The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients into the body. There are many illnesses that can disrupt the proper functioning of the digestive system. In this article, we will explore some of the most common digestive diseases and conditions.
Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, regurgitation of food or liquid, and difficulty swallowing. Acid reflux is often caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When it does not close properly, acid can leak out. Risk factors for acid reflux include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, pregnancy, and certain medications.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe and chronic form of acid reflux. The main symptom is frequent heartburn. Left untreated, GERD can damage the esophagus over time and even lead to esophageal cancer in some cases. Lifestyle modifications like losing weight, avoiding trigger foods, and not eating late at night can help manage GERD. Medications like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed as well.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis causes delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, feeling full after eating little food, and abdominal bloating. Gastroparesis can be caused by diabetes, neurological disorders, infections, medications, and other systemic diseases. When severe, it may require hospitalization for IV fluids and nutrition. Medications like metoclopramide can help improve stomach emptying. In some cases, a feeding tube may be necessary.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for chronic inflammation conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types are ulcerative colitis which affects the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease which can impact any part of the GI tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. While the exact cause is unknown, IBD likely involves a dysfunctional immune system and genetic susceptibility. IBD is managed through medications, diet modifications, and sometimes surgery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine. It causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Triggers include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and gut bacteria imbalances. While IBS cannot be cured, symptoms can often be managed through dietary changes, probiotics, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and antidiarrheals.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage of the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss. The only treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This allows the intestinal lining to heal over time. Undiagnosed celiac disease can lead to malnutrition and other medical complications.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula in the colon become inflamed or infected. Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the colon walls. Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and a change in bowel habits. Mild cases may resolve with rest, antibiotics, and a liquid diet. Severe cases may require hospitalization and surgery. Risk factors include older age, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and a low fiber diet.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. They often cause bleeding, itching, and pain. Straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, and long periods of sitting increase the risk. Initial treatment includes increasing fiber, staying hydrated, warm baths, and over-the-counter creams or suppositories. Medical procedures may be required for larger hemorrhoids that don’t respond to home treatment.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the thin tissue lining the anus. Passing large or hard stools can cause fissures. Symptoms include pain during bowel movements, itching, and bleeding. Most anal fissures can heal with stool softeners, increased fluid intake, sitz baths, and topical medications. Some may require prescription nitroglycerin ointments or surgery if they do not heal.
Gallstones
Gallstones form when bile hardens into stone-like deposits in the gallbladder. They can block the flow of bile causing pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice. Risk factors for gallstones include obesity, rapid weight loss, high-fat diets, and certain medical conditions like cirrhosis. Mild cases may be managed with pain medication and dietary changes. Severe cases may require surgically removing the gallbladder.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas gland. Acute pancreatitis causes sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can lead to serious complications like dehydration, infection, cysts, and problems with blood sugar regulation. Gallstones and excessive alcohol use are common causes. Treatment involves intravenous fluids, pain management, and preventing complications. Chronic pancreatitis develops over time and causes persistent digestive symptoms.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance means the body cannot properly digest lactose, the main sugar in milk and dairy products. This leads to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea after consuming milk or ice cream. It is caused by not having enough of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose. Management involves limiting dairy intake and taking lactase enzyme supplements as needed.
Food Allergies
Food allergies stimulate an abnormal immune response upon ingesting certain foods. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, itching, hives, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis. The most common food allergen culprits are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Food allergy management involves strict avoidance of the offending food(s) and having epinephrine on hand in case of anaphylaxis.
Food Intolerances
Food intolerances produce digestive symptoms after eating certain foods but do not involve the immune system like true allergies. Two common intolerances are to FODMAPs (fermentable carbs) and salicylates (compounds in many fruits and vegetables). Symptoms can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods can help manage intolerances.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other organs. This mucus can obstruct the pancreas and prevent digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines. Symptoms include greasy, foul-smelling stools, poor weight gain, abdominal discomfort, gas, and constipation. Pancreatic enzyme supplements and medications that reduce mucus help manage the digestive complications.
Bowel Obstruction
A bowel obstruction blocks the normal passage of food and stool through the intestines. Partial obstructions cause cramping, bloating, and constipation. Complete obstructions also lead to vomiting, severe pain, and inability to pass gas or stool. Common causes are adhesions from past surgery, hernias, tumors, and volvulus. Treatment depends on the location and severity but may involve IV fluids, decompression tubes, or surgery.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix typically due to obstruction by stool, a foreign body, or tumor. Symptoms include abdominal pain beginning near the navel and later shifting to the right lower quadrant, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and fever. Appendicitis requires emergency surgery to remove the appendix before it ruptures. A ruptured appendix can cause life-threatening peritonitis.
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer begins with abnormal anal cell growth that forms a tumor. Symptoms may include anal bleeding, itching, pain, bulky stools, and changes in bowel habits. Anal cancer risk factors are HPV infection, smoking, HIV, chronic inflammation, and immunosuppression. Treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
Whipple’s Disease
Whipple’s disease is a rare bacterial infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei. Symptoms involve diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, and significant weight loss. It can also affect other organs like the heart and brain if untreated. Antibiotics like doxycycline and ceftriaxone are used to treat Whipple’s disease. Without treatment, it can lead to malabsorption, severe infection, and even death.
SIBO
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, malabsorption issues, and malnutrition. Predisposing factors are slow motility diseases, intestinal obstruction, and immune deficiency. SIBO is typically treated with antibiotics to reduce the bacterial overgrowth, followed by probiotics. Diet changes may also help manage symptoms.
Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Types include infectious colitis (bacterial, viral, parasitic infections), ischemic colitis (low blood flow to colon), ulcerative colitis (IBD), and microscopic colitis. Symptoms are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and fever in severe cases. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, IV fluids, and surgery.
Dysentery
Dysentery is characterized by bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and the frequent urge to defecate. It is usually caused by Shigella bacteria or Entamoeba histolytica parasites. Risk factors include contaminated food and water, crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and travel to developing countries. Dysentery is treated with antibiotics, antiparasitics, IV fluids, and rest. Preventive measures include good handwashing and avoiding contaminated food and water sources.
Cholera
Cholera is a highly contagious diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria in contaminated water. It remains common in developing countries with poor sanitation. Symptoms include profuse, watery diarrhea, leg cramps, vomiting, and rapid loss of fluids. Treatment involves oral or IV rehydration therapy. Antibiotics can quicken recovery and lower transmission. Prevention focuses on access to clean water, proper sewage treatment, and handwashing.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea involves loose, watery stools occurring more than 3 times per day. Causes include infections, food intolerances, reactions to medications, IBD, IBS, and disorders that impair digestion and absorption. Acute diarrhea tends to resolve on its own. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer and requires treatment based on the underlying cause. Preventing dehydration by drinking fluids and electrolytes is important.
Constipation
Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult passage of hard, dry stools. Common causes are inadequate fiber and fluid intake, lack of exercise, various medications, hormonal disorders, and obstructing rectal tumors. Treatment focuses on adding more fiber and water to the diet, exercising, establishing regular bathroom habits, and sometimes laxatives. Chronic constipation may require testing for underlying disorders.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Mild cases can be managed with rest, hydration, and bland foods. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for IV fluids and medication. Preventive measures include handwashing and avoiding contaminated food or water.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Symptoms include burning abdominal pain that can improve with food, nausea, and fatigue. Causes include H. pylori infection and frequent NSAID use. Treatment involves antibiotic therapy, reducing stomach acid, and avoiding triggers. Complications like bleeding ulcers may require surgery.
Gastritis
Gastritis refers to inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. This can be caused by H. pylori bacteria, NSAIDs, excess alcohol use, stress, autoimmune disorders, and bile reflux. Symptoms are indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment involves identifying and removing the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes, acid reducers, antibiotics, pain medication, and antacids may help relieve symptoms.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach, or gastric, ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Pain is the most common symptom, made worse by eating and improved by food. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and blood in vomit or stool. Ulcers are commonly caused by H. pylori bacteria and frequent NSAID use. Treatment includes antibiotics, acid blockers, antacids, and avoiding aggravating foods.
