Everything You Should Know about Gastric Disorders

Gastro Science | Posted on 07/04/2022 by Dr. Anil Kumar Jangid

Overview

Gastric disorders are among the most common conditions affecting a huge proportion of the population all over the globe. Certain gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent such as gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, etc. The main contributors to the development of gastric disorders are dietary choices, lifestyle habits, stress, and genetic predispositions. 

Seeking professional help from a well-known healthcare service like Rukmani Birla Hospital in Jaipur is vital to timely diagnose and manage the problem before it’s too late. You can book your appointment with this multispeciality hospital as they have a team of the best gastrointestinal healthcare professionals. 

In this blog, we will unfold everything that’s related to gastrointestinal disorders such as symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

Please note it is for informative purposes only and we do not interfere with the doctor’s consultation in any way. 

What are Gastric Disorders?

Gastric intestinal diseases typically mean conditions affecting the Gastrointestinal tract (GI) which begins from the mouth and ends at the anus. There are two categories of gastrointestinal disease: functional gastrointestinal disease and structural intestine Gastrointestinal disease.

• Functional diseases are the ones in which the body appears normal during the examination which means it does not show visible issues. Some of the basic functional Gastrointestinal diseases include constipation, food poisoning, excessive gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome IBS, and GERD. Such kind of diseases occur due to negligence; such as eating a low-fiber diet, sedentary or inactive lifestyle, consumption of excessive dairy products, stress, frequent consumption of spicy and fried foods, hemorrhoids, and using an excessive amount of anti-diarrheal medications that affect the bowel muscles and its motility, etc.
• Structural Gastrointestinal disease, on the other hand, includes conditions in which the bowel becomes abnormal and does not work properly and it can be diagnosed in an examination. Such diseases include stenosis, colon polyps, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

What are common gastrointestinal disease symptoms?

Here are some of the common gastrointestinal disease symptoms: 

• Abdominal pain 
• Heartburn and acid reflux 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Changes in bowel habits like diarrhea and constipation
• Bloating and gas 
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Jaundice 

What are the causes of gastrointestinal disease?

Gastrointestinal disease has several causes and that usually is an outcome of a combination of different factors like environmental, lifestyle, and genetics. Here are some of the main causes of gastrointestinal disease: 

• Infections like bacterial, viral, or parasitic are caused by viruses like Salmonella and E. coli. 
• Inflammation involving inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s illness and ulcerative colitis. 
• Autoimmune disorders like celiac disease and autoimmune hepatitis 
• Genetics- It involves a family history of conditions like hereditary polyposis and colorectal cancer. 
• Dietary factors involve poor diet such as lacking fiber, consuming fats, etc.
• Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol, no exercise, etc. 
• Stress leads to developing gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome
• Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs irritate the digestive system causing gastrointestinal issues like ulcers.
• Environmental factors involve exposure to toxins and contaminants.

What are common gastrointestinal disease symptoms?

Here are some of the common gastrointestinal disease symptoms: 

• Abdominal pain 
• Heartburn and acid reflux 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Changes in bowel habits like diarrhea and constipation
• Bloating and gas 
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Jaundice 

What are the causes of gastrointestinal disease?

Gastrointestinal disease has several causes and that usually is an outcome of a combination of different factors like environmental, lifestyle, and genetics. Here are some of the main causes of gastrointestinal disease: 

• Infections like bacterial, viral, or parasitic are caused by viruses like Salmonella and E. coli. 
• Inflammation involving inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s illness and ulcerative colitis. 
• Autoimmune disorders like celiac disease and autoimmune hepatitis 
• Genetics- It involves a family history of conditions like hereditary polyposis and colorectal cancer. 
• Dietary factors involve poor diet such as lacking fiber, consuming fats, etc.
• Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol, no exercise, etc. 
• Stress leads to developing gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome
• Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs irritate the digestive system causing gastrointestinal issues like ulcers.
• Environmental factors involve exposure to toxins and contaminants.

What are the common Gastric Disorders?

