Digestive Problems: Causes and Symptoms
Digestive problems, also known as GI disorders. Its symptoms depend on the specific cause of the disorder. The common symptoms include:
Causes of Digestive Problems
Upper GI Causes
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.
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.
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.
Gastroparesis
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.
Gallstones
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
Celiac Disease
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
Diverticular Disease
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Get A Second OpinionTiny 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
Inflammatory Disease
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
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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
Symptoms of Digestive Problems
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
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Book an AppointmentDiagnosis of Digestive Problems
Diagnosis of digestive problems usually requires a combination of history surgery, laboratory testing and study imaging. A look at the diagnostic workup of digestive issues:
Patient History
- A thorough patient history is the first step in the diagnosis of digestive problems. Doctors will also ask about symptoms such as pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn, nausea and vomiting and changes in appetite. Tuning in to how long and how often symptoms happen, as well as the severity, helps narrow down that list of possibilities.
Physical Examination
- A comprehensive physical exam allows physicians to evaluate indicators such as abdominal tenderness, swelling or any unusual growths. They might also look for signs of dehydration or other systemic symptoms that may indicate a more complex condition.
Laboratory Tests
- Blood tests, stool tests, and breath tests are also standard diagnostic tools for digestive issues. For example:
- Blood tests can show indications of infection, inflammation, anaemia or organ dysfunction.
- Stool tests have detected infections, parasites or blood.
- Breath tests can be used to diagnose things like lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Imaging Studies
- Imaging methods give a glimpse of the digestive tract:
- Barium swallow/enema: X-ray highlights abnormalities in the digestive tract
- Ultrasound assesses the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
- CT scans provide detailed abdominal images to detect conditions such as tumours, infections or inflammation.
Endoscopic Procedures
- An endoscope is a slender, flexible tube with a camera that can be inserted into the digestive tract. This gives doctors a direct look at the esophagus, stomach, intestines or colon, and allows them to take biopsies as needed. Some typical endoscopic procedures are:
EGD
- Upper endoscopy to view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
- Colonoscopy for imaging the colon and rectum.
- Capsule endoscopy for small bowel visualization
Functional Tests
- Functional tests may also be used to assess the function of the entire digestive system for a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These tests assess the motility and functionality of the digestive cavities via manometry or motility studies.
Prevention of Digestive Problems
A clean digestive system is essential to maintain the overall functionality of the body, as it will help the body break down food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste from the body. Here are a handful of tips to keep your digestive tract in tiptop shape and stave off digestive woes:
- Eat a High-Fiber Diet: Fibre plays a crucial role in maintaining proper digestion. It adds bulk to the stool, which helps regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Stay Hydrated: Water is very important in the digestion process. Water aids in food decrease, which makes it easier for the body to digest nutrients. It helps soften stool and prevent constipation.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise improves circulation and helps move food through the digestive tract. It may also help reduce bloating, promote motility and alleviate constipation.
- Avoid Overeating: If the digestive system is overcharged, it can leave you feeling uneasy and suffer from indigestion and bloating. Also, pay attention to the rate of eating, a slow increase in the speed of digestion and minimising bloating.
- Restrict Packaged Foods and Large Amounts of Fats: High-fat and high-sugar foods, mainly processed or fried foods, may cause digestive upset. These foods are hard to digest and may lead to problems such as acid reflux or bloating.
- Add Probiotics to Your Diet: Probiotics are good bacteria that maintain the balance of gut flora, which promotes digestion and prevents diarrhoea, constipation, and bloating. You can get probiotics from fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi or specifically formulated probiotic supplements as suggested by a health care professional.
- Manage Stress Effectively: Digestive issues can occur due to chronic stress, leading to Gastroesophageal reflux disease or stomach ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. Committing to stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, deeper breathing or mindfulness can help not only with the health of your digestive tract but also with many aspects of your life.
- Avoid Smoke and Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking are both harmful to the digestive tract. Smoking destroys the function of the oesophagus, which leads to acid reflux, etc. Alcohol irritates the lining of the stomach and disrupts gut bacteria. A healthy or no habit can minimize the risk of digestive disorders.
- Listen to Your Body: Listen to your body and how it responds to various foods and lifestyle interventions. If you find that specific foods are upsetting your stomach, take them out of your diet or lessen the amount consumed. A food diary can aid in identifying triggers and improve digestive wellness.
