Gastrointestinal Diseases - Common Types and Treatment Options
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are a common occurrence and can affect anyone. GI diseases affect the digestive tract, from the mouth to the rectum. They can be caused by infection, inflammation, or a malfunctioning digestive system. Common GI diseases include gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
A GI tract disorder is any condition that affects the system anywhere along the line between the mouth to the anus. A few typical GI disorders include hemorrhoids, colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and indigestion.
Americans with GI diseases make up to 11% of the population. They could develop as a result of GI tract anatomical or functional problems.
For the body to absorb and use nutrients to maintain health, digestion takes place in the GI tract. Numerous GI conditions impair your body's typical capacity to digest food.
This article discusses intestinal diseases and where to find a gastroenterologist in Dallas. The symptoms, treatments, and many forms of functional and structural gastrointestinal issues are covered in great detail.
Functional Requirements
The hallmark of functional GI diseases is chronic (long-term) GI symptoms triggered by either normal or disordered digestion. A list of the most common functional GI diseases is provided below.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine (colon). No other GI problems directly relate to the disease. However, it can also impact those with additional GI problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBS symptoms can include the following:
Cramps and diarrhea
Bloating and gas
Digestive discomfort or sluggishness
There are three types of IBS. Based on the most prevalent complaint, each category is given a name, such as:
IBS with constipation as the main symptom (IBS-C)
IBS with primarily diarrheal symptoms (IBS-D)
Mixed IBS (IBS-M), where bowel movements consistently alternate between constipation and diarrhea
On average, 3% to 20% of Americans suffer from IBS.
GERD
When stomach acid escapes back into the esophagus, it causes acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There could be several reasons for this:
The lower hole separating the esophagus from the stomach relaxes when it shouldn't.
A hernia occurs, which disrupts the lower sphncter
Eating a diet rich in acidic foods
Certain stomach infections, such as H Pylori
The following symptoms of acid reflux are typical, although there are many more:
Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
Regurgitation
Nausea
Chest pain
Swallowing issues
Persistent cough or hoarseness
It is best to see a GI doctor in Dallas if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Functional Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is characterized by persistent or chronic symptoms that resemble indigestion but have no underlying cause. Similar sometimes to GERD, but without the objective findings on an Upper Endoscopy exam or XRay test. It's thought that an infection or allergic reaction caused the inflammation of the upper GI tract. However, the exact cause of the syndrome's occurrence is still not fully understood.
Symptoms of functional dyspepsia include:
having an early feeling of fullness and not being able to finish a meal as a result of feeling satisfied before or for a long period after eating
feeling warm or uncomfortable in the upper abdomen due to a sluggish gastric emptying (a process that occurs when the stomach contents are not moved into the small intestine as quickly as they should be)
Nausea
Unexpected weight loss and heartburn
Hemorrhoids
Veins or blood vessels in the anus or close by that are enlarged or irritated are hemorrhoids. When they are crushed, the veins develop. There are both internal and external varieties
The main indications and symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
Soreness or pain near the anus
Reddish-orange blood on the toilet, on the toilet paper, or your stool
Firm lump or an infection surrounding the anus
An itch around the anus
About 50% of adults over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal diseases can be serious health issues ranging from mild to severe. Understanding the most prevalent gastrointestinal illnesses' signs, symptoms, treatments, and potential side effects is crucial.
Common gastrointestinal diseases include gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and peptic ulcer. These diseases can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms.
Treatment typically includes medications, diet changes, and lifestyle modifications. With proper diagnosis and treatment by the best GI doctor in Dallas, most gastrointestinal diseases can be managed and complications avoided.
Stuart Akerman MD is a top-rated Gastroenterologist (GI) in Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, and Dallas, TX. Contact us if you're looking for the best GI doctor in Dallas!
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DISCLAIMER: Please note that this blog is intended for Informational Use only and is not intended to replace personal evaluation and treatment by a medical provider. The information provided on this website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Please consult your doctor for any information related to your personal care.
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