Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are really common! Whether it’s eating a meal that doesn’t sit quite right or a condition-specific diagnosis, nearly a fifth of Americans experience GI issues at some point. Understanding common issues allows you to treat them and know that you are not alone. Read on for five of the most common issues and ways to treat them.
GERD occurs when acid reflux causes injury to the esophagus or results in annoying symptoms. Esophageal damage is more likely when episodes occur two or more times per week. GERD is caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. During eating, the LES opens to allow food to move from the esophagus to the stomach. After eating, the LES closes to prevent backflow of food and stomach acids into the esophagus.
GERD symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, regurgitating food or sour liquid, or feeling like there is a lump in your throat. Experiencing GERD at night has additional symptoms, including coughing, laryngitis, asthma, and sleep disruption.
There are many treatments for GERD, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. Changes you can make to improve GERD symptoms include losing weight, diet modifications, raising the head of your bed six to eight inches, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding heavy lifting.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, and excessive gas. Most people with IBS only experience mild symptoms that can be controlled through lifestyle and diet changes, like daily exercise, eating smaller meals, taking prebiotics and probiotics, and avoiding unhealthy foods and caffeine. Severe symptoms can be treated with medications and counseling.
Hemorrhoids are veins in the lower rectum and anus that have become swollen. They’re usually caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or being overweight. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include irritation and swelling around the anus, pain, discomfort, itching, inflammation, bleeding, and protrusion or hard lump near the anus. There are many treatments for hemorrhoids, many of which can be done at home. If at-home treatments don’t work, you can try hemorrhoid banding (a quick, non-surgical solution) or surgery.
Celiac disease is a condition that causes an immune response to eating gluten. A protein, gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, kamut, einkorn, spelt, and triticale. When someone with celiac disease eats something with gluten, an immune response is triggered in the small intestine, which damages it over time. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and cause weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, anemia, bloating, or other, more serious complications. There is no treatment for celiac disease besides eating a gluten-free diet.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation in the bowel of those with Crohn’s can cause fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Those with severe cases of Crohn’s disease may experience symptoms like eye, skin, or joint inflammation and inflammation of the liver or bile ducts. Children with severe Crohn’s disease may have delayed growth and puberty.
The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but the fact that it tends to run in families suggests genetic factors. However, many with Crohn’s disease don’t have a family history.
Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the location and severity. Crohn’s can also resolve by itself, which makes it hard to tell if treatment is working. In treating Crohn’s, the goals are to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
One treatment option is lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking can make the biggest change in your health. If those changes don’t work, your gastroenterologist may prescribe medication or, as the last result, surgery.
GI issues and diseases are more common than you may have realized. Knowing the symptoms associated with these five common issues may help you with a diagnosis that allows you to pursue treatment and a healthier, more comfortable life. If you think you have any of these issues or want to speak to a gastroenterologist about other concerns, make an appointment today.
If you have not registered with the new gPortal yet please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
Please note that your current /old patient portal credentials will become inactive after August 31, 2022, so update your account today to avoid any disruption in accessibility.
