Learn the Signs: 5 Common Digestive Disorders

Digestive health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. When things go wrong in the digestive system, it can significantly impact our quality of life. Digestive health is also often known as gut health. Understanding common digestive health issues and their symptoms can help you identify issues early and seek appropriate treatment. It is also very important to recognize that diet and activity have significant impacts on our gut health. Here’s a rundown of some prevalent digestive disorders and what to watch out for.

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Symptoms:
  • Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat which can occur after meals but can also be present early morning and late in the evening.
  • Regurgitation: Sour or bitter taste in the mouth from stomach acid.
  • Chest pain: Once heart issues are ruled out it is reasonable to consider GERD as the culprit.
  • Difficulty swallowing: Feels like food is stuck in your throat and could be a result of ulcerations and/or narrowings.
• Overview: GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. This can result from a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally prevents acid from escaping.  This is also referred to as a hiatal hernia.  GERD can also occur int he absence of a hernia.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Symptoms:
  • Abdominal pain: Cramping or discomfort that often improves after a bowel movement.
  • Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen which is usually worsened by meals.
  • Diarrhea or Constipation: IBS can cause bouts of diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or alternate between both (IBS-Mixed).
• Overview: IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms related to bowel function and pain.  The hallmark of this condition is all the testing performed comes back normal. The exact cause isn’t well understood but it is believed that it is related to hypersensitive nerves in our gut.  It is also clear that stress, activity, diet, and gut microbiota play a role in its severity.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Symptoms:
  • Urgent and frequent diarrhea: Often with blood or mucus.
  • Abdominal pain and cramping: Particularly after eating and not relieved by bowel movements.
  • Weight loss: Due to poor nutrient absorption and inability to eat secondary to symptoms.
  • Fatigue: Resulting from chronic inflammation and malnutrition.  Many of these patients are iron and vitamin D deficient.
• Overview: IBD encompasses two main conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract but differ in their location and specific pathology. Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.  Both need long-term management by a gastroenterologist.

4. Celiac Disease

• Symptoms:
  • Diarrhea: Usually non-bloody and without mucous.
  • Abdominal pain: Often accompanied by bloating.
  • Weight loss or failure to thrive: Particularly in children.
  • Fatigue: Resulting from nutrient malabsorption, especially iron.
• Overview: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption and can lead to a variety of symptoms, from gastrointestinal issues to systemic effects like anemia. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and present in many foods such as bread, baked goods, beer, crackers, pasta, etc.

5. Diverticulitis

• Symptoms:
  • Acute abdominal pain: Usually in the lower left side with decreased ability to eat.
  • Chills: Often including fevers if severe.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Sometimes with changes in bowel habits.
• Overview: Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula (small, bulging pouches) in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It can lead to complications such as abscesses (collection of pus) or perforations in severe cases.  This is generally treated with antibiotics and should not be a chronic condition.

Conclusion

Digestive disorders can manifest through a range of symptoms, many of which overlap among different conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe digestive issues, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can often manage symptoms more effectively and improve your overall gut health.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress are crucial for digestive health. Several days of eating out and partying will lead to GI consequences but if you are struggling all the time with your gut you should consult with a gastroenterologist.

Written by Dr. Ritu Saha, Gastroenterologist