Gastro diseases refer to some kind of disorder in the digestive system, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is a passage from your mouth to the anus that is formed by various organs including mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Any functional or structural disorder in these organs results in gastro diseases and impacts your digestion and health in general. The symptoms of these diseases are often similar and confusing making the diagnosis a bit tricky.
Dr. Piyush Ranjan is an eminent gastroenterologist in Delhi who has earned his name for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. During his 15 years of service, he has treated numerous patients for gastro disease with compassion. He expertise in testing methods like colonoscopy, endoscopy, endo-ultrasound, sigmoidoscopy, etc which enable early and precise detection of the disease and helps to deliver the best treatment. Knowing about a disease always makes it easier to handle. So, here is an insight into some common gastro diseases for your quick reference.
Constipation
Constipation is a condition that is characterized by infrequent bowel movement and difficulty in the passage of stool. Usually, the time between bowel movement may be different for different individuals. However, for people with constipation, it is longer than their usual interval.
If you have constipation, you would experience bloating and pain during a bowel movement. The stool is often dry, hard, small and difficult to pass which is the most evident sign of the disease.
The following are the causes that lead to constipation.
- Dehydration
- Lack of a fibrous diet
- Passive lifestyle
- Pregnancy and certain medication
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a prevailing problem. It is associated with discomfort caused by altered and irregular bowel habits. People suffering from IBS experience a more frequent contraction of colon muscles.
The following are the common symptoms that indicate IBS.
- Cramps and abdominal pain
- Excess gas formation
- Bloating
- Change in bowel habits
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
The cause of the IBS problem is not very apparently known. However, certain food and medicines can trigger the issue. Stress is also a major contributor that flair up the symptoms.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is better known as acid reflux or heartburn. The acid and partly digested food retreat back up the esophagus. This happens when the muscles at the stomach entrance weaken.
People with GERD condition often experience the following symptoms.
- Heartburns, usually after eating and worse at night
- Chest pain
- Feeling a lump in the throat
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty in swallowing
Many lifestyle habits like smoking, eating large portions, eating late-night, too much alcohol, coffee, etc. often lead to GERD. Certain medicines and medical conditions like obesity, pregnancy, and connective tissue disorder can also cause acid reflux.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common problem that is attributed to a loose and watery stool and frequent bowel movement. The condition is short-lived and resolves on its own in a few days. However, prolonged diarrhea that does not subside in a week is often a signal to some other medical problem.
Often loose and watery stool in diarrhea is accompanied by additional symptoms.
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Mucus in stool
- Bloating
- Mild fever and nausea
- Urgent bowel movement
If the symptoms last longer or get worse, you should consult a doctor without delay. There are several underlying causes that triggers diarrhea.
- Viral infection
- Bacteria and parasites often enter your system through contaminated food and water
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose and artificial sweetener
- Certain medicines, surgery, or other digestive disorders
Gastric ulcer
Gastric ulcer or stomach ulcer refers to the development of sores in the lining of your stomach. There is a layer of mucus that guards your stomach against the digestive acidic juices. When this layer becomes thin for some reason, the acidic juices eat up the stomach lining tissues causing an ulcer.
Most apparent signs of gastric ulcers are pain and burning sensation in the mid abdominal region. The pain worsens when you are an empty stomach. Other symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Appetite loss
- Burping and heartburns
- Dark stool and bloody vomiting
- Anemia and related symptoms
A stomach ulcer is often caused by a bacterial infection or long-term consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. rarely it can be caused by excess acid production by your body.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a part of the inflammatory bowel disease which is a group of diseases that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The disease results in inflammation in colon lining, rectum, or both. It begins at the rectum and extending up the colon. The harmed colon moves rapidly and empties more often.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary from person to person and can also change over time. Some common signs are:
- Abdominal pain and sound
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Rectal pain and bloody stool
- Weight loss
- Joint pain and swelling
- Mouth sores
- Inflamed eyes
An overactive immune system is considered a major cause of ulcerative colitis. Genetics and other factors like viruses and bacteria can also trigger the immune system and cause the disease.
See Also:
Pancreatic Cancer – Symptoms, And Causes
Cirrhosis
Liver Transplant
Acid Reflux- How To Reduce Stomach Acid[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
