink can cause some temporary discomfort, it’s important to take action when indigestion is persistent and becoming a cause for concern. By being mindful of what and how you eat, and knowing when to seek help, you can avoid letting indigestion dampen the festive spirit.

If your indigestion isn’t going away, schedule an appointment with Mr Alan Woodward.

A gastroscopy is a valuable medical procedure that enables a thorough investigation of the upper segment of your digestive tract. This will help to diagnose any gastrointestinal conditions. If you’ve been scheduled for this procedure, it’s natural to have questions such as how you should prepare and what you can expect on the day of the test.

To help, in this blog you’ll discover everything you need to know prior to undergoing a gastroscopy procedure.

How do I start preparing for a Gastroscopy?

Before your scheduled gastroscopy, you’ll be asked to fast. This means you should avoid eating or drinking, typically for around six hours prior to the procedure. Water can be sipped until 2 hours before the procedure. An empty stomach ensures the surgeon can get a clear view of what’s going on and reduces the risk of complications.

You should also inform the surgeon about any medications you’re currently taking, especially blood thinners or diabetes medications. You may need to adjust dosages or stop taking the medication before the procedure.

It’s crucial to provide your consultant with a complete health overview, so they’re aware of any allergies or conditions that might impact the procedure.

What happens during a Gastroscopy?

During a gastroscopy, you’ll be asked to lie down, and a mouth guard will typically be provided. The main tool used in this procedure is the gastroscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera at its end. This is gently passed down your throat, into your oesophagus, and then further down to your stomach and duodenum.

The camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing these areas to be examined in detail. The procedure is relatively quick, often completed within 15 to 20 minutes.

While it may cause some discomfort, it shouldn’t be painful. Some people experience a sensation of fullness or a need to gag, but these feelings are temporary.

Can I have a sedative before a Gastroscopy?

If you’re apprehensive about the procedure or wish to be more relaxed while it is being performed, a sedative can be administered. This won’t put you to sleep entirely, but it will make you feel drowsy and relaxed.

The sedative medication is usually given as an injection into the arm. If you opt for a sedative, it’s essential to note that its effects can linger for a while. This means you’ll need someone to take you home after the procedure.

Driving, operating machinery, and making important decisions are not recommended for at least 24 hours post-sedation. Discuss any concerns with your consultant, and they will guide you on the best options for your comfort and safety.

If it has been recommended that you undergo a gastroscopy, schedule an appointment with Mr Woodward to learn more about what to expect. He will address any concerns you may have and help to put your mind at ease.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended FIT tests be used by GPs to test for colorectal cancer.

According to figures by Cancer Research UK, an alarming 42,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are recorded each year. However, due to delays with colonoscopy procedures, detecting the cancer early can prove challenging.

Here, we’ll be exploring what exactly FIT tests are, the reasoning behind NICE’s recommendation, and the vital importance of early detection in the fight against colorectal cancer.

What are FIT Tests and How Do They Work?

The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a simple, self-administered test that detects minuscule traces of blood in your stool. These traces are so small that you may not notice them, but they could potentially signal the presence of cancer.

It’s important to note that blood in your stool can be caused by various medical conditions, and not just cancer. However, if it is cancer, early detection significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.

FIT is uniquely designed to detect human blood, minimising the chance of false positives from dietary sources. Conducting the test is a simple process that you carry out at home, involving just one stool sample.

Your doctor will provide you with the test or arrange for it to be mailed to you. To collect the sample, use a plastic container lined with toilet paper placed in the toilet bowl. Ensure your stool doesn’t encounter urine, water, or the toilet itself.

You can typically expect your results within a fortnight. If you haven’t heard anything after two weeks, contact the doctor who arranged the test.

Why NICE is Recommending FIT Tests for Colorectal Cancer

So, why the specific emphasis on FIT? The decision to recommend this test is aimed at easing the strain on colonoscopy services.

Given the current limited capacity, colonoscopy can sometimes come with long wait times, delaying a potentially life-saving diagnosis. By endorsing FIT as an alternative diagnostic tool, the goal is to significantly cut down these wait times and improve early detection rates.

Why Early Detection Matters in Colorectal Cancer

The best way to deal with colorectal cancer, like any health condition, is to catch it early. Early detection not only increases your chances of a successful treatment, but also offers more treatment options with fewer side effects.

A colonoscopy is a proactive step towards maintaining your health and can help detect a number of conditions, not just cancer. Also, as a procedure, it has come a long way in terms of comfort and convenience. A colonoscopy normally takes around half an hour and is carried out under sedation, so you can relax and should feel very little discomfort. Usually, cancer is not detected, and if the test finds polyps (pre-cancerous growths), these can be removed. The test can help identify other causes of bowel symptoms, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

If you are concerned you may have colorectal cancer, or you have been recommended for a colonoscopy, schedule an appointment with Mr. Alan Woodward today.

According to a recent study, the likelihood of patients developing colon cancer shot up almost fourfold within a year of receiving treatment for acute appendicitis. This research accounted for nearly all appendicitis cases in adults in France, spanning from 2010 to 2015.

