Reference no: EM131838084

Case Study: Managing GI Discomfort

Mary Treat is a 68-year-old woman in reasonably good health. She is 64 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. She takes a daily multi-vitamin supplement and over-the-counter antacids for heartburn. Her usual diet includes lean meat, chicken, fish, and fresh vegetables and seasonal fruit from her garden. She now reports having severe heartburn after a family reunion picnic over the Labor Day weekend, and over the past two days has experienced diarrhea and painful stomach cramps.

1. Based on her history, name at least two reasonable explanations for Mary's sudden onset of diarrhea and cramps.

2. What are a few of the most likely causes of Mary's heartburn?

3. If food poisoning is suspected, how might this be related to Mary's regular use of antacids?

4. What immediate treatment would you suggest for her current symptoms?

5. What information and advice would you offer Mary to help her avoid this type of gastrointestinal discomfort in the future?

6. Mary's niece, who has always enjoyed excellent health and has never had any serious digestive illnesses, announces to the family that she has gone gluten-free and has never felt better. She urges Mary to also go gluten-free. Should Mary do so? Why or why not?

7. At what point would you advise her to seek medical care?