The digestive system is one of the most important systems in our body. It operates by assisting humans in consuming food, breaking down nutrients and distributing them throughout the body to handle vital biological demands such as energy, development and cell repair. It also works to efficiently collect and remove waste while keeping the natural balance of all other activities.
However, sometimes our digestive system experiences an imbalance or ailment that causes it to work differently and poorly thus resulting in life-altering symptoms and necessary lifestyle modifications.
In India, many people suffer from chronic digestive issues, conditions and diseases and that number continues to rise year after year. In such cases, understanding how the digestive system works and how to spot digestive diseases is important for resetting your digestive system and reducing symptoms that may interfere with your everyday life.
What Encompasses the Digestive System?
The digestive system comprises of eight basic components: the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.
It also houses the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas all of which collaborate to produce digestive fluids and enzymes that aid in digestion.
When your digestive system runs irregularly, it can cause a range of digestive disorders.
Now let’s look at the top five most common Gastrointestinal Disorders
5 Common Gastrointestinal Disorders
GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when stomach acid runs back into your esophagus on a regular basis. Acid reflux can cause irritation to the lining of your digestive tract.
Typical symptoms include:
• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Having difficulty swallowing
• The sensation of a lump in your throat
• Sour-tasting meal and liquid regurgitation
• Sleeping problems
• Laryngitis
• Coughing all the time, especially at night
Treatment usually consists of lifestyle and dietary adjustments, as well as acid reflux medication.
Celiac Disease
This intestinal condition is also classified as an immune system disorder. Celiac disease is caused by ingesting gluten-containing foods.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains that, over time, can cause serious damage to the small intestine, causing digesting problems and poor nutritional absorption.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease include:
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight reduction
• Bloating
• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
Although there is no cure for Celiac Disease, most people who follow a gluten-free diet can improve intestinal repair and reduce symptom frequency and severity.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that mostly affects the large intestine. The primary cause of the illness is still unknown to medical specialists.
Typical symptoms include:
• Cramping and discomfort in the abdomen
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bowel changes
• Consistently irregular bowel movements
Most people may manage their symptoms by adjusting their food, lifestyle and stress. Those with more severe symptoms might need to take medication.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a kind of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This illness results in painful ulcers on the inside lining of the large intestine as well as persistent inflammation due to aberrant immune system responses.
Ulcerative colitis is most frequent in individuals aged 15 to 30 but it can strike at any age.
The severity of symptoms varies greatly depending on the level of inflammation in the large intestine, however they commonly include:
• Diarrhea accompanied by blood or pus
• Cramping and discomfort in the abdomen
• Rectal discomfort
• Bleeding in the rectum
• Urgency to defecate
• Inability to defecate
• Weight reduction
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Growth failure (in youngsters)
Although there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, many individuals have long periods of remission with no active symptoms.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel illness that causes digestive system inflammation.
This condition can cause inflammation in numerous parts of the digestive tract which can commonly progress into deeper layers of the colon.
Crohn’s disease may be excruciatingly painful and incapacitating and may lead to potentially fatal consequences.
Typical symptoms include:
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cramping and discomfort in the abdomen
• Blood in your stool
• Mouth sores
• Appetite suppression
• Weight reduction
• Pain or leakage in or around the anus
• Skin, ocular, and joint inflammation
• Liver or bile duct inflammation
• Kidney stones
• Anemia
Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, expert medical therapy can help to alleviate symptoms, leading to long-term remission.
When Should You See a GI Specialist?
Considering a visit to a Gastrointestinal specialist is advisable when you have questions about the well-being of your digestive system.
If you’re encountering symptoms indicative of a typical digestive system condition or any Gastrointestinal Disorders or if you seek clarification on irregularities affecting your digestive tract, we’re here to assist.
For further information or to arrange a consultation, feel free to reach out to us today.