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Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach, which is often accompanied by vomiting, the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.

Although most people experience these symptoms at some point in their lives, they are typically short-lived and not a cause for concern. However, if you experience frequent or persistent nausea and vomiting, dehydration, or other accompanying symptoms, we recommend seeking advice from one of our specialists.

Related Symptoms

Causes

Nausea and vomiting are relatively common and there are many causes, including as a symptom of certain conditions :

Vomiting can also be a sign of a more serious illness, such as:

Treatment

At-home remedies include :

If the above mentioned remedies are not effective in treating your nausea and vomiting, we suggest seeking advice from one of our specialists.

For some pregnant women experiencing morning sickness, eating crackers before getting out of bed or a high protein snack before going to bed may alleviate their symptoms.

In cases of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, alternative drugs may be used for treatment. Additionally, prescription and non-prescription drugs are available to control vomiting associated with motion sickness and certain types of dizziness.

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Hoarseness of voice

Symptoms

Hoarseness of voice

Hoarseness and a persistent sore throat are common symptoms that could indicate an underlying condition, such as acid reflux, allergies, tonsillitis, or upper respiratory infections. Other factors can also affect the larynx (voice box). If you experience persistent symptoms, particularly accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing, seeking medical advice from one of our specialists is recommended.

Related Symptoms

Hoarseness of voice symptoms

nfrequent hoarseness or a sore throat is typically not a cause for concern. However, if these symptoms persist for more than three weeks, we recommend seeking advice from one of our specialists. Your condition may be referred to as dysphonia.

Symptoms of a hoarse voice can include:

The presence of hoarseness and soreness in the throat can indicate a range of both benign and more serious underlying issues. We invite you to continue reading to explore some of the common causes of dysphonia.

What causes hoarseness of voice?

A hoarse voice can be caused by simple factors, such as:

However, at times, a hoarse voice may be indicative of an underlying condition or disease, which could include

Some of these are more common than others, so it’s important to speak with a specialist to get a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnostic approach to hoarseness of voice is tailored to the individual’s symptoms and presentation.

During the consultation, our specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes a thorough examination of the throat, both externally and internally, to identify any abnormalities. We will also inquire about the duration of the symptoms and the presence of any other related symptoms. Keeping a symptom tracker may be helpful if the symptoms are recurring over a prolonged period.

Additionally, a blood test may be conducted to assess overall health and identify signs of any infection. If acid reflux is suspected, we may perform an endoscopy with wireless 96-hour pH capsule to diagnose or exclude reflux conditions, such as LPR or GORD. In some cases, a biopsy to identify abnormal cells may also be taken.

Scans, such as CT or MRI, may also be recommended depending on the severity of the symptoms and initial findings.

Lastly, we may refer you to an ENT specialist for a more comprehensive examination of the throat and voice box (larynx).

Treatment

After identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms, we will devise a treatment plan accordingly. If your symptoms are due to overuse or misuse of your voice, we may suggest trying at-home remedies as an initial step.

At-home remedies include :

If the at-home remedies fail to alleviate your symptoms, we advise booking a consultation with one of our specialists.

For those who experience regular acid reflux, we recommend speaking to one of our specialists to determine the root cause of your problem. This can help us identify a more effective treatment approach than your current one.

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Cough and throat clearing

Symptoms

Cough and throat clearing

Whilst occasional coughing or throat clearing is natural, persistent and excessive coughing may warrant further examination. If you are experiencing frequent coughing, soreness in the throat, or hoarseness without displaying symptoms commonly associated with the common cold or influenza, it is plausible that stomach acid may be irritating your vocal cords, airways, or throat. It is recommended to seek professional evaluation from one of our specialists.

Please continue reading to comprehend the various origins of persistent coughing and throat clearing.

Related Symptoms

Causes of chronic cough and throat clearing

Persistent coughing and throat clearing may arise from complications in your digestive tract. Nonetheless, other conditions such as asthma could also instigate your symptoms. Please peruse the ensuing list to discern the potential causes correlated with your digestive system.

Acid Reflux

Rising stomach acid causes acid reflux. You may feel sharp discomfort in your chest or throat, or you may have ‘silent’ reflux (LPR) – which causes no chest symptoms.

Barrett’s Oesophagus

Compromised oesophageal lining can culminate in Barrett’s oesophagus, generally resulting from acid reflux.

Acid reflux is a principal symptom of Barrett’s oesophagus and may provoke inflammation in the throat, eventually leading to persistent coughing and throat clearing.

Signs of Barrett’s encompass the following :

GORD/ GERD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) ensues from regular acid reflux, which is attributed to a weakened or relaxed sphincter. Individuals with increased vulnerability to GORD include those who are pregnant, overweight, or possess a hiatus hernia.

GORD exhibits similar indications to acid reflux, albeit with greater severity. Symptoms may include distension, eructation, halitosis, and oesophagitis. Heartburn, which is typically experienced more frequently than with acid reflux, is a prevalent manifestation amongst individuals diagnosed with GORD, often transpiring several times a week.

EoE

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), also referred to as oesophageal asthma, is an infrequent ailment causing chronic inflammation in the lining of the oesophagus, with the possibility of developing oesophageal strictures.

