GASTRONAUT CLINIC - DR RAAJEEV HINGORANI

 

Many people experience burning in the chest or throat after eating. While occasional acidity is common, frequent symptoms may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. This irritates the lining and causes discomfort. Over time, it can damage the esophagus if left untreated. Common symptoms include heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and hoarseness. Some patients also complain of bloating and nausea. Unhealthy eating habits, late-night meals, obesity, smoking, and excessive tea or coffee intake can worsen reflux. Stress also plays a role in increasing symptoms. Treatment focuses on lifestyle correction along with medicines to reduce acid production. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy and oily food, not lying down immediately after meals, and maintaining healthy weight are very helpful. Ignoring long-term reflux may lead to ulcers and othe...

Fatty liver disease is becoming very common today, especially among people with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Many patients are surprised when they are told they have a “fatty liver,” because they feel completely normal. This condition happens when excess fat gets stored in liver cells. It is often linked with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and regular alcohol consumption. Even people who do not drink alcohol can develop fatty liver due to poor diet and lack of exercise. In the early stages, fatty liver usually does not cause symptoms. Some people may feel mild tiredness, heaviness on the right side of the abdomen, or low energy levels. Because symptoms are mild, the condition is often detected during routine blood tests or ultrasound. If ignored, fatty liver can slowly progress to liver inflammation, scarring, and even liver failure. That is why early attention is important. The good news is that fatty liver can be reversed in most cases. Weight control, heal...

Colon cancer develops in the large intestine and is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It usually begins as small growths called polyps, which slowly turn cancerous over many years. In early stages, colon cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may notice blood in stool, change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, tiredness, or abdominal discomfort. Risk increases with age, family history, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. People with long-standing bowel inflammation also have higher risk. The most powerful tool against colon cancer is screening. Tests such as colonoscopy can detect polyps before they become cancer. Regular screening after middle age saves lives by detecting disease at a curable stage. Treatment depends on stage and may include surgery, medicines, and sometimes radiation. When detected early, cure rates are very high. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating fiber-rich food, exercising regularly...

The pancreas is an important organ that helps in digestion and controls blood sugar. When it becomes inflamed, the condition is called pancreatitis. This disease can be sudden and severe or slowly progressive over time. Acute pancreatitis usually starts with intense upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back. It is often accompanied by vomiting, fever, and weakness. Chronic pancreatitis develops gradually and causes ongoing pain, poor digestion, weight loss, and sometimes diabetes. The most common causes of pancreatitis are excessive alcohol consumption and gallstones. Smoking, high cholesterol levels, and certain medicines may also contribute. Repeated attacks can permanently damage the pancreas. Treatment depends on severity. Mild cases may recover with rest and medicines, while severe cases require hospital care, fluids, and close monitoring. In chronic cases, enzyme supplements and pain management become necessary. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is extremely important for recov...