Everyone experiences little indigestion once in a while, which can range in severity from mild heartburn to unbearable stomach or chest discomfort. It doesn’t matter if you have a mild case of food poisoning or if you ate something that was excessively spicy; these symptoms can abruptly worsen and then dissipate in a short period of time.
If these symptoms continue for weeks or even months, then it could be a sign of gastrointestinal disease. These gastrointestinal diseases can range in severity from mild to severe. According to the most recent ITC survey, 56% of Indian families struggle with digestive problems. If you have persistent digestive issues, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. To learn more about gastrointestinal diseases, read out the following blog.
What are gastrointestinal diseases?
Gastrointestinal diseases, sometimes also called GI illnesses or Gi diseases, is a disorder that affects the gastrointestinal system, including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, esophagus, and rectum. It also affects the auxiliary organs of digestion such as the pancreas, the liver, and the gallbladder.
General symptoms of gastrointestinal Diseases
Clearly, the signs and symptoms of digestive diseases differ from person to person and from condition to condition. However, some signs and symptoms are common to most gastrointestinal problems. Typical signs include:
- Discomfort in the stomach (bloating, pain or cramps)
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Acid reflux (heartburn)
- Diarrhea, constipation (or sometimes both)
- Fecal incontinence
- Fatigue
- Having trouble swallowing
Common Gastrointestinal problems
Here are the most common gastrointestinal problems
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Heartburn occasionally occurs, but if it occurs on a regular basis, you might need to be tested for GERD. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, but if left untreated, it can damage the lining of the esophagus and result in bleeding.. Additionally, the illness can result in chest pain that is so severe that it is occasionally mistaken for a heart attack.
You can manage GERD by starting with small lifestyle changes, such as skipping meals at least two hours before night, For occasional heartburn, over-the-counter medications can also offer some temporary relief, but for chronic or severe GERD, a prescription drug or even surgery may be required.
Read: Common Causes of Diabetic Hypoglycemia
- Chronic Diarrhea
Despite the fact that diarrhea is rarely discussed, it must be taken seriously when it does. Since there are various main causes of diarrhea, treating this disease can be quite challenging. It can be brought on by a disorder or condition such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ulcerative colitis. Some other reasons can be the body’s inability to digest specific types of foods such as meals that contain gluten or with celiac disease etc. Additionally, parasites and infections—often viral—can be at fault.
Chronic diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious condition that may require medical attention and should be treated by a medical professional.
- Chronic Constipation
When there are fewer than three bowel movements per week for three weeks or more, it is said to be chronic constipation. Stools that are firm and challenging to pass could possibly be the main cause.
Similar to diarrhea, it might be challenging to identify the root cause of chronic constipation. It can be treated with over-the-counter medications like stool softeners and fiber supplements. It is also recommended to increase your intake of fluids, especially water. If those don’t help, a doctor may suggest a physical activity to strengthen the muscles that carry the stool through the bowels.
Bottom Line
These are some of the common gastrointestinal problems that can happen with an unhealthy diet, eating junk, or many other reasons. If you’re facing any of these issues on a regular basis, it’s highly recommended to consult a professional doctor.