Most Commonly Encountered Digestive Disorders

What Are Digestive Disorders?

Digestive disorders are disease conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). The GI tract starts from the esophagus, extends to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The digestive tract helps break down complex food substances into smaller tiny particles so the body can absorb them.

Some digestive tract diseases are short duration, and some are long-standing disorders. Some digestive disorders resolve by themselves within a few days, but some long-standing disease conditions require medical attention.

What Are the Commonly Encountered Digestive Disorders?

Commonly encountered digestive disorders are listed below:

1. Stomach Flu: It is an intestinal infection caused by viruses like Norovirus and Rotavirus, bacteria like Campylobacter bacterium, and the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. The other causes include toxins released by the bacteria, any medication taken, and lead poisoning. It is also known as gastroenteritis. This infection will lead to symptoms like:

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Cramping, liking feeling in the abdomen.

• Fever.

• Periumbilical Pain or pain around the navel button.

The symptoms vary from patient to patient. In some patients, the symptoms appear one to three days after the infection. Usually, it gets resolved on its own in one to two days, or in some cases, it takes 14 days for complete resolution.

Diagnosis: The healthcare provider will diagnose stomach flu based on the symptoms, history of the disease, and physical examination. In order to confirm the diagnosis, tests such as stool test or blood test to check for bacteria and viruses in the stool may be asked for.

Treatment: It depends on the cause; antibiotics will be effective if bacteria are the cause. If the causative agent is a virus, antibiotics will not be effective. Then the main treatment option is to prevent dehydration by drinking as much fluids, juices or soups and resting.

2) Intolerance To Lactose: It is a disorder in which the body lacks the capacity to digest lactose, usually present in milk and milk products. It is also a common digestive disorder.

Cause: In this type of disease, the body lacks the enzyme lactase required to break down lactose. This condition is usually acquired from the parents. The symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms usually appear between 30 minutes to two hours after consuming food that contains lactose. The main symptoms are diarrhea, an urge to vomit, cramping in the stomach, and gas formation.

Diagnosis: It is made by the doctor based on the history given by the patient, family history of the disease, and symptoms. A hydrogen breath test is performed to confirm the diagnosis of the lactose tolerance test.

Treatment: The treatment focuses on decreasing the discomfort caused by lactose intolerance. A diet with low lactose is recommended. Reduce the intake of milk and milk products in the diet. Lactase products can be added to milk and dairy products to break down lactose content.

3) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): It is a specific type of disease condition in which contents present in the stomach move back towards the food pipe, which is known as the esophagus. Initially, this condition is present as reflux, and finally, with time progresses, symptoms appear more frequently, until developing into a full blown disease.

Cause: The defective closure of the esophageal sphincter (muscle fibers present in the lower esophagus to prevent the backward movement of food). Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, and inflammation of the esophagus.

Diagnosis: Proper diagnosis is made by evaluating medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures. The procedures include an endoscopy (to evaluate the upper gastrointestinal tract), a test to evaluate the pH activity, an esophagus X-ray taken by drinking barium, and a test to assess the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Treatment: Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acids. Proton pump inhibitors are acid-blocking agents, H-2 blockers reduce the acid produced. Baclofen is a drug of choice to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Surgery is the last option.

4) Diarrhea: It is a disease condition with loose and watery stools and more frequent bowel movements. There are two types, acute and chronic types of diarrhea, based on the duration of the disease present.

Causes:

• Patients with lactose intolerance.
• The virus present mainly is Rotavirus and Norovirus.
• Intake of excess alcohol.
• Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis.
• Certain antibiotics cause diarrhea, such as Amoxicillin.
• Any bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli.
• Any surgical procedures done to the stomach and intestine.
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, and blood in stools are the symptoms.

Diagnosis: It is done based on the history given by the patient and different diagnostic tests performed. It includes a blood test, stool test, hydrogen breath tests for testing lactose intolerance, endoscopy, and colonoscopy.

Treatment: In order to control diarrhea, Loperamide is the first line of drugs. If the cause is bacteria, antibiotics are given. Rehydration with plenty of fluids such as fruit juices and soups and probiotics are also suggested.

5) Peptic Ulcers: These ulcers are seen in the stomach lining and upper part of the small intestine. There are two types of ulcers, a peptic ulcer which occurs in the stomach, and the other one duodenal ulcer, which occurs in the duodenum of the small intestine. The cause for both ulcers is the same. It is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori and certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These ulcers present will lead to indigestion of food. The most commonly encountered symptoms are heartburn, stomach pain, lack of appetite, the urge to vomit, and a feeling of fullness.

Diagnosis: It is made based on the history given by the patient and physical examination. In order to confirm the diagnosis, certain tests are done. The tests include stool tests, breath tests, endoscopies, and X-rays.

Treatment: Medications are given to block acid production, neutralize the acid produced, or reduce the acid produced. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill H pylori.

6) Chronic Constipation: It is difficult to pass stools out of the anus. Based on the occurrence of bowel movements, constipation is assessed. The stool appears as a hard mass in patients with constipation. It is a common gastrointestinal complaint. The main causes are eating food with low fiber content, taking any medication, lack of exercise, pregnancy, neurological problems, aging, and any block in the rectum anus region. Patients with constipation experience abdominal pain, stomach fullness, absence of appetite, and stools that appear very hard and dry.

Diagnosis: In order to find out the cause and rectify the situation, the doctor asks the history of the condition, and a rectal examination is done. Several tests are done to confirm the cause of constipation, including an X-ray, blood test, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy.

Treatment: Primarily, the treatment focuses on high fiber-rich foods that help in easy bowel movements.

• Daily exercise improves bowel movement.
• Laxatives such as Bisacodyl help in stimulating the bowel movements.
• Stool softeners help to soften the stools and help in the easy passage without any strain.

7) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): It is a group of symptoms affecting the stomach and the intestine. The actual cause for IBS is yet to be found. Many factors that influence IBS are stress, any serious type of infection, the issue with the nerves of the digestive system, and any change in the microorganisms present in the stomach and intestine. Patients with IBS will experience symptoms such as bloating (fullness), abdominal twitches, gas formation, diarrhea, or constipation based on the type of IBS.

Diagnosis: It is done based on history and physical examination. There is no special test to diagnose IBS. The tests usually performed are endoscopy, colonoscopy, and X-rays.

Treatment: There is no specific treatment plan for the disease. The treatment plan is made according to the patient's symptoms and causes. The changes in diet are to be made by including high-fiber content foods, plenty of fluid intake, avoiding milk and milk products as it causes lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is seen in people who have IBS.

Can Digestive Diseases Be Prevented?

Doctors advise the following to help prevent digestive disorders:

• Do not overeat and chew the food well.

• Drink plenty of water. Water, broth, and soups are all good forms of nutrients.

• Try to consume dietary fiber containing foods that should be consumed. 25 to 30 grams are Avoid the consumption of alcohol.

• Daily physical activity.

• Do not wear tight dresses especially around the midsection, this can lead to stomach issues.

• Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before making and consuming food,

• Wash hands properly after using the restroom, changing diapers, managing trash, handling raw meat, and handling pets or their waste.

Conclusion

Digestive disorders are a common type of disease condition. These types of disorders do not pose any life-threatening conditions and become fatal. Some of the disorders mentioned above are self-resolving. A good healthy diet and prevention of dehydration is the main way to overcome the disease condition.