What Are The Most Common Gastroenterology Problems?

Did you know that approximately one in five Americans have a problem with their digestive system? In fact, gastroenterology is one of the most common medical specialties in the United States. There are many different types of gastrointestinal problems, and some are more common than others. 


Some of the most common gastroenterology problems include:


Indigestion

A female patient admitted due to abdominal pain.This is a general term that is used to describe a variety of different symptoms. Some common symptoms of indigestion include bloating, heartburn, nausea and gas. Some common causes of indigestion are eating too much or eating too quickly. Eating fatty, greasy or spicy foods can cause indigestion as well as drinking too much caffeine, alcohol or carbonated beverages. It can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but if the symptoms are severe, you may need to see a doctor for further evaluation.

Gallstone pancreatitis This is a condition that occurs when gallstones become lodged in the opening of the pancreas. This can cause inflammation and pain. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. A consultation with your physician or healthcare provider is important. After being diagnosed, gallstone pancreatitis is usually treated with surgery.


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): 

GERD is a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This backwash of acid can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause some unpleasant symptoms. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. 


Some risk factors for GERD include being overweight, being pregnant and having gastroparesis (a disorder that involves the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine). Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and lupus also can contribute to GERD. Other risk factors include smoking, eating large meals, eating too soon before going to bed and taking certain medications such as aspirin. 


Ulcers

An ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or intestine. Ulcers can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.  


There are two types of ulcers: peptic ulcers and gastric ulcers. Peptic ulcers form in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Gastric ulcers form in the lining of the stomach. Ulcers are often caused by a bacterial infection, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of certain medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).


Ulcers can often be treated with medication. If left untreated, however, ulcers can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding or perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestine).


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):

IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is a type of gastrointestinal illness that affects the function of the digestive system. The condition affects the intestines' function, causing them to contract more or less frequently than is typical. Spastic colon or nervous stomach is another name for IBS. The majority of people with IBS don't require hospitalization or surgery.


IBS can also be triggered by certain foods. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods and artificial sweeteners. If you're struggling with IBS, it might be a good idea to maintain a food diary. Doing so can help you identify which foods bring about your symptoms.


Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)



IBD is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.


The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis only affects the large intestine while Crohn's disease can affect any part of your digestive system. The symptoms vary depending on which type it is but both types have similar treatments available to them.


IBD should not be confused with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).  Although people with IBS may experience some similar symptoms to IBD, IBD and IBS are very different. Irritable bowel syndrome is not caused by inflammation and the tissues of the bowel are not damaged the way they are in IBD. Treatment is also different. IBS doesn't irritate or damage the intestines in the same way that IBD does.


If you are experiencing any of these conditions, contact your healthcare provider or a board-certified gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in treating digestive illnesses. Many of these illnesses can become severe or lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. It's best to make an appointment to have your symptoms evaluated further.
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Colorectal Cancer Awareness: What You Should Know About Symptoms

Image
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in the United States and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The symptoms of this illness may be non-existent or minor during the early stages. However, there are always some warning signs that you may notice. According to a GI doctor in Chesapeake, VA , colorectal cancer may not develop until the disorder reaches stage 2 or higher. They recommend regular rectum or colon screening tests with colonoscopy for patients above fifty years old or those at a higher risk of this disease.  You must read this post to learn whether your condition is colorectal cancer. Here, we list the symptoms and warning signs associated with this illness. Have a look! What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer refers to the development of cancerous cells in the rectum and colon. As the rectum and colon are placed closely in the lower area of the digestive tract, cancerous cells in these regions refer to colorectal cancer. The c
Read more

Differentiating Digestive Disorders: IBS vs. IBD Symptoms Explained

Image
Often mistaken for the non-inflammatory disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), IBD and IBS, despite sharing similar names and symptoms, exhibit fundamental distinctions. Dive in to discern the nuances between IBD and IBS. Here’s a look at the key differentiators between both these conditions: Key Features of IBS and IBD IBD and IBS are separate conditions, yet someone diagnosed with one might experience symptoms of the other. It's crucial to understand that both ailments can coexist. They are both classified as chronic conditions. While they can affect individuals of all ages, there appears to be a genetic component involved. What is IBD? Inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of disorders marked by prolonged inflammation in different parts of the digestive tract. The most prevalent type of IBD is ulcerative colitis. The two primary conditions classified as IBD are: Ulcerative colitis (UC) : A lifelong condition characterized by recurring inflammation episodes in the mucosa
Read more

Esophageal Spasm Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Image
  Do you sometimes have trouble swallowing? You might have esophageal spasms. Esophageal spasms are contractions in the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or both. The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach, and esophageal spasms occur when this tube contracts involuntarily. In most cases, esophageal spasms only happen occasionally and are not a serious problem. However, sometimes they can be more frequent and prevent food from traveling to the stomach. Types of esophageal spasms There are two main different types of esophageal spasms, and the symptoms can vary depending on the type.  The most common type is called diffuse (or distal) esophageal spasm (DES), and it usually causes difficulty swallowing. DES occurs when the muscles in the esophagus contract erratically, making it difficult for food to pass and cause regurgitation or swallowed food and drink to come back up the esophagus. It may also feel like an object or food is stuck in
Read more