Gastrointestinal Diseases: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Table of Content

• What Are Gastrointestinal Diseases?

• Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases

• Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Diseases

• Common Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Causes of Gastrointestinal Diseases

• Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Gastrointestinal Diseases

Introduction

Today, gastrointestinal diseases are more than common with millions of Indians affected by it. The high prevalence of these diseases can be attributed to unhealthy food and lifestyle habits - like high stress, processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle. In this article, you will find the common gastrointestinal diseases, their symptoms, causes and treatment explained in a detailed and lucid manner. 

What Are Gastrointestinal Diseases?

Gastrointestinal diseases are disorders that affect your gastrointestinal tract, stomach and intestines. These disorders can affect your digestion and absorption of nutrients, thereby causing various digestive issues like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea etc.,

Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases

When it comes to gastrointestinal disorders, there are two types. These types are discussed below. 

1. Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases

In functional gastrointestinal diseases, the functions of the GI tract such as pushing food and wastes forward would be affected. Some of the major disorders caused by functional gastrointestinal diseases are food poisoning, gas, bloating, GERD, diarrhoea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. 

2. Structural Gastrointestinal Diseases

In structural gastrointestinal diseases, the GI tract is affected by inflammation and haemorrhoids. Some common gastrointestinal diseases under this are colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids, diverticular disease, colon polyps, strictures and stenosis.

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Before going into gastrointestinal diseases in detail, let us introduce you to the common symptoms - which indicate that there is something wrong with your digestive system. Some of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases are, 

• Constipation

• Heartburn

• Incontinence

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach ache

• Problems in swallowing

• Weight gain/loss

• Dyspepsia or indigestion

• Diarrhoea

• Bleeding in stool

• Bloating

Common Gastrointestinal Disorders

These are the notable gastrointestinal diseases that are commonly diagnosed, 

1. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a genetic disorder wherein your body would raise an immune reaction to the protein gluten (widely present in wheat, rye and barley). These immune reactions can cause inflammation in the stomach and intestinal lining, thereby affecting the absorption of nutrients from food. The common symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, anaemia and osteoporosis. 

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common stomach and intestinal disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are pain, diarrhoea, bloating and constipation. 

3. Lactose Intolerance

Just like Celiac disease, lactose intolerance is a genetic disorder where the ingestion of lactose (in milk) can cause gastrointestinal issues. The common symptoms are abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhoea.

4. Chronic Diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhoea means having loose stools regularly for more than four weeks. It can have various causes like infections, inflammations or indigestion. 

5. Constipation

When someone has less than three bowel movements a week or has difficulties in passing stool, it is called constipation. There are various causes of constipation like low dietary fibres, dehydration, physical inactivity or even due to certain medications. 

6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

When the gastric juices flow into the food pipe lining causing inflammation and irritations (for more than twice a week), it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The most common symptoms are heartburn after eating and while lying down. 

7. Peptic Ulcer Disease

Sores in the lining of the digestive tract and oesophagus due to bacteria like Helicobacter pylori is called peptic ulcer disease. The common symptoms are heartburn, nausea, bloating and burning stomach pain. 

8. Crohn’s Disease

Experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia and fatigue due to the inflammations in the digestive tract is called Crohn's disease. This condition can turn life-threatening if not treated at the right time. People with Crohn’s disease need to have regular screenings for colorectal cancer due to heightened risk.  

9. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes sores and inflammations in the innermost lining of large intestines like the colon and rectum. Diarrhoea and bloody stools are the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. 

Causes of Gastrointestinal Diseases

These are some of the common causes of gastrointestinal diseases,

1. Low Fiber Diet

The main function of fibres in your diet is not nutritional value but functional value - the main function being digestion. The fibres in your diet help in increasing the mass of foods in your intestines and thereby initiating regular bowel movements. Having low-fibre foods makes your foods stay longer in the intestine and causes constipation. 

2. Stress 

Stressful life not only affects mental health but also affects physical health - specifically gut health. This is because the guts and brain are always connected by a bidirectional connection. Stress can cause a range of gastrointestinal diseases like appetite loss, inflammation, bloating and cramping. 

3. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water will put a lot of pressure on your digestive system. This is because water plays a major role in softening the stomach content and initiating smooth bowel movements. Having less water makes you prone to constipation and various other gastrointestinal problems. 

4. Dairy Foods

Dairy foods are enemies to your gut health as our guts are not so accustomed to taking these foods (because milk and cheese arrived much later in mankind's diet plate). Many people have symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, and abdominal cramps after having dