What are the most prevalent digestive disorders. How can you identify and manage common stomach problems. What treatments are available for gastrointestinal issues. When should you see a doctor for digestive symptoms.

Understanding the Digestive System

The digestive system is a complex network of organs working in harmony to process food, extract nutrients, and eliminate waste. At its core lies the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. This intricate system includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Supporting organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder play crucial roles in digestion by producing enzymes and other substances essential for breaking down food.

How does the digestive process work? When you eat, food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. Here, it’s mixed with stomach acid and digestive enzymes, breaking it down into a semi-liquid form called chyme. The chyme then moves into the small intestine, where most nutrient absorption occurs. The remaining material passes through the large intestine, where water is absorbed and waste is formed into stool for elimination.

Common Digestive Disorders and Their Symptoms

Digestive disorders can affect any part of the GI tract, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common digestive issues include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Celiac disease
• Peptic ulcers
• Gallstones
• Diverticulitis

What symptoms might indicate a digestive disorder? While specific symptoms can vary depending on the condition, some common signs include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Blood in the stool

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. This backflow, or reflux, can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. In some cases, GERD can lead to more serious complications like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.

What causes GERD? The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, normally prevents stomach contents from flowing back up. In people with GERD, this sphincter becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately, allowing reflux to occur. Factors that can contribute to GERD include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain foods or drinks.

Treatment Options for GERD

Treatment for GERD typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Some effective strategies include:

1. Avoiding trigger foods (e.g., spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)
2. Eating smaller meals
3. Not lying down immediately after eating
4. Elevating the head of the bed
5. Losing weight if overweight
6. Quitting smoking

Medications used to treat GERD include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, surgery may be considered.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Unlike inflammatory bowel diseases, IBS doesn’t cause changes in bowel tissue or increase the risk of colorectal cancer. However, it can significantly impact quality of life.

What are the different types of IBS? IBS is typically classified into three main types based on predominant bowel habits:

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)

Managing IBS Symptoms

While there’s no cure for IBS, symptoms can often be managed through dietary changes, stress reduction, and medication. Some strategies that may help include:

• Following a low FODMAP diet
• Increasing fiber intake (for IBS-C)
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding trigger foods

Medications may also be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, such as antispasmodics for abdominal pain, laxatives for constipation, or antidiarrheal agents for diarrhea.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a term that encompasses two main conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract, but they affect different parts of the GI system. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, from mouth to anus, while ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum.

How do symptoms of IBD differ from IBS? Unlike IBS, IBD involves visible inflammation and damage to the intestinal tissues. Common symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever

Treatment Approaches for IBD

The goal of IBD treatment is to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:

1. Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aminosalicylates, corticosteroids)
2. Immunosuppressants
3. Biologic therapies
4. Antibiotics
5. Nutritional support
6. Surgery (in severe cases)

Treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual, considering the severity and location of the disease, as well as any complications or extra-intestinal manifestations.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.

What’s the difference between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity? While both conditions involve adverse reactions to gluten, celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can be diagnosed through specific blood tests and intestinal biopsies. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, causes similar symptoms but doesn’t involve the same immune response or intestinal damage.

Living Gluten-Free

The primary treatment for both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is a strict gluten-free diet. This involves avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. Some key steps in adopting a gluten-free lifestyle include:

• Reading food labels carefully
• Learning about hidden sources of gluten
• Finding gluten-free alternatives for favorite foods
• Being cautious about cross-contamination when preparing food
• Consulting with a dietitian for guidance on maintaining a balanced, gluten-free diet

With strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, most people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can effectively manage their symptoms and prevent complications.

Peptic Ulcers: Causes and Treatments

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. Contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, though they may exacerbate symptoms.

What are the main causes of peptic ulcers? The two most common causes are:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection
2. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Diagnosing and Treating Peptic Ulcers

Diagnosis of peptic ulcers typically involves endoscopy, where a small camera is used to visualize the stomach and small intestine. Additional tests may be performed to check for H. pylori infection.

