What do you need to know about digestive diseases?

According to health care professionals, digestive diseases are considered to be disorders arising within the digestive tract region. It is also referred to as the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. During the digestion process, food & drink gets broken into smaller parts, termed as nutrients, allowing the body to absorb and to use the same in the form of energy. It also helps to develop blocks for cells. This tract is created from a food tube (esophagus), small & large intestine, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver.

Signs & symptoms commonly noticed in the digestive tract

• Incontinence
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight loss or gain
• Bloating
• Bleeding
• Swallowing problems
• Pain in the belly region
• Vomiting & nausea

Digestive disease can be any health problem that may occur within the digestive tract. The conditions might vary from serious to mild ones. Few common issues might include irritable bowel, cancer, lactose intolerance, and syndrome.

The other digestive diseases might include:

• Cholangitis, cholecystitis, and gallstones
• Rectal issues like rectal prolapsed, proctitis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure
• Stomach issues like gastritis and gastric ulcers arising due to cancer and Helicobacter pylori infection
• Esophagus issues like stricture (narrowing), esophagitis, and achalasia
• Pancreatic pseudocyst and pancreatitis
• Liver issues like hepatitis B or C, liver failure, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis, and autoimmune
• Intestinal issues like cancer and polyps, celiac disease, infections, Crohn disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal ischemia, short bowel syndrome, and malabsorption
• Pancreatic pseudocyst and pancreatitis
• Hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer disease, and GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Medical tests

To identify digestive issues few tests may include endoscopic ultrasound, upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, (ERCP) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and capsule endoscopy.

There are also performed several surgical procedures as a remedy for digestive tract issues. It may include procedures that make use of open surgery, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Also are performed organ transplants on the small intestine, pancreas, and liver.

Common digestive problems suffered from

In case, the person is suffering from bloating, nausea, or abdominal pain, then it can be a virus that is likely to go away with time. It can also be gastrointestinal signs, requiring changes to be made existing lifestyle habits and/or medical attention. Some common issues faced are given below:

• Gastritis: It is considered to be inflammation occurring within the stomach lining. Various causes are cited for its occurrence, with the common ones being infectious agents, like H. pylori (helicobacter pylori), NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and alcohol. Few common symptoms include:
  • Belching, burping, and bloating
  • Appetite loss
  • Vomiting & nausea
  • Abdominal pain

You need to avoid taking common aggressors like fried, fatty, and spicy foods, alcohol chili powder, and coffee, as it only increases the severity of symptoms. Its treatment generally depends mostly upon the cause. H. pylori-related gastritis treatment involves a combination of acid suppressants and antibiotics. Gastritis caused by alcohol, NSAIDs, and aspirin will require acid suppressants.

It is also possible to treat digestive problems with Ayurveda and Ayurvedic products. People suffering from digestive related issues may try digestive system strong syrup-like Torzyme Syrup that comes with proven benefits, but without the side effects attached.

• GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease): This condition takes place when contents in the stomach move backward or there is experienced reflux from the stomach within the esophagus. The latter is considered to be a tube that connects to the stomach from the throat. Reflux is termed to be a normal procedure that might take place in people not having any bothersome acid reflux symptoms. But patients diagnosed with GERD may face acid reflux episodes, thus causing troublesome symptoms. The symptoms that they experience are caused due to acid irritating and damage to the esophagus or back of the throat region. It includes:
  • Chest pain
  • Heartburn
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Regurgitation
  • Pain or difficulty faced when swallowing food
  • Cough
  • Sore throat or hoarseness of voice

It occurs if the person overeats or if excess pressure is placed on the stomach, often because of pregnancy or obesity. LES is also loosened due to the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Lifestyle changes may help control the symptoms.

• Peptic Ulcer: Often, gastritis is said to be related to peptic ulcers. The latter is considered to be sores that develop within the stomach lining, lower esophagus, or initial part of the small intestine. Generally, they develop due to inflammation arising from H. pylori, NSAIDs, and aspirin. Common symptoms faced are bloating, abdominal pain, or discomfort in the upper abdominal region. Also can be noticed appetite loss, weight loss, dark or bloody stools, vomiting, and nausea. It is possible to heal this issue with proper and timely treatment. If treatment is not provided, then it is likely to worsen with time, thus causing serious health complications like scar tissue causing strictures, bleeding ulcers, or perforated ulcers.
• IBIS (Irritable bowel syndrome): It is a part of the gastrointestinal disorder group called functional bowel disorders. This problem is common and affects a good number of the world over. |IBS patients are said to experience abdominal pain or discomfort associated with constipation or diarrhea. With smooth bowel movements, the discomfort is relieved generally. After meals and during the day, people may experience diarrhea in |IBS. Constipation may also be experienced by few patients instead of diarrhea, while the stools may be like hard pellets. Some patients might experience a combination of both constipation and diarrhea. However, IBS exact causes are still unknown but triggered often by food poisoning or episodes of gastrointestinal infection. With the onset of infection, the gut’s immune system gets activated and proteins and cells are produced to increase nerve sensitivity within the gut. The gut may sense normal gas in normal amounts and movements as pain and bloating due to extra sensitive nerves. IBS symptoms are further exacerbated due to anxiety and stress.
• Constipation: In case there is a noticeable decrease in stool frequency of about 3 times or less per week, there can be experienced small or hard pellet-like stools, then it is likely to be constipation. It does have several causes. Most patients suffering from chronic constipation problems may not have a disease that causes this constipation problem. Some treatments involve lifestyle changes, fluid and diet intake along with medication.

Non-intestinal diseases related to constipation include diabetes and the insufficiency of thyroid hormones. But patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease are stated to be prone to facing much more constipation issues. Even some medications like antidepressants and painkillers may cause constipation issues. Generally, the healthcare professionals will examine the issue by recommending stool and blood tests colonoscopy as well as anal muscle function measurement if deemed necessary. Constipation treatment depends upon the cause. Generally, the situation is managed by making changes in lifestyle and diet, increasing fluid intake and physical activities, and taking natural foods to help smoothly pass the motion.

• Chronic diarrhea: It is frequent loose stools lasting for around 4 weeks. IBS is a common cause and the other is taking medicines like antibiotics, diabetic medication, and painkillers. Most intestinal infections cause diarrhea, lasting for about 4 weeks. Even food intolerance may cause this issue along with artificial sweeteners and alcohol. Intestinal and non-intestinal diseases might cause this issue. Treatment will depend upon the identified cause.

It will be a good idea to use Ayurvedic medicine for a strong digestive system like Torzyme Syrup that is easily available and also completely safe.