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:
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionCauses
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:
- High-fibre diet
- Antibiotics
- Pain killers
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:
- Anti-Inflammatory medication
- Immunosuppressants
- Surgery
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
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentSymptoms and When to Consult a Doctor:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult the doctor at Medicover Hospital.