Here are some of the common gastric disorders experienced by humans usually:

• Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder in which the muscle of the colon contracts more than usual. It is a very common type of digestive condition that troubles over 10% of people across the world. People who suffer from it also suffer from bloating, constipation, excessive gas, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, change in bowel movements, etc The treatment for IBS is usually diet centric which means the doctor prescribes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals, yogurt, probiotic drinks, juices, etc
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD): Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD) is a gastric disease in which the acid present in the stomach backs up to the esophagus which is called acid reflux. This causes a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, especially after having meals. It is necessary that if you are experiencing persistent heartburn, nausea, burning sensation in the chest, pain in the upper abdomen, tooth erosion, difficulty in swallowing, and bad breath then you must seek immediate medical help.
• Gallstones: Gallstones are hard deposits that are formed in the gallbladder. The main function of the gallbladder is to secrete bile juice that helps in the digestion of fats. People who have chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity are at risk of having it. Further, people who consume food that is high in cholesterol level are also at a greater risk of having this condition. Also, it creates a life-threatening condition when gallstones block the ducts. A minor gallstone can be dissolved easily with the help of medications while in severe conditions surgical removal of the gallbladder may be required.
• Anal fissure: Anal fissure is one of the most common structural diseases. Generally, it gets treated naturally but in case of severe conditions, it requires proper treatment. In the case of an anal fissure, the lining of the inner opening gets cut or cracked which causes a lot of pain, especially at the time of passing stools. It is a very painful experience that can lead to burning pain, and bleeding and people suffering from it even have difficulty sitting, standing, and lying down. The general treatment includes medication, a high-fiber diet, and a sitz bath (sitting in warm water). 

How are Gastrointestinal Disorders Diagnosed?

Here are some of the tests and steps involved in diagnosing gastrointestinal disease: 

• Medical history- It involves understanding the symptoms, dietary habits, lifestyle choices, severity of the condition, and other factors aggravating them. 
• Physical assessment- This entails determining the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. 
• Blood tests- To look for inflammation, anemia, or infection. ESR and C-reactive protein are usually ordered.
• Stool tests- To identify the blood in the stool and the presence of bacteria, parasites, and other anomalies. 
• Imaging studies- It involves endoscopy, X-rays, and CT scans. 
• Biopsy- To determine the conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. 
• Other tests- There are other tests such as breath tests, functional tests, and genetic tests.

What are the options available for Gastrointestinal Disorders treatment?

Here are some of the options usually involved in gastrointestinal disease treatment: 

• Medications like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications are given to treat gastric disorders. 
• Dietary changes are prescribed to treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and a gluten-free diet is strictly ordered in case of celiac disease. 
• Lifestyle changes are strictly recommended for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease. It involves managing weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, etc. 
• Endoscopic interventions or procedures are included to treat conditions like polyps, bleeding ulcers, or dilating structures. 
• Surgery is required in severe cases or when other treatment options are not working. It entails the removal of tumors, treating complications of diverticulitis, removal of damaged digestive tract sections, etc. 
• Immunosuppressive therapy is involved to decrease the risk of inflammation and manage symptoms. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, gastric disorders are one of the common conditions experienced by humans. However, it is vital to comprehend the most common gastrointestinal disorders to maintain digestive health. If you suffer from any gastric disorder, seek medical assistance on time. You can also involve methods like a balanced diet, managing stress, lifestyle change, etc. to manage and avert gastrointestinal disease. Keep in mind that with a proactive approach to gastrointestinal health, the road to a healthy and happy life is not that difficult. 

Rukmani Birla Hospital is one the best gastroenterologist hospitals in India. Our state-of-the-art technology, medical facilities, and in-house diagnostic center help us to provide better treatment without any delay. If you are suffering from any gastric-related issues then contact RBH by an expert gastroenterologist.

FAQs

 

Why does the digestion problem occur?

Certain factors contribute to the development of digestive problems such as dietary choices, lifestyle habits, lack of exercise, changing the routine, etc. 

How to reduce gastric issues?

To reduce gastric issues, it is recommended to include lemon juice in your diet, drink plenty of water, and warm water, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, etc.