Understanding Digestive Disorders: Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Dr.Sharad Malhotra, 4 mins read

Digestion is the breakdown of food into different nutrients, which are then absorbed by intestines and then pass to the bloodstream. It begins from the mouth, where we chew and mix the food with saliva, and then it enters our stomach, where digestive juices break down it.

Then the predigested food travels to the intestine, where food continues to break down into nutrients. These nutrients cross the intestine wall and reach the bloodstream. All the unabsorbed food then passes to the colon, from where stools is formed and it leaves the body.

Eating large and heavy/fried/fatty meals, improper digestive system functioning, low fibre diet, inactive lifestyle, eating without chewing, consuming alcohol in excess, drinking carbonated drinks, stress, and anxiety, among others, can lead to digestive disorders.

Because of these disorders, a person can experience trouble with digestion, irritation and discomfort. These conditions affect millions of people across the globe on a daily basis.

Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Gallstones

Gallstones are described as stones that develop in the gallbladder. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand to as large as a ping pong ball. 

Some people develop only one gallstone whereas some can have multiple gallstones at the same time.  Excess bile salt, bilirubin (bile pigment), or cholesterol abnormalities can cause this condition.

• Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ( a valve between esophagus and stomach) does not close properly when food enters the stomach.

As a result, acid-containing contents in your stomach migrate back to the esophagus(food pipe).  The continuous backwash of acid irritates the stomach lining and makes it inflamed. This can end up causing erosions and ulcers.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

It refers to abdominal discomfort that leads to pain and changes in bowel movement. Its symptoms include gas, bloating, cramping and pain in the abdomen.  

Stress, certain medical conditions, a bacterial infection in the digestive tract, food intolerance and sensitivities, to name a few, can contribute to this condition. This requires a detailed and thorough workup if present in elderly patients and if any danger signs like weight loss, bleeding, or abdominal lump are present.

• Lactose Intolerance

It is characterised by the inability to digest lactose. This happens when the body doesn’t produce enough lactase enzymes, which aids in lactose digestion. This may be seen in any age group.

When people with lactose intolerance consume dairy products like milk, they experience digestive problems like boating, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. 

• Hiatus Hernia

This condition arises when the upper part of the stomach migrates up through the hiatus of the diaphragm. It produces symptoms like acid reflux, chest burn and heartburn. 

A small hiatal hernia usually doesn’t lead to any problems. But a large hiatal hernia can cause backflow of food and acid to the esophagus causing burning, uneasiness and ulcers. 

• Crohn's Disease/ Ulcerative colitis

It is a life-long form of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which inflames and irritates the digestive tract, especially the small and large intestines. It also causes stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Autoimmune disease, family history and smoking are often found primary culprits for this disease.

This will require appropriate workup and management which may be long term .

• Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune medical condition which is due to allergy to wheat and wheat products. It causes the immune system to release antibodies against gluten. These antibodies damage the inner lining of the small intestine, which in turn affects its ability to absorb the nutrients from food efficiently. As a result, the body develops malnutrition and faces nutrient deficiency.

• Constipation

It means passing stools less than three times a week or having hard, dry and difficult-to-pass stools. When this problem persists for a longer time, it turns into chronic constipation. This can interfere with a person’s daily life and may also cause them to strain excessively to have bowel movements.

Key to management is findings out the cause of constipation and treating with correct lifestyle measures and medications if required.

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

It is caused by stomach infections which could be bacterial or viral. In this condition, the intestines get inflamed and leads to diarrhoea, vomiting and belly cramps. It lasts for 3-5 days in general. Getting an ample amount of water/salt and electrolyte supplementation and rest is often recommended for fast recovery.

• Peptic Ulcers

These are injuries/ wounds which often form when digestive juices corrode away the digestive system lining. It can occur in the stomach, the lower part of the esophagus and the duodenum and can cause weight loss, indigestion-like pain and nausea.

• Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles occur when the veins in and around the lowest part of the anus and rectum become irritated and swollen. Too much pressure on these veins often results in this condition. It is quite commonly associated with constipation. It is considered the most common cause of rectal bleeding.

Takeaway!

Problems at any part of the digestive system can lead to digestive disorders. Above, we have discussed some common gastrointestinal conditions. These can be easily managed and treated by consulting with your doctor.

Also, Read: The Gut-Brain Connection: How the Gut Affects Mental Health