Digestive diseases: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract, which is sometimes called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

In digestion, food and drink are broken down into small parts (called nutrients) that the body can absorb and use as energy and building blocks for cells.

The digestive tract is made up of the esophagus (food tube), stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder.

The first sign of problems in the digestive tract often includes one or more of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Incontinence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the belly
• Swallowing problems
• Weight gain or loss

A digestive disease is any health problem that occurs in the digestive tract. Conditions may range from mild to serious. Some common problems include heartburn, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance.

Other digestive diseases include:

• Gallstones, cholecystitis, and cholangitis
• Rectal problems, such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids, proctitis, and rectal prolapse
• Esophagus problems, such as stricture (narrowing) and achalasia and esophagitis
• Stomach problems, including gastritis, gastric ulcers usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and cancer
• Liver problems, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, cirrhosis, liver failure, and autoimmune and alcoholic hepatitis
• Pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst
• Intestinal problems, such as polyps and cancer, infections, celiac disease, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia

Tests for digestive problems can include colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound.

Many surgical procedures are performed on the digestive tract. These include procedures done using endoscopy, laparoscopy, and open surgery. Organ transplants can be performed on the liver, pancreas, and small intestine.

Many health care providers can help diagnose and treat digestive problems. A gastroenterologist is a physician specialist who has received extra training in the diagnosis and treatment of the digestive disorders. Other providers involved in the treatment of digestive diseases include:

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs)
• Nutritionists or dietitians
• Primary care doctors
• Radiologists
• Surgeons

• Normal abdominal anatomy

Höegenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 104.

Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM. Digestive system disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.

Mayer EA. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, esophageal chest pain, and heartburn. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 128.

Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Digestive Diseases – NIDDK

The digestive system made up of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), liver, pancreas, and gallbladder helps the body digest food. Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which your body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Some digestive diseases and conditions are acute, lasting only a short time, while others are chronic, or long-lasting.

Your Digestive System & How It Works

Featured Topics

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Celiac Disease

• Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)
• Gas
• Lactose Intolerance

• Diarrhea
• Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
• Acid Reflux (GER & GERD)

More Digestive Disease Topics

Infants & Children

• Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants
• Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Children
• Chronic Diarrhea in Children
• Constipation in Children
• Hirschsprung Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children

Diagnostic Tests

• Celiac Disease Testing (for Health Care Professionals)
• Colonoscopy
• ERCP

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• Lower GI Series
• Upper GI Endoscopy
• Upper GI Series
• Virtual Colonoscopy

Digestive Disease Topics

• Abdominal Adhesions
• Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
• Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants
• Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract
• Appendicitis
• Barrett’s Esophagus
• Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)
• Celiac Disease
• Colon Polyps
• Constipation
• Crohn’s Disease

• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
• Diarrhea
• Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
• Dumping Syndrome
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
• Food Poisoning
• Gallstones
• Gas
• Gastritis
• Gastroparesis
• GI Bleeding
• Hemorrhoids
• Hirschsprung Disease
• Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

• Inguinal Hernia
• Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Liver Disease
• Microscopic Colitis
• Ostomy Surgery of the Bowel
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers)

• Proctitis
• Short Bowel Syndrome
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Viral Gastroenteritis
• Your Digestive System & How It Works
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Statistics

Statistics for Digestive Diseases in the United States

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Digestive Diseases for Health Professionals

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• Dental Enamel Defects & Celiac Disease
• Celiac Disease Testing

More Resources for Digestive Diseases Health Professionals

Clinical Trials

Watch a video of NIDDK Director Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers explaining the importance of participating in clinical trials

Research Discoveries & News

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  Identifying the distinguishing features of bile acid diarrhea
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Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract – symptoms and prevention

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are usually associated with problems in other systems of the human body. Accompanied by unpleasant, painful symptoms and need urgent treatment.

Every person wants to be always healthy, full of strength and enjoy all the delights of life. However, unfortunately, in recent years there has been a trend towards the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract all over the world.

According to scientists, the reason for this is malnutrition, regular stress, environmental problems and many harmful substances that surround us all the time.

The main task of the digestive system is to perform vital functions in our body. Life without it is absolutely impossible, because due to its main processes (digestion of the nutrients received and their absorption), a person receives the necessary energy for work and rest. The stomach and intestines are the main organs of digestion, with the activity of which both the initial and final stages of the entire digestive tract are associated. If the stomach and intestines are healthy, they will never let you down.

It is worth noting that the human digestive system is quite sensitive. It immediately reacts to any, even insignificant changes, both in the internal environment of the whole organism and in the entire external world, leading to various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They deliver a lot of inconvenience to the patient: discomfort and pain.

What is the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)

In order to understand the principle of the GIT, you must first understand what it actually is. The gastrointestinal tract is a system of organs whose purpose is the processing and extraction of all the nutrients the body needs from food, assisting in the absorption of the resulting nutrients into the blood, as well as removing food debris from the body that have not been completely digested.

The entire gastrointestinal tract is represented in the body by a continuous tube that connects the mouth with the anus. Food masses move along it in the caudal direction, which, in the process of advancing, are split into smaller particles suitable for absorption.

For example, the average length of the gastrointestinal tract in an adult male reaches 6.5 meters.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are a group of diseases that affect this anatomical region. All pathologies are divided into several main groups, among which are:

• infectious and non-infectious by nature;
• according to the localization of the disease: small intestine, large intestine, stomach or esophagus;
• acquired and hereditary diseases.

Causes of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The main causes of the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract include: improper diet or its complete absence, strict diet or overeating, various stressful situations, infections, sedentary lifestyle and others.

For example, Tibetan medicine considers the human body as something integral, interconnected and absolutely indivisible. Here, another reason for the occurrence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract stands out, namely problems in the work of other systems of the human body. For example, the health of the spine is reflected in the work of all digestive organs.