EoE could provoke symptoms like dysphagia, thoracic discomfort, and a sensation of food impeding your chest or progressing sluggishly down your oesophagus.

Swallowing Problems

Dysphagia, characterised by difficulties in swallowing, could cause irritation in your oesophagus, leading to persistent coughing or throat clearing. One possible cause of dysphagia is achalasia.

Dysphagia indications include regurgitation, mastication complications, and salivation.

Functional Cough and Throat Clearing

It is a condition that involves heightened sensitivity of the neural receptors in the throat, leading to an incessant urge to clear the throat. Though harmless, an accurate diagnosis and treatment could be acquired by consulting with an expert in the field.

Other causes include:

Diagnosis

Upon initial consultation, we will meticulously inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing, their frequency, and the presence of any known triggers to establish the cause of your chronic cough and throat clearing. Subsequently, we will carry out several tests, the selection of which will depend on the underlying condition we suspect.

Some of the tests we may conduct are as follows:

To obtain a clearer view of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and identify the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend an endoscopy.

If we suspect that your symptoms may be caused by a nasal allergy, we might advise you to undergo allergy testing.

Following the diagnosis of the underlying cause of your symptoms, we will suggest appropriate treatment options.

Treatment

The recommended treatment for your cough and throat clearing will vary depending on the underlying cause. If a digestive issue is not suspected, we may refer you to another specialist such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or respiratory doctor to rule out any potential lung conditions.

Home remedies for a cough and throat clearing include:

If the simple at-home remedies fail to alleviate your symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists. Based on the severity of your condition, we may prescribe medications or recommend non-surgical or surgical procedures, such as Stretta therapy or endoscopic dilatation. Our recommendations will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

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Chest-Pain

Chest pain and discomfort

Symptoms

Chest pain and discomfort

Chest pain and discomfort can frequently be attributed to digestive issues, rather than cardiac problems. Non-cardiac chest pain is the medical term for chest pain that does not originate from the heart. Conditions such as acid reflux can generate a sharp, agonizing sensation in the chest. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness, it is important to seek emergency medical assistance.

Our gastroenterologist possesses the expertise necessary to identify whether your chest pain or discomfort is due to digestive issues.

Related Symptoms

Is your chest pain an emergency?

Seek immediate medical advice for the following symptoms:

These are signs of a heart attack and require immediate assistance. If you experience these symptoms, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Chest pain symptoms caused by digestive problems

While it isn’t always clear what is causing your chest pain and discomfort, some key signs would indicate your pain is due to a digestive problem rather than a heart problem. 

Signs include:

If you experience the following digestive symptoms alongside your chest pain, it suggests your pain is due to a digestive problem. Though, you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor to rule out other causes of your chest pain first.

Symptoms that could indicate digestive problems include :

Causes of non-cardiac chest pain and discomfort :

Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion

Acid reflux often causes a burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn. You may also experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Individuals with indigestion (dyspepsia) will often feel uncomfortably full after eating and may feel sick (nausea) and bloated.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refers to excessive acid reflux. Acid and bile flow up from the stomach via the food pipe (oesophagus) due to a relaxed or weak sphincter. Left untreated, this can lead to Barrett’s oesophagus, which has similar symptoms to acid reflux. GORD is the most common reason for non-cardiac chest pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS usually causes abdominal pain, though it may also cause pain in your chest, back, and jaw. For people with IBS, trapped gas often causes chest pain.

Functional dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a medical condition characterized by persistent symptoms of indigestion without a clear underlying cause. Symptoms of functional dyspepsia may include a burning sensation in the lower chest, bloating, nausea, and belching.

 

Swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders are medical conditions that affect the food pipe or oesophagus, resulting in difficulty swallowing. Pain along the oesophagus, which can be felt in the chest and other areas, may also be experienced. Such conditions may include achalasia or oesophageal spasm.

 

Additional digestive conditions that can cause non-cardiac chest pain

Below we list other conditions that cause chest pain and discomfort and where you are likely to feel that pain.

When to speak to a gastroenterologist :

After a cardiac condition has been excluded by your physician, alternative causes may be explored. If additional gastrointestinal symptoms, such as those aforementioned, are present, it would be prudent to consult with a gastroenterologist.

Our team of gastroenterologists will request a comprehensive account of your symptoms, their duration, and degree of severity. Moreover, we will delve into your medical history and that of your immediate family to deduce the most plausible causes.

Diagnosing non-cardiac chest pain

Primarily, it is imperative to establish the underlying cause of the discomfort before determining an appropriate treatment course. We can administer a variety of examinations to diagnose the source of the pain, such as an endoscopic investigation to scrutinize your oesophagus and upper gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Furthermore, other evaluations that may be conducted include:

Treatment

For a multitude of conditions that elicit thoracic pain and discomfort, we generally initiate lifestyle modifications to gauge the impact on your symptoms.

If there is an improvement in your symptoms, we may opt for monitoring your condition. Conversely, if no alteration or exacerbation is observed, pharmaceutical intervention may be prescribed. In cases of acute symptoms, alternative treatments may be recommended, contingent on the underlying cause of the condition.

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