Treatment approaches for peptic ulcers include:

• Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid
• H2 blockers as an alternative to PPIs
• Protective medications to coat the ulcer and promote healing
• Discontinuing or finding alternatives to NSAIDs

With proper treatment, most peptic ulcers heal within a few months. However, it’s important to complete the full course of medication and follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure the ulcer has fully healed.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Digestive Symptoms

While occasional digestive discomfort is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. When should you consult a doctor for digestive issues? Here are some red flags:

• Persistent or severe abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments

Additionally, if you experience frequent or persistent digestive symptoms that interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent more serious complications and improve overall quality of life.

Promoting Digestive Health: Lifestyle and Dietary Tips

Maintaining good digestive health is crucial for overall well-being. While some digestive issues may require medical intervention, many can be prevented or managed through lifestyle and dietary changes. What steps can you take to support your digestive system?

1. Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
3. Exercise regularly to promote healthy digestion
4. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
5. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
6. Quit smoking
7. Eat slowly and mindfully, chewing food thoroughly
8. Consider probiotic supplements or fermented foods to support gut health

By adopting these healthy habits, you can help maintain a well-functioning digestive system and reduce the risk of developing digestive disorders. Remember, everyone’s digestive system is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you.

In conclusion, understanding common digestive disorders and their symptoms is crucial for maintaining good health. By recognizing the signs of these conditions and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can take proactive steps to manage your digestive health. Whether through lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, or medical treatments, there are numerous ways to address digestive issues and improve your overall quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

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

Healthy Moments Radio

Listen to health tips from Dr. Rodgers in his weekly 1-minute episodes.

• 
  Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Your Diet
  
• 
  What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
  
• 
  How to Stay Gluten Free
  
• 
  Celiac Disease: What Is a Gluten-Free Diet?
  
• 
  Diagnosing Celiac Disease
  
• 
  What Is Celiac Disease?
  

More Healthy Moments Radio

Digestive Diseases for Health Professionals

• Dermatitis Herpetiformis
• 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

• 
  Cellular response to bacteria may explain why infection sometimes causes stomach cancer
• 
  Identifying the distinguishing features of bile acid diarrhea
• 
  How gut bacteria use a bile acid to keep inflammation in check
• 
  Identifying defects in wound healing in inflammatory bowel disease
• 
  How a gut “feeling” helps digestion
• 
  Chatty neighboring cells promote eosinophilic esophagitis

More Research News

Common digestive disorders: Symptoms and treatments

People may experience stomach issues for reasons ranging from eating habits to digestive disorders. Common symptoms of stomach issues include cramps, vomiting, and changes to stool.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Together with the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, these organs work together to absorb nutrients and expel waste.

Disturbances to this process can cause a range of symptoms, from cramps to vomiting. Many of these issues may pass with time and pose little risk of complication. However, seemingly common stomach issues can be the result of several digestive disorders.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of common digestive disorders can help people identify them and seek relevant treatment.

In this article, we provide a list of more and less common digestive disorders, discuss their symptoms and treatments, and indicate when to contact a doctor.

Digestive disorders are a group of conditions that occur when the digestive system does not function as it should. Health experts split them into two categories: organic and functional GI disorders.

Organic GI disorders occur when there are structural abnormalities in the digestive system, which prevents it from working properly.

In functional GI disorders, the GI tract appears to be structurally normal but still does not function well.

Some of the more common digestive disorders include:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• gallstones
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis (UC)

Examples of less common digestive disorders include:

• Hirschsprung’s disease
• achalasia
• Ménétrier disease

In the following sections, we look at these conditions in more detail.

The main symptom of IBS is abdominal pain, which may occur before or after bowel movements. People can also experience diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Whether a person typically experiences diarrhea or constipation more often, or both equally, determines which type of IBS they have.

Other symptoms of IBS may include:

• bloating
• white mucus in the stool
• incomplete bowel movements

A combination of factors can cause or worsen IBS symptoms. People with IBS are more likely to have experienced traumatic life events or to have a mental health condition. However, IBS can also develop after an infection or as a result of SIBO.

