Reflux oesophagitis is characterized by heartburn, upper abdominal or chest pain, difficult swallowing, nausea, or belching that leaves an acid taste. It is caused by a backflow of acid stomach contents into the oesophagus.

It is used to describe a burning sensation in the epigastrium (upper abdomen) and along the course of the oesophagus. It may result from distension of any part of the oesophagus, especially the lower, as by sudden introduction of a large amount of fluid. It also can be caused by retention of regurgitated food and gastric contents in lower oesophagus. Symptoms usually occur within an hour after eating, and are most likely to strike when one lies down, bends, or stoops. It is alleviated by taking antacids or by sitting up. It may be aggravated by vigorous exercise, and is often associated with hiatal hernia.

It is an excessive accumulation of gas in the stomach and or intestines. Intestinal flatulence is relieved by passage of flatus.

The accumulated gas produces a sensation of pressure, fullness or distension in the upper abdomen There may be a sensation of suffocation, palpitation, dyspnoea, and even a fear of impending death.

Starting from the mouth down to the anus is our alimentary tract, a vital system which co-ordinates digestion, absorption and excretion of unabsorbed and waste products. Difficulty in passing stool even for a day may seriously disrupt an individual's daily routine. Difficult or painful stools or stool evacuation less than three times per week is clinically termed as constipation.

Diarrhoea is a symptom of gastroenteritis or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is a combination of intermittent cramp-like pains in the abdomen and irregular bowel habits. Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of more serious forms of bowel disease and it may be a side effect of certain drugs. It is also associated with food allergy, food intolerance, stress or anxiety.
Allergy to Various Substances
It is said that one man's food is another man's poison. Food allergens including eggs, chocolate, pork, wheat, milk, nuts, strawberries, cottonseed oil etc. may cause severe gastrointestinal reactions.

Hypersecretion of acid gastric juice along with heartburn are important factors in the production of peptic ulcers which are circumscribed erosions of the mucous membranes of the lower end of the oesophagus, the stomach or duodenum. Peptic ulcer is a collective term for Gastric ulcer and Duodenal ulcer. Gastric Ulcer is one that is present in the stomach and Duodenal Ulcer appears in the duodenum i.e. first portion of small intestine.

Causes:

• Excessive acid secretion in the stomach.
• Mucous that normally protects the gastric mucous membranes is either diminished or is altered in quality.
• Certain food items like too much spices in diet, refined foods and food poor in fiber facilitate the formation of ulcers.
• Taking large quantities of aerated drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol is also responsible for causing peptic ulcers.
• Excessive mental stress and anxiety increase the acid secretion and decrease the mucus secretion thus creating an environment to develop ulcers.

Symptoms:

• Indigestion / Dyspepsia.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Heartburn
• Waterbrash
• Pain in the epigastric region and lower part of the chest. It may be localized or may spread to other parts. The pain is generally of burning type. In gastric ulcers, the pain occurs immediately after meals whereas in duodenal ulcers the pain occurs 2- hours after meals i.e. 'hunger pain' which is relieved after taking food.
• Haematemesis (vomiting of blood).

Although most ulcers are harmless, a few can cause serious complications, particularly in older people. Some ulcers bleed slowly and steadily, leading to fatigue or anaemia. In severe cases, an ulcer can break through (perforate) the wall of the stomach or duodenum, a potentially life-threatening problem that requires immediate surgery. An ulcer may also penetrate the pancreas and cause a sharp, "boring" pain that radiates to the back.

GASTRO INTESTINAL ALLERGIES

FRUITS:
Fruits can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Go easy on the fruits juices, as they contain a lot of natural sugar.

MEAT AND FRIED FOOD:
Avoid red mear beacause it contain a lot of satutated fat and even deep fried recipes like Pakora, Paratha, puri, Samosa, Vada (Bhalla) and even Omelette. Seets including chocolates, Halwa and Kheer should also be avoided.

MILK AND OTHER DAiry:
Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

STARCHY FOOD:
Kadhi, noodles, Rice, Sweets corn soup, Urad Dal, Lobia, Rajma (Red beans), Junk food should be avoides
(Rice is permissible for those whose staple diet is rice).

VEGETABLE:
Go for the brights: the deeper the colour, the greater the concentration of vitamins, mincrals and antioxidants, Avoid Bhindi, Cauliflower, Colocasia (Arbi), Radish (Muli), Spinach (Saag), Sweet Patato (Shakarkandi) & Cabbage.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Use Medications cautiously - Medications taken regularly can noticeably affect digestion. For example narcotics, non steroidal anti-inflammantry drugs (NSAIDs) can cause nausca, stomach pain, stomatch bleeding, ulcers or diarrhoea (if one takes them regularly or exceeds the recommended dosage).