Management of Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Problems

Abstract

In brief: The primary care physician often has to evaluate and treat gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that occur with exercise. Such symptoms are common but are not usually serious. However, the physician should not dismiss the symptoms without questioning the patient and possibly investigating further, so as not to overlook a significant pathological process. The authors discuss the basic pathophysiological explanations for such common symptoms as nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea, devote special attention to the recently discovered phenomenon of GI bleeding, and present approaches to evaluation and treatment of GI symptoms. The primary care physician can offer athletes advice that will help them attain their personal goals in a reasonable, healthy, and safe fashion. This article is the second in a series on internal medicine. The first article discussed exercise, lymphokines, calories, and cancer (June, page 109).