You can help a loved one cope with digestive problems and diseases by encouraging your loved one to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Immediate treatment can help in relieving as much discomfort as possible.
A balanced diet with adequate calories plays an important role in digestive system health. Diarrhea, vomiting, poor absorption of nutrients, and side effects of drug treatment all may lead to malnutrition. Encourage your loved one to eat small meals throughout the day to help lessen any symptoms. If the symptoms do not get better after a few days or if they are very severe, call a doctor to ensure that your loved one receives proper evaluation and treatment
If your loved one begins to show signs of a more serious illness (i.e., losing weight quickly, having repeated bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, or having abdominal, chest or throat pain), call a doctor to ensure that your loved one receives proper evaluation and treatment.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 1/30/2005