Absolutely all internal organs are interned by nerves that exit the spinal canal. Any organ is able to fully function only on the condition that nerve impulses flow freely to it. A disease such as osteochondrosis pinches the nerve endings and thereby slows down and even prevents the normal passage of impulses.

The stomach becomes sluggish because of this, and its smooth muscles of the walls are more relaxed. In the event of a prolonged violation of innervation, the stomach descends. Moreover, sluggish and weak muscles of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the reasons for poor digestion of food.

In turn, poorly digested food is not able to fully nourish the body and thus disrupts the work of other important body systems. Improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract also manifests itself in the form of a decrease in immunity, skin lesions and metabolic disorders.

The main symptoms of diseases of the digestive system:

• Pain in the abdomen, both of different localization and of varying intensity;
• Belching and heartburn;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Disorders of the stool;
• Flatulence and rumbling in the abdomen;
• White coating on the tongue;
• Rapid weight loss;
• Aversion to certain formerly favorite foods, or complete lack of appetite.

Diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Today, thanks to technological progress in modern gastroenterology, a thorough diagnosis of all organs of the gastrointestinal tract. It consists of:

• Ultrasound – ultrasound examination;
• FGDS and irrigoscopy – endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract;
• intragastric pH-metry;
• manometry of all digestive organs;
• electrogastroenterography;
• radiology;
• biopsies.

Treatment, as well as diagnosis of any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is recommended to be carried out exclusively by a qualified gastroenterologist. This will help minimize discomfort.

Prevention of diseases of the digestive system

It is very important to prevent the occurrence and development of various problems with the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, you must follow the following rules:

• Adhere to the diet. It is recommended to eat often and in small portions. It is very important not to skip meals, especially breakfast. Before each preparation and eating, wash your hands thoroughly, as well as foods that you have not subjected to heat treatment. Thus, you can protect your body from the penetration of various pathogenic microbes.
• It is recommended to minimize the consumption of fried and fatty foods, as well as smoked and salted foods. Instead, increase the amount of fiber: vegetables, fruits, cereals and bran bread. Eat as much fresh salads, coarse-grained foods as possible, and avoid vinegar while cooking.
• Do not overeat and do not starve. It is recommended to eat in moderation so as not to feel hungry, and then pounce on food.
• Control your weight. If you have extra pounds, try to say goodbye to them. Just remember that rapid weight loss can also harm the digestive tract.
• Minimize or avoid alcohol consumption. Do not forget that low-quality alcoholic beverages contain a lot of dyes, chemical components, as well as an excess of sugar, flavorings and preservatives. All this adversely affects the digestive system.
• Quit smoking completely. Much has been said about its harm.
• Avoid stressful situations. Learn to manage your emotions. Walk a lot in the fresh air, relax and get enough sleep. You will not only improve your digestive system, but also improve your overall health.
• Minimize coffee and carbonated drinks. The recommended dose per day of coffee is 2-3 small cups, and drinks – one glass. However, it is best to refuse regular use.
• Lead an active lifestyle. For an adult, the norm of intense physical activity per week is at least 150 minutes. If this indicator is insufficient, then it is recommended to increase it through sports.

However, if you still failed to avoid diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, then our clinics “Diamed” will become your assistant in the fight against the disease. We treat such common diseases of the digestive system today as:

• various types of gastritis;
• gastroesophageal disease;
• dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatitis, both chronic and acute;
• stool problems;
• irritable bowel syndromes;
• colitis and flatulence;
• hepatosis and hepatitis;
• cholelithiasis;
• hepatosis and hepatitis of various types;
• peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach;
• cirrhosis.

If you need the help of a qualified gastroenterologist, you can make an appointment with the specialists of our centers by calling the numbers listed on the website or by filling out the online form.

We are ready to help you solve your problem!

Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Signs, symptoms and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

If the gastrointestinal tract is functioning normally, it properly processes food to provide the body with the energy it needs. But sometimes in his work there is a failure, which causes many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the whole organism.

When seeking medical help, patients most often complain of abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence , which are the main symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In diseases of the stomach pains often occur. Most often discomfort is felt in the upper abdomen (under the pit of the stomach). The nature of the pain can vary, they can be weak or intense. Mild pain, or rather even a feeling of discomfort and heaviness under the sternum, is experienced by patients with reduced production of gastric juice. It is difficult for them to determine the specific place of pain, and indicate exactly where it hurts. These pains occur at any time of the day, regardless of the time of eating. In addition to pain, signs of diseases of this part of the gastrointestinal tract are decrease or loss of appetite, belching “rotten” , may appear tendency to diarrhea .

If the production of gastric juice is too active (gastritis with increased secretory activity or gastric ulcer), then the nature of the pain is completely different. Moreover, if the patient has a stomach ulcer, then, unlike a patient with gastritis, he can accurately indicate the place where he has pain. Also, the patient can clearly associate the time of meals with the appearance of pain. As a rule, the stomach begins to hurt either during a meal, or a few minutes after the end of the meal. Sometimes at night, when a person’s stomach is empty, he may experience hungry pains .

Abdominal pain is a symptom of diseases of the small intestine . Most often it is localized in the middle sections of the abdomen and in the umbilical region. With these diseases, the pain is dull and bursting, it is associated with the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Inflammatory processes in the colon , such as chronic colitis, can also cause abdominal pain. They are localized in the lower abdomen and in its lateral sections (most often, on the left side). If the inflammation begins in the transverse colon, then the pain can spread to the upper intestines.

In chronic colitis the pain is cramping, which is why it is often called intestinal colic. A person feels a tight knot in the abdomen, which can twist sharply (an attack of pain) and then relax. Such attacks are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.