What are gastrointestinal diseases?
Gastrointestinal diseases affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. There are two types: functional and structural. Examples include nausea/vomiting, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, and diarrhea.
What are functional gastrointestinal diseases?
Functional diseases are those in which the GI tract looks normal when examined, but doesn’t move properly. They are the most common problems affecting the GI tract (including the colon and rectum). Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, food poisoning, gas, bloating, GERD, and diarrhea are common examples. To heal the gut, most people need to first implement an anti-inflammatory diet and make lifestyle changes to prioritize rest, relaxation, and joy
Many factors may upset your GI tract and its motility (ability to keep moving), including:
- Eating a diet low in fiber.
- Not getting enough exercise.
- Traveling or other changes in routine.
- Eating large amounts of dairy products.
- Stress.
What are the Most Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms?
We all occasionally experience digestive upset. So how are you supposed to know the difference between when your GI symptoms are a temporary inconvenience and when they’re indicative of a digestive disorder? When they’re persistent and/or severe.
Gastrointestinal symptoms can vary in intensity from very mild to serious. If you’re experiencing the symptoms below over and over again or if they cause you significant discomfort, your body could be trying to tell you that you have a digestive condition.
Bloating & Excess Gas
Bloating could be a sign of several GI disorders, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or food intolerance such as Celiac disease.
Constipation
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines constipation as having less than 3 bowel movements a week or passing hard, dry stool. Several digestive diseases count constipation as a warning sign, like IBS with constipation. If constipation is a typical problem in your life, you could be suffering from chronic constipation, a recognized GI disorder.
Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea (lasting longer than a day or two) could signify a digestive disorder, such as lactose intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Heartburn
If you experience heartburn two or more times a week, you might have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If left untreated over time, the acid from your stomach can damage your esophagus and lead to complications.
Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea is often a sign of extreme pain, and it could be the result of anything from an allergy to cancer. Nausea or vomiting could also indicate an infection in your GI tract or gallbladder, appendicitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or intestinal blockage.
Abdominal Pain
Most digestive diseases include abdominal pain, if you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain, you should see a physician. This could signal an ulcer, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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.
