1. Acidity, Gas, and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Chronic acidity, burning sensation in the chest, sour belching, and gas are among the most frequent complaints seen in the OPD. While occasional acidity is normal, persistent symptoms may indicate GERD, a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, potentially damaging its lining over time. Left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Sahu evaluates such cases with a detailed history, lifestyle assessment, and where required, upper GI endoscopy to rule out structural causes.

2. Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum often present as burning abdominal pain, especially on an empty stomach, along with nausea and bloating. A major cause is infection with H. pylori bacteria, along with long-term use of painkillers (NSAIDs). Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy and H. pylori testing, followed by a combination of acid-suppressing medication and, if needed, antibiotic therapy.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional gut disorder causing recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits — either constipation, diarrhea, or an alternating pattern — without any visible structural damage on tests. It is a chronic condition that requires a personalized management approach involving dietary modification, stress management, and targeted medication, since triggers vary significantly from person to person.

4. Liver Diseases: Fatty Liver, Hepatitis, and Cirrhosis

Liver disease has become increasingly common due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and alcohol consumption. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now one of the most frequently diagnosed liver conditions, often found incidentally during routine ultrasound scans. If ignored, fatty liver can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis.

Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, and E) also remains a significant concern in this region, often linked to contaminated food and water or unscreened blood exposure. Dr. Sahu's approach includes liver function tests, viral markers, and imaging to stage disease severity, along with long-term management plans to prevent progression to liver failure.

5. Jaundice (Piliya)

Jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin — is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and can result from liver inflammation, bile duct obstruction, or blood disorders. Timely evaluation is essential, since the underlying cause determines treatment; a viral hepatitis-related jaundice is managed very differently from one caused by gallstone obstruction.

6. Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease

Gallstones can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals, along with nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool. While small, asymptomatic stones may only need monitoring, symptomatic gallstones often require surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), for which Dr. Sahu coordinates with the hospital's surgical team when indicated.

7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

IBD refers to chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine that cause recurring diarrhea (sometimes with blood), abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These are lifelong conditions requiring long-term monitoring and medication to control flare-ups and prevent complications. Colonoscopy with biopsy plays a central role in diagnosis and monitoring disease activity.

8. Chronic Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Chronic constipation, often worsened by low-fiber diets and sedentary lifestyles, can lead to complications like hemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures. Management typically starts with dietary and lifestyle changes, and progresses to medical or minor procedural intervention for persistent cases.

9. Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, whether acute or chronic, causes severe upper abdominal pain often radiating to the back, along with nausea and vomiting. Common causes include gallstones and alcohol use. Acute pancreatitis can be a medical emergency requiring hospitalization, which is where Jigyasa Hospital's round-the-clock emergency and inpatient care becomes critical.

10. Food Intolerance and Malabsorption Disorders

Conditions like lactose intolerance and celiac disease can cause chronic bloating, diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies. Identifying these often requires a combination of dietary trials, blood tests, and sometimes endoscopic biopsy, followed by structured dietary management.