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Understanding Gastrointestinal Diseases

What Are Gastrointestinal Diseases

What Are Gastrointestinal Diseases?

A health condition or ailment that affects your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is known as a gastrointestinal disease. The GI tract is the passage through which the food you consume moves through the digestive system from the input (the mouth) to the ejection of waste matter (the rectum). Besides the intestines, the GI tract also includes the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Ailments of the GI tract range from the minor, such as upset stomachs which everyone suffers from occasionally, to the serious ones, such as cancer of the digestive organs.

Types of GI Diseases

GI ailments are broadly categorized as being either of the following:

  • Acute – A disease that comes on suddenly but lasts for a short period of time.
  • Chronic – A disease that affects the GI tract for months or years.

Besides being acute or chronic, GI diseases are also functional or structural.

  • Functional – A disease that does not present any physical or structural symptoms that can be detected by doctors who examine the GI tract.
  • Structural – A disease that presents symptoms, or evidence of its existence, that can be detected by your doctors when an examination is done.

Also Read: Stomach Ulcers – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Functional GI Diseases

These are the most common types of GI ailments. Examples of these are flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive complaints. The common thread that links these conditions is that they cause irritation of the GI tract, which leads to symptoms of pain and discomfort.

The common causes of these ailments include:

  • Not having enough fiber in your diet
  • Eating too much processed food
  • Inadequate exercise
  • Disruptions to the normal routine, such as traveling
  • Postponing emptying your bowels
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Taking certain medicines
  • Food sensitivities – eating foods that are spoiled or to which your system is excessively sensitive
  • Hormonal changes in women

Treatment of functional GI diseases typically revolves around lifestyle modifications such as eating more fiber-rich foods, getting more exercise, avoiding triggers such as excessive spice and oil, and dietary changes.

Structural GI Diseases

These are more complex and difficult to diagnose and treat. The symptoms tend to last longer, and lifestyle modifications are not enough to resolve the problem. Structural problems include various forms of inflammation and blockages. Examples of structural GI diseases include colon polyps, hemorrhoids, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), etc.

Common GI Diseases

Leaving aside the problems of simple food poisoning, acidity, heartburn and so on, which most people experience on and off, the main common GI ailments include:

  • Diarrhea: The condition causes loose, watery and more frequent passage of stools. While it is possibly the most common GI problem, it could also be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, etc.
  • Constipation: This is when stools are hard, and bowel movements are difficult and/or painful. Excessive straining to pass stools can cause hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding and other problems. Increasing water intake and adding more fiber to the diet can relieve the symptoms, as can over-the-counter laxative medications. If these steps do not produce relief, constipation may be a sign of a more serious condition.
  • Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. While straining during bowel movements is a common cause, there are other causes that may need to be investigated. It is often possible to remove large and persistent hemorrhoids.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome: This is a condition where the intestinal muscles contract in an abnormal manner. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, feeling of being bloated and gas. The condition can be relieved by dietary changes and prescription medication and treatment.
  • Diverticular Disease: When pouches form on the inner walls of the large intestine, they can become infected, which can result in bleeding and bowel blockage. This is known as diverticulitis.
  • Colitis: This problem can appear in several forms, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, frequent and urgent need to pass stool, and rectal bleeding. If medication does not resolve the problem, surgery may be required.
  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. The common symptoms are stomach pain, nausea and loss of appetite. Infections, autoimmune diseases and chemical ingestions are common causes.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is when the inflammation spreads from the stomach to the intestines. It causes pain, diarrhea and vomiting, among other symptoms. It is often the result of a bacterial infection or a virus, such as stomach flu.
  • Acid Reflux: When digestive acids from the stomach flow up into the esophagus and throat, a severe burning sensation is felt. If medication and dietary changes do not provide relief, surgery may be required.
  • Colon Cancer: This is one of the most common cancers across the globe. In many cases, the disease starts as colon polyps, which are initially benign growths in the colon and rectum that later turn malignant. Regular screenings, including colonoscopy, are key to early detection of this serious medical issue.
  • Lactose Intolerance: When the small intestine is unable to absorb the lactose present in milk and dairy products, it is called being lactose intolerant. Dietary modification can usually relieve the symptoms.

Also Read: Common Signs That You Need a Gastroenterological Check up

If you are suffering from digestive discomfort regularly or frequently, it could be a sign of a problem more serious than the occasional digestive distress. In such cases, it is important to consult a gastrointestinal specialist who will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe a course of treatment to cure the ailment. Because GI diseases can affect several organs at the same time, the examination, tests and diagnosis must be done at a modern multispecialty hospital where the best gastroenterologists and world-class diagnosis and treatment facilities are available. Whether a simple functional GI disease or a structural one, early diagnosis and treatment are key to a faster recovery.

Ignoring gastric problems because they are thought to be normal occurrences can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which could turn a relatively simple course of treatment into a complex and time-consuming one that could affect your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Gastrointestinal Diseases

1. What are gastrointestinal (GI) diseases?

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are health conditions that affect the digestive tract, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. They can range from common issues like acidity and constipation to serious conditions such as colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

2. What are some common causes of functional GI diseases?

Common causes include low fiber intake, excessive processed foods, lack of exercise, stress, postponing bowel movements, hormonal changes in women, food sensitivities, and certain medications.

3. Which are the most common gastrointestinal problems?

Some common GI problems include diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, acid reflux, gastritis, gastroenteritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticular disease, lactose intolerance, and colon cancer.

4. How can functional GI problems be managed at home?

Lifestyle modifications such as eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding spicy or oily foods can help. However, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.

5. Why is early diagnosis of GI diseases important?

Early diagnosis ensures simpler, more effective treatment. Ignoring symptoms may lead to complications, delayed recovery, and in some cases, progression of minor conditions into life-threatening diseases.