One of the most common side effects of systemic sclerosis, a form of the autoimmune disease scleroderma, is a thickening of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. The muscles along the tract that contract and relax to move food through are weakened in up to 90% of people with systemic sclerosis and scar tissue gradually replaces muscle, causing blockages.
Symptoms can occur at any point from the esophagus to the stomach to the bowel, preventing you from getting essential nutrients your body needs to function. To help, our team can collaborate with your systemic sclerosis specialists to create a tailored plan of care that addresses your unique needs.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Each person’s experience with systemic sclerosis is different and symptoms can vary based on the part of the digestive tract affected. The most common symptoms include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Acid reflux
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn/indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite
- Abdominal bloating
- Fecal incontinence/leakage
We work closely with the specialist treating your systemic sclerosis to determine what parts – if any - of your digestive system are affected by the chronic disease. We may request one or more of the following diagnostic tests to help treat you:
- Gastroscopy. We insert a flexible tube with camera down the throat to get a better look at your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. We can also take a biopsy, or tissue sample, from the area to examine under a microscope.
- Acid reflux study. We have several options for testing the acid levels in your esophagus
Treatment Options
Treatment for digestive issues related to systemic sclerosis differs based on the location of your symptoms but can include:
- Acid reflux care. Whether or not you develop or resulting gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease (GERD), we can use similar methods to support valves in the esophagus so they don’t allow acid to back up and cause irritation and tissue damage.
- Medication. This can range from antibiotics to proton pump inhibitors to control acid production.
- Upper endoscopy with dilation (EGD). With an endoscopy scope through the mouth and into the esophagus, we guide a special balloon to strictures, narrowed spots in the intestines created by a build-up of scar tissue. We inflate the balloon to stretch the strictures and open the area as much as possible.
- Nutrition support. If you’re eating less and/or your body is absorbing fewer nutrients, we may supplement your intake using a feeding tube placed into the stomach or intestine or intravenous feeding.
Living with the Condition
Our biggest concern for people with digestive issues related to systemic sclerosis is malnutrition because you’re eating less, leaving the body fewer nutrients it needs to function properly.
In addition to your GI specialist, your care team includes nutritionists who can work with you to tailor a dietary plan that meets your specific needs, including added nutritional support if needed. We suggest patients with this condition avoid certain triggers like:
- Alcohol here
- Caffeine
- Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Fried foods and others with high fat content
- Raw vegetables
- Spicy foods
- Onions
Your team also offers behavioral health counselors who can provide guidance for living with a chronic disease. We are here to help you live as fully as possible.