A variety of factors can contribute to IBS. That is why different people benefit from different approaches to managing their symptoms. They may need to:

• make dietary changes
• learn to reduce stress
• address underlying conditions

Learn more about treatments for IBS here.

When to contact a doctor

Individuals with IBS should consult a doctor if they experience severe abdominal pain or cramps.

They should also contact a medical professional if any other IBS symptoms suddenly worsen or change or affect the person’s daily functioning or quality of life.

SIBO occurs when bacteria from the large intestine migrate to the small intestine, causing symptoms such as:

• bloating
• diarrhea
• constipation

Treatment for SIBO involves taking antibiotics, but it may also include medications to help with digestion and address the underlying cause.

When to contact a doctor

A person experiencing SIBO symptoms for the first time should contact a doctor immediately. The doctor can advise them about what medications or lifestyle changes may help with their condition.

People who have a previous SIBO diagnosis should contact a doctor if their symptoms suddenly become worse or affect their daily life or if their treatment plan is no longer working.

Acid reflux occurs when a person’s stomach contents come back up into the esophagus or food pipe. If this happens frequently, a person may have GERD, which is a long-term condition.

GERD can cause esophagitis, which is inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. However, a person can also have GERD without esophagitis.

Common symptoms of GERD with esophagitis include:

• heartburn
• acid reflux
• chest pain
• nausea
• pain while swallowing

Doctors are not always sure what causes GERD, but risk factors can include:

• taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• having obesity
• inhaling secondhand smoke
• being pregnant
• having a hiatal hernia

Treatment for GERD may include making dietary changes, quitting smoking, taking over-the-counter medications to manage the symptoms, or receiving treatments that address the underlying cause.

When to contact a doctor

Severe GERD can impact a person’s quality of life.

Individuals should consult a healthcare professional if they experience any of the following:

• worsening symptoms
• an increase in symptom frequency
• difficulty swallowing
• unexplained weight loss
• vomiting as a result of GERD

The gallbladder is a small sac that stores bile, which the body uses during digestion. Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder.

In most cases, a person may not know that they have gallstones, as they usually do not produce any symptoms. However, people may experience symptoms if the gallstones form in front of an opening in the gallbladder.

Symptoms may include:

• persistent pain below the ribs, on the right-hand side of the body
• jaundice
• a high temperature
• nausea
• vomiting
• sweating

Treatment for gallstones may include surgical removal of the gallbladder or a procedure whereby a healthcare professional will remove gallstones from the bile duct.

When to contact a doctor

While gallstones often do not cause any symptoms, they can lead to serious complications.

People should seek medical attention if they experience any of the following:

• abdominal pain that lasts for more than 8 hours
• jaundice
• a high temperature or chills

It is also advisable to consult a healthcare professional if an individual is experiencing any of these symptoms more than 2–3 times per week over the course of weeks or months.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack the intestinal lining if a person eats foods containing gluten.

Unlike non-celiac gluten sensitivity, celiac disease is a serious condition that can cause damage to the intestines if left untreated.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include:

• long-term diarrhea
• constipation
• stools that are pale, that are smellier than usual, and that float
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• gas
• nausea
• vomiting

Over time, untreated celiac disease can lead to complications such as:

• malnutrition
• bone softening
• problems relating to the nervous system
• problems with reproduction

The main treatment for celiac disease is following a gluten-free diet.

When to contact a doctor

The sooner doctors can reach a celiac disease diagnosis, the sooner they can recommend dietary and medicinal treatment options.

People experiencing recurring symptoms of celiac disease should contact a doctor for assessment.

A person with a diagnosis should seek medical help if previous symptoms return suddenly or worsen or if the person experiences unexplained fatigue.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes chronic inflammation in the GI tract, most often in the small intestine.

Some common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• chronic diarrhea
• unexplained weight loss
• stomach pain
• bloody stools
• fatigue

Crohn’s disease may be due to an autoimmune reaction to certain bacteria in the digestive tract. However, genetic and environmental factors can play a role as well.

People with Crohn’s disease often require drugs to reduce the inflammation. Some people may also require bowel rests to help the intestines heal, or surgery.

