A Comprehensive Guide On Digestive Problems

Digestive problems, also known as GI disorders. Its symptoms depend on the specific cause of the disorder. The common symptoms include:


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Causes

Upper GI Causes

1. GERD

Backflow of food particles from the stomach to the oesophagus or back of the throat through LES-Acid reflux.

  • Causes: Obesity, Pregnancy, Smoking, Alcohol/Caffeine.
  • Symptoms: Chest Pain, dysphagia, backwash of food, heartburn, sore throat, or chronic cough.
  • Treatment:
    • Lifestyle changes
    • Cessation of smoking, consumption of Alcohol, caffeine, fatty food
    • Persistent: Antacids/Anti-reflux meds
    • Surgical intervention if not resolved with the above remedies.

2. Peptic Ulcers

Sores that are formed in the lining of the stomach/lower oesophagus/1st part of the small intestine cause inflammation, Often associated with gastritis.

  • Symptoms: Abdominal pain/Bloating/Loss of appetite/Nausea/Dark stools/Vomiting.
  • Causes: H.Pylori, Aspirin, NSAIDs.
  • Treatment:
    • Lifestyle changes
    • Antibiotics
    • Eradicate H.Pylori
    • Rest
    • Avoid antacids
    • If left untreated, it leads to Perforated ulcer: Surgical intervention.

3. Gastritis

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach

  • Causes:
    • H.Pylori, Aspirin, Aggravated factors: Spicy, Fatty, Fried foods, Alcohol
    • caffeineAbdominal Pain: constant or intermittent/Burning/gripping/gnawing.
  • Symptoms: Nausea & vomiting /Loss of appetite/Bloating/Burping/Belching.
  • Treatment:

    Depends on the cause:

    • H.Pylori: Antibiotics+Acid suppressants
    • Aspirin/NSAID/Alcohol: Acid suppressants
    • Lifestyle changes: Healthy food habits/Avoid spicy foods & the drugs that are causing gastritis.

4. Gastroparesis

Definition: Paralysis affecting the nerves & muscles (weak contractions)-Inability to pass food from stomach to small intestine.

  • Causes:
    • Diabetes: High GRBS affects vessels that carry the O2 and affects the muscles & nerves.
    • Post surgical gastroparesis: Affects vagus nerve
    • Infections
    • Medications
  • Symptoms: Indigestion/Bloating/Upper abdominal pain/ Loss of appetite/Acid reflux/Heartburn.
  • Treatment:
    • Medications include Metaclopromide, etc.
    • Nutrition/Hydration therapy
    • Surgery.

5. Gallstones

Definition: Hardened Deposits of bile, which contains cholesterol in the gall bladder, lead to gallstones.

  • Causes:
    • Excess cholesterol in bile: Cholesterol stones.
    • Excess Bilirubin in bile: Pigmented stones.
    • Concentrated bile.
  • Symptoms: Right hypochondriac pain radiating to upper back/Clay-coloured stools/Fever/Jaundice.
  • Treatment:
    • Asymptomatic: Lifestyle change/Medications
    • Surgical management: Lap Cholecystectomy/ Open Cholecystectomy.

Lower GI Causes

1. Celiac Disease

Definition:Damage to the intestinal lining leads to malabsorption, which causes stools containing high levels of fats and an unpleasant smell.The immune system attacks its tissues after consuming gluten.

  • Causes: Genetic disorders
  • Symptoms: Diarrhoea/Fatty stools/Weight loss/Bloating.
  • Treatment:
    • Lifelong Gluten: free diet
    • Vitamin & Mineral supplement
    • Medications for inflammation

2. Diverticular Disease

Definition: Tiny pouches in the colon: Inflammed or infected.

  • Diverticulosis+Diverticulitis+Diverticular Bleeding: Diverticular disease
  • Causes: Constipation/Lack of physical activity/Obesity.
  • Symptoms:
    • Persistent pain in the lower abdomen
    • Nausea & Vomiting/Fever/Abdominal tenderness/Constipation.
  • Treatment:

3. Inflammatory Disease

Definition:Crohn’s Disease(ulcers in the gut between mouth to anus)+Ulcerative colitis(ulcers only in the large intestine).

  • Causes: The weakened immune system.
  • Symptoms:Abdominal pain/Diarrhoea/Bloody stools/Fever.
  • Treatment:

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Definition:Functional bowel disorder in which abdominal discomfort or pain a/w defecation or change in bowel habits.

  • Causes: GI infection, food poisoning, and food intolerance.
  • Symptoms:
    • Abdominal Pain or cramps upon bowel movements associated either with diarrhoea or constipation/change in frequency of bowel.
    • Movements/Persistent bloating/Fatigue.
  • Treatment:
    • Lifestyle change: Avoid dairy products/fried foods
    • Medication: Relieving symptoms

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Symptoms and When to Consult a Doctor:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Bloating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Dark stools
  • Vomiting
  • Burping
  • Belching
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • Fever
  • Icterus
  • Irregular bowel habits

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult the doctor at Medicover Hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of a damaged digestive system?

A damaged digestive system can cause ongoing stomach pain, bloating, frequent trips to the bathroom, difficulty passing stool, feeling sick, and unexpected weight loss.

How can I solve my digestion problem?

To fix tummy troubles, make sure to eat a well-rounded diet, drink plenty of water, stay active, and seek guidance from a healthcare expert for tailored tips.

How do you treat digestive problems?

Take care of your digestive issues by embracing a nutritious diet, keeping yourself hydrated, handling stress effectively, engaging in regular physical activity, and consulting a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Why am I having so many digestive issues?

Your digestive problems could be caused by a variety of factors such as an unhealthy diet, stress, lack of physical activity, food sensitivities, or other medical issues.

What causes poor digestion?

A diet lacking in fiber, dehydration, stress, insufficient physical activity, and underlying health issues can all contribute to poor digestion.

How to solve gastric problems?

To solve stomach issues, try eating smaller portions, steering clear of foods that may cause flare-ups, drinking plenty of water, and seeking advice from a medical expert for the right treatment.

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