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The gut is your second brain. Yes, it's true! Many of us know that a healthy gut leads to a healthy productive mind. Moreover, 90% of the immunity lies in the gut. Gastroenterology awareness is a must for every balanced individual. GS Hospital, the best hospital in Noida, aims to spread awareness about gut health to prevent digestive disorders.
The gut is related to all the healthy systems of the body. The main reason behind this is the absorption of vital nutrients which are a must for every cell of the body. Right, the body needs energy to perform various activities which may be physical or mental. This energy is mainly received through food which is digested and assimilated well by the gut.
GS Hospital, the top private hospital in Delhi NCR, provides extensive information through this blog on Gastroenterology. Let us go ahead and explore more about digestive system disorders.
Gastroenterology is the study of gastric systems which cover the esophagus, stomach, intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and rectum. As the name suggests, gastro means stomach, and entero- means intestines. Gastroenterology holistically means the stomach and intestine together. It involves the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. A medical doctor having expertise in the study of Gastroenterology is called a specialist in Gastroenterologist.
Awareness about digestive system disorders is a must for a healthy gut. Preventive care is considered the best care for the gut. In this view, let us go ahead and explore more about digestive system disorders in the next part of the article.
The digestive system is the body’s system which extends from the mouth to the rectum. The main function of the digestive system is to digest, absorb, and assimilate nutrients and minerals by eliminating the waste and toxic substances in the body. This is very important for the immunity and overall health of the body.
Any kind of disturbance in the entire process of the digestive system in the form of symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, or discomfort will lead to digestive system disorder.
Early detection is a key to better recovery for digestive system disorders. Many digestive disturbances and disorders can be simply prevented with a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise, regular monitoring, and screening. So, let us take a quick look into the top 10 digestive system disorders that can be prevented with healthy solutions.
The top 13 digestive system disorders are as follows:
Constipation is a digestive system disorder mainly characterized by hard stools, straining during bowel movement, and decreased bowel movement. This is mainly caused by the slow metabolism of the gut. It is commonly seen in people above the age of 40 years when the gut metabolism slows down. It is also common in people with low fiber intake, dehydration, stress, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications like antidepressants.
The best treatment options for constipation are to increase fiber intake, laxatives, and stool softeners, and improve fluid intake. Severe constipation required medical attention with enema and other medications.
Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is mainly caused by inflammation of the stomach and gut lining which may be due to an infection by consuming contaminated food or water. It is caused by bacteria, parasites, drugs, or food poisoning. This results in vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and pain, dehydration, or loss of water.
The best treatment for gastroenteritis will be prescribed by your gastroenterologist by controlling vomiting, and diarrhea, treating infection, and oral rehydration solution (ORS). Get connected with your doctor for the right treatment course of antibiotics.
GERD is characterized by acid reflux which mainly causes stomach acid to flow up into the food pipe. This mainly occurs at night or immediately after meals leading to acidity, heartburn, sensation of lump in the throat, difficulty in swallowing food, and indigestion. Complications of GERD may cause coughing, vomiting, or throwing up of acid, trouble breathing, or globus sensation in the throat. Making lifestyle changes and diet modifications along with antacid medications can help in treating GERD.
Gallstones mainly occur when there are cholesterol deposits that harden up in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ that helps in the secretion of bile for the digestion of fats. Gallstones result in abdominal pain, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, and acidity. The best treatment option for gallstones is to avoid heavy meals which trigger gallbladder pain. Severe cases may require removal of the gallbladder or cholecystectomy.
Celiac disorder is a digestive problem which is an auto-immune disorder caused by the consumption of gluten foods such as wheat. Patients with celiac disease are mainly allergic to gluten. The common symptoms of celiac disease are bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, vomiting, stomach pain, and loose stools. The main treatment for celiac disease is to consume a gluten-free diet.
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a digestive system disorder mainly caused due to indigestion of food. This is mainly related to stress. The symptoms of IBS are very typical with indigestion, constipation alternating with loose stools, gas, acidity, stomach pain or cramps, and allergy to certain foods which may trigger the symptoms.
Crohn’s disease is an auto-immune inflammatory disease of the digestive system that mainly affects the intestines causing inflammation of the gut. The common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are weight loss, diarrhea, and cramps. It is mainly associated with a strong family history of Crohn’s disease and stress. The gastroenterologist recommends corticosteroids, biological therapies, and other medications along with lifestyle changes.
Ulcerative Colitis, also called UC, is the inflammation of the gut along with ulcers in the large intestinal tract. The main symptoms of UC include weight loss, fever, tiredness, urgency to pass motions, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and anemia. The treatment for UC includes steroids, immunomodulators, and biological therapies. Complicated cases of UC cause colon cancer.
Peptic ulcers are an ulcer that occurs in the gut lining of the digestive tract which includes the stomach, esophagus, and intestine. This results in the formation of gastric and duodenal ulcers which are common forms of peptic ulcer. This is mainly caused by Helicobacter Pylori infection or taking long-term medications like painkillers. The treatment includes antibiotics and antacids.
Hemorrhoids or Piles are mainly caused due to swollen veins in the lower rectum. These may be external and internal hemorrhoids. Piles are generally uncomfortable and difficult to deal with due to the presence of swelling, constipation, and bleeding. It can be controlled with medications, high intake of fiber, sitz baths, and lifestyle changes. Severe cases of hemorrhoids may require surgery.