Gastroparesis
In gastroparesis, the stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestine. This leads to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. Diabetes is the most common cause. Other risk factors are stomach surgery, Parkinson’s disease, and certain medications. Treatment aims to control symptoms with dietary changes, proper blood sugar control, hydration, medications, botulinum toxin injections, and sometimes feeding tubes or stomach pacemakers.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Symptoms include acid reflux, heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest or abdominal pain. Obesity, pregnancy, straining from coughing, heavy lifting, constipation, and older age increase risk. Most do not require treatment beyond diet and lifestyle changes. Larger hernias may need surgical repair if medications don’t control symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive system. Types are ulcerative colitis affecting the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease which can occur anywhere in the GI tract. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. While the exact cause is unknown, IBD likely involves immune system dysfunction, genetics, and environmental factors. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Eating gluten damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and fatigue. The only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the intestinal lining to heal.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer begins as growths called polyps that form in the colon or rectum. Over time some polyps become cancerous. Symptoms can include constipation, diarrhea, narrow stool, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue. Screening tests like colonoscopies help detect and remove precancerous polyps before cancer develops. Treating colorectal cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapies.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine and causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. Symptoms are often triggered by stress, food intolerances, hormonal changes, and gut bacteria imbalances. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed through dietary modifications, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, probiotics, antidepressants, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
With small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine. This can lead to diarrhea, bloating, malnutrition, and weight loss. Predisposing factors include slow intestinal motility, small intestinal obstructions, and impaired immunity. SIBO is typically treated with antibiotics to kill off excess bacteria, followed by probiotics to restore balance. Dietary changes may also help manage symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs in the GI tract. Common causes include ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps, inflammation, and overuse of NSAIDs. Symptoms depend on the location and rate of bleeding but may include vomiting blood, bloody stool, black tarry stool, and fainting. GI bleeding can usually be diagnosed via endoscopy. Treatment involves stopping the bleeding source and replacing lost blood through IV fluids or transfusions.
Malabsorption
Malabsorption occurs when the small intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients from food. This leads to diarrhea, fatty stools, weight loss, bloating, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies. Potential causes include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, pancreatic issues, SIBO, intestinal resection, and certain medications. Blood tests, stool tests, and procedures like endoscopy can help diagnose malabsorption. Dietary changes, supplements, medications, and treating underlying conditions may improve absorption.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis involves small pouches (diverticula) bulging outward from weak spots in the colon walls. It often causes no symptoms until diverticula become inflamed (diverticulitis), leading to abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Mild diverticulitis is treated with rest, antibiotics, and a liquid diet. Severe cases may require hospitalization and surgery to remove infected pouches.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically due to a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, headaches, and body aches. It usually resolves on its own with rest and hydration. But severe cases may require hospitalization for IV fluids and medications. Prevention involves frequent handwashing and avoiding contaminated food and water sources.
Colorectal Polyps
Colorectal polyps are abnormal tissue growths that form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most remain benign but some can become cancerous over time. Warning signs include rectal bleeding, diarrhea or constipation, cramping, and stool changes. Polyps are often detected through screening tests like colonoscopy. Removal via colonoscopy can prevent progression to colorectal cancer. Larger polyps may require surgery.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, swollen veins located in the lowest portion of the rectum and anus. Symptoms include pain, itching, swelling, lump near the anus, and bleeding during bowel movements. Straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, and long periods of sitting increase risk. Treatments include increasing fiber, staying hydrated, warm baths, OTC creams and suppositories, prescription medications, minimally invasive procedures, and sometimes surgery.
Conclusion
Digestive system illnesses encompass a wide range of disorders that can affect the GI tract to varying degrees. Symptoms often include one or more of the following – diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal cramps, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Some conditions like GERD, IBS, and hemorrhoids may be mild and manageable with lifestyle changes. Others like cancers, bowel obstructions, and severe infections can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Seeing a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment is recommended, especially for persistent digestive symptoms.