Learn about the five types of Crohn’s disease and their symptoms here.

When to contact a doctor

Crohn’s disease is a serious condition that requires medicinal or surgical treatment.

People should contact a doctor to test for Crohn’s disease if they experience any of the above symptoms. The sooner that a person can treat and control their flare-ups, the better chance they have of avoiding complications in the future.

Individuals with the condition should seek emergency medical help if their treatments appear to have stopped working or if symptoms become more frequent or severe.

UC is a type of IBD that causes inflammation in the rectum and large intestine. The inflammation can also spread to other parts of the intestine over time.

Some symptoms of UC may include:

• long-term diarrhea
• unexplained weight loss
• tiredness
• abdominal pain

As with other types of IBD, what triggers UC could be a combination of an autoimmune response, genetics, and environmental causes.

When to contact a doctor

People without a previous diagnosis of UC should seek immediate medical help if they experience any of the above symptoms. Doctors will be able to determine whether the person has the condition or not and suggest a treatment plan if necessary.

Treatment may involve dietary changes, medications to manage inflammation and reduce symptoms, or surgery. The sooner that a person starts treating their UC, the better their long-term outlook will be.

Individuals with UC should contact a doctor if they experience severe or recurring flare-ups.

Other less common digestive disorders can cause stomach issues. A person experiencing any of the below symptoms should contact a doctor immediately for testing and potential treatment.

Hirschsprung’s disease

Hirschsprung’s disease is a rare condition that people are born with. It involves the body’s inability to reflexively open the internal anal sphincter.

Symptoms in newborns may include:

• not passing their first bowel movement within 48 hours of birth
• constipation
• vomiting
• swollen stomach

Symptoms occurring later in life may include:

• lack of appetite
• diarrhea
• small, watery stools

The usual treatment for Hirschsprung’s disease is surgery.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare condition that typically affects adults aged 25–60 years. It occurs when the esophagus loses the ability to move food toward the stomach, and the valve at the end may fail to open.

Symptoms may include:

• the sensation while eating that food is not “going down”
• heartburn
• regurgitation of food
• coughing or choking during sleep

Treatment may involve medication or surgery.

Ménétrier disease

Ménétrier disease occurs when the mucous membrane that lines the stomach overgrows and leads to large gastric folds.

Some symptoms that people may experience are:

• pain in the upper middle region of the stomach
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

However, some people have no symptoms. Doctors do not know the exact cause of Ménétrier disease.

Treatment may involve medications or potentially a gastrectomy, which is the surgical removal of part or all of the stomach.

Doctors may begin trying to diagnose a digestive condition by performing a physical examination and asking questions about an individual’s symptoms and medical history. For example, a doctor may ask about:

• medications a person takes
• their diet and lifestyle
• whether any relatives have digestive conditions

They may then proceed to order tests such as:

• blood tests, which may help detect celiac disease, inflammation, or signs of infection
• stool tests, which can detect inflammation and examine the bacteria in a person’s gut
• endoscopy, which involves a doctor inserting a tiny camera into the esophagus to examine the upper GI tract
• colonoscopy, during which a doctor inserts a tiny camera into the rectum to examine the lower GI tract
• lactulose breath tests, which doctors use to diagnose SIBO
• medical imaging, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays

A person may need to consult different medical professionals while getting a diagnosis. For instance, they may consult a primary care physician, gastroenterologists, or dietitians, among others.

There are many digestive disorders, ranging from common to rare. Many involve similar symptoms, which can make them difficult to diagnose.

If a person notices that they have symptoms that are not normal for them, they should seek medical advice to rule out serious conditions, receive a diagnosis, and begin to undergo treatment.

Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Signs, symptoms and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

If the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly, 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 about 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. Often, colic can provoke the intake of food that causes increased gas formation.

Treatment of people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (suggesting organ dysfunction) is a rather difficult task. To prevent the development of more severe forms of diseases, it is necessary to treat chronic inflammatory processes of the digestive system in the early stages.

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:

• by nature of development infectious and non-infectious;
• 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 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 foods that were previously favorite, or a 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;
• biopsy.

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 comply with 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.