World Health Alert: Commemorating Global Digestive Health Day on 29th May - Balanced digestion harmonizes body, spirit, and mind

World Health Alert: Commemorating Global Digestive Health Day on 29th May - Balanced digestion harmonizes body, spirit, and mind

World Digestive Health Day Highlights Importance of Healthy Gut for Overall Well-being

In a global call to action, the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) announced the annual observance of World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) on May 29, with this year's theme being "Your Digestive Health: Nourish to Flourish." Emphasizing the significant impact of a healthy digestion on a person's physical, mental, and emotional balance, the WGO aims to raise awareness about the importance of taking active steps to care for digestive health.

Constipation, Caused by Various Factors, Including Painkillers

https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/021-016l_S3_Definition-Pathophysiology-Diagnosis-Therapy-Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome_2022-02.pdf (Accessed: May 2025).

From a poor diet and dehydration to underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation can have multiple causes. While medication can help alleviate pain, certain drugs, including those used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and severe pain, can disrupt the digestive process and cause constipation. This situation becomes a concern for those who suffer from chronic pain, as more than one in four people living in Germany experiences chronic pain [iv].

According to PD Dr. med. Viola Andresen from the Medicum Center for Digestive Diseases in Hamburg, "Even though digestive problems are often a taboo subject, it's crucial to discuss them with a doctor if you are experiencing them." Proper management of digestive issues, such as constipation, ensures that people can continue to receive necessary pain treatment without additional distress.

https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/021-019l_S2k_Chronic_Constipation_2022-11.pdf (Accessed: May 2025).

Opioid-Induced Constipation: Solutions and Management

For those who experience opioid-induced constipation, a challenging side effect associated with pain therapy, several medication options are available:

https://www.bvsd.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BVSD-Weissbuch-2024_final.pdf (Accessed: May 2025).

1. Peripheral Opioid Receptor Antagonists: Drugs like methylnaltrexone (Relistor) counteract the constipation-causing effects of opioids without impacting their pain-relieving properties. Used when laxatives prove ineffective, Relistor can be administered orally or through injection. However, it carries risks such as gastrointestinal perforation and opioid withdrawal symptoms [2].
2. Naloxegol: Another medication addressing opioid-induced constipation is naloxegol, often prescribed at 25 mg once daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on tolerance. Naloxegol works by blocking opioids' effects on the gut in a similar manner to methylnaltrexone.
3. Laxatives: Numerous types of laxatives can be employed, such as:
4. Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol 3350 or MiraLAX) soften stool by drawing water into the intestines, promoting easier bowel movements with gentle and effective relief [3][5].
5. Stool softeners (e.g., docusate sodium or Colace) increase water absorption in the stool to make passage less painful [3][5].
6. Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, senna) stimulate intestinal contractions to aid in moving stool, but they are typically reserved for short-term use due to the potential for cramping [5].

Doctors often advise starting with stool softeners or osmotic laxatives before adding stimulant laxatives if necessary [5].

https://dgs-praxisleitlinien.de/opioidinduzierte-obstipation/ (Accessed: May 2025).

Adequate hydration, maintaining a high-fiber diet, and engaging in light physical activity are additional strategies that can help reduce constipation risk. Medical oversight is crucial, as managing stubborn and complex opioid-induced constipation necessitates individualized treatment plans and monitoring by healthcare providers for optimal results and minimal side effects.

World Digestive Health Day: Shining a Spotlight on Overall Wellness

https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/who-we-are (Accessed: May 2025).

In conclusion, proper digestive health significantly impacts an individual's overall well-being. With a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mindful eating, everyone can take part in actively maintaining their digestive health. For those experiencing digestive problems, effective management is essential to prevent unnecessary complications, and speaking with a doctor is crucial to finding long-term solutions. By raising awareness about digestive health on World Digestive Health Day, the WGO hopes to prompt individuals to take charge of their health and seek the support they need to flourish.

Sources:[1] [iv] [v] Enrichment Data[2] [iii] World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO)[5] Layman, P et al. (2021) Update S3 Guideline Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Definition, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Therapy. Joint Guideline of the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and the German Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (DGNM). Available at: https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/021-016l_S3_Definition-Pathophysiology-Diagnosis-Therapy-Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome_2022-02.pdf (Accessed: May 2025).[iii] *Andresen, V et al. (2022). Updated S2k Guideline Chronic Constipation of the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and the German Society of Neurogastroenterology & Motility (DGNM). Available at: https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/021-019l_S2k_Chronic_Constipation_2022-11.pdf (Accessed: May 2025).

1. The importance of addressing constipation, a digestive health issue caused by various factors including medical conditions and certain medications, is underscored to ensure chronic pain patients can receive necessary pain treatment without added distress.
2. Proper management of digestive health, such as constipation, plays a significant role in overall health and well-being, and can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mindful eating.
3. In the context of World Digestive Health Day, the emphasis on digestive health encompasses not only medical conditions and treatments but also the importance of nutrition in maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.

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