The short gap between appendicitis and a cancer diagnosis led the researchers to conclude that appendicitis might serve as an early red flag for colon cancer, rather than being a direct cause. They also suggest those who have undergone an appendectomy should undergo regular colon cancer screenings.

Here, we explore the latest research and provide tips on how to foster a beneficial gut microbiome following an appendectomy.

Colon cancer risk quadruples within a year of an appendectomy

Researchers used the French Hospital Discharge Database to compare 230,512 acute appendicitis cases with 461,024 control cases of trauma patients, over a period of five years. These groups were matched based on age, gender, and overall health. The study excluded individuals with personal or a family history of colon cancer, and other high-risk factors. Results showed that patients diagnosed with colon cancer within a month of suffering with appendicitis were often discovered during appendectomy. These patients were also excluded.

Remaining data revealed 111 patients were diagnosed with colon cancer within a year of having appendicitis or an appendectomy. This was significantly higher compared to 55 individuals in the control group.

After adjusting for other factors, the study found that appendicitis patients had a nearly four times greater risk of colon cancer in the first year, and an almost six times greater risk in the first six months. This risk was particularly pronounced in patients under 40 and for right-sided colon cancer, which is on the same side as the appendix. After one year, colon cancer rates levelled out between the two groups.

The study concluded that appendicitis could be an early warning signal for colon cancer, rather than a direct cause.

What is an appendectomy?

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine, found on the lower right side of the abdomen. This surgery is typically performed as an emergency medical procedure when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, a condition known as appendicitis.

While it’s generally a straightforward and commonly performed operation, it does carry certain risks, as with any surgical procedure. For this reason, an appendectomy serves as a necessary intervention when the appendix causes health issues.

It is believed that the appendix plays a key role in maintaining a diverse gut microbiome. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining your health, although some types can contribute to diseases. A recent study found that microbes in the gut contribute to colorectal cancer risk and that patients could be at higher risk of this disease after an appendectomy, because it disrupts the balance of bacteria.

Precautions to take after an appendectomy

After an appendectomy, you need to be proactive about nutrition to ensure you have an optimal population of good bacteria in your gut. You can nurture your gut microbiome through dietary choices. Consuming fermented foods, like yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh, enriches your gut with lactobacilli, a health-supportive bacteria.

Probiotic foods, which stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria will also help. These are primarily fibre or complex carbs that are digested by gut bacteria for energy. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and standalone probiotic supplements are excellent sources.

If you are concerned about your risk of colorectal disease, book an appointment with Mr Alan Woodward. There are different tests for diagnosing colorectal conditions that can be discussed with you, including a Colonoscopy – a common and straightforward procedure that can be carried out under sedation. Get in touch to find out more.

Anal dysplasia is a condition where abnormal cells grow in or near the anal canal. Although it is not cancer, these abnormal cells can become cancerous over time, making it important to get screened.

Here, we look at what anal cancer is, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and why getting treatment for anal dysplasia is important.

What is anal cancer and how does it link to anal dysplasia?

Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects approximately 1500 people in the UK each year. Occurring in the anal canal, which is the short tube at the end of the rectum that expels stool from the body, it develops when abnormal cells grow and multiply in the anal region.

Anal dysplasia is considered a precancerous condition because it involves the growth of abnormal cells in or near the anal canal. If left untreated, these abnormal cells can develop into cancerous tumours within the anal region, leading to the onset of anal cancer.

Anal dysplasia is also commonly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the same virus that can cause anal cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of anal cancer can vary depending on its severity and location. Some common symptoms of anal cancer include:

• Pain/pressure in the anal region
• Anal itching or burning
• Bleeding from the anus or rectum
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
• Fatigue
• A lump or growth in the anal area
• Unexplained weight loss

Anal dysplasia causes much the same symptoms, though it also might not cause any symptoms at all. Routine screening is recommended for people who may be at higher risk, such as those with a history of anal warts or HPV infection.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns, it’s recommended that you seek the advice of a GP or a colorectal specialist.

Treating anal dysplasia

Treatment for anal dysplasia depends on its severity and the extent of the lesions. Mild cases of anal dysplasia may require no treatment at all and can be monitored closely over time. More severe cases may require treatment, which can include:

• Topical creams: Medications can be applied to the anal region to destroy the abnormal cells.
• Surgery: Lesions may be removed by surgery to eliminate abnormal cells and prevent the progression of the disease.
• Electrosurgery: This involves using an electrical current to remove abnormal cells.
• Cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are destroyed by freezing them.
• Laser therapy: A focused beam of light can be used to destroy the abnormal cells.
• Radiation therapy: In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to destroy abnormal cells.

It’s important to note that while treatment for anal dysplasia is often successful, the condition can recur. Therefore, it’s important to continue regular monitoring after treatment.

If you have anal dysplasia and you are worried about the risk of developing anal cancer, book an appointment with Mr Alan Woodward. He will assess the condition and determine the best course of treatment to eliminate it.