Bryan Hospital: 419-630-2021
Archbold Medical Center: 419-446-3019
Did you know gastrointestinal disorders are becoming a growing problem for Americans? Yet many of these digestive health problems can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good habits and through additional screenings.
Here are five common gastrointestinal disorders:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease—otherwise known as GERD—is a digestive disorder that affects your stomach and esophagus. While it is common for people, including pregnant women, to suffer from heartburn or acid reflux once in a while, having symptoms daily or two to three times a week could be a sign of GERD. Other common signs of GERD include bad breath, tooth erosion, abdominal pain and discomfort or having trouble swallowing. Most cases of GERD can be cured by avoiding certain foods and beverages that trigger the symptoms or by taking over-the-counter medications. Sometimes stronger treatments such as surgery or medication may be required.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder—a small organ that stores and secretes bile for digestion. It is not clear what causes the formation of gallstones. Some believe they occur when your bile contains too much cholesterol or waste, or your gallbladder does not empty correctly. Gallstones may not bring any signs or symptoms unless one causes a blockage resulting in extreme abdominal pain and discomfort, back pain, nausea or vomiting. If the gallstones instigate inflammation or infection in the gallbladder, pancreas or liver, you may have to get them surgically removed.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a serious digestive disorder triggered by consuming gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat, barley and rye. When gluten is consumed, an attack will occur on the small intestine, which absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat. Common symptoms of celiac disease in children include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting and weight fluctuation. Symptoms in adults can be more severe, including anemia, fatigue, depression and seizures. The only treatment available for celiac disease is to avoid consuming gluten through food and beverages completely.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of digestive orders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause inflammation in the intestines. Common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, anemia, rectal bleeding and weight fluctuation. Crohn’s involves ulcers that may lodge into the tissue lining in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to infection and inflammation of the intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast, affects only the colon and rectum, where it also causes ulcers. For both diseases, treatment depends on the symptoms and can include prescription medication, lifestyle changes and in severe cases, surgery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another common digestive disorder that causes irritability in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of IBS include constipation or diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain and discomfort. While the cause of IBS is unknown, treatment of the symptoms focuses on dietary choices avoiding trigger foods and beverages.
In addition to screening for colorectal cancer and polyps, several gastrointestinal issues are treated at our Gastroenterology Clinic.
Schedule an appointment? Call us today!
Bryan Hospital: 419-630-2021
Archbold Medical Center: 419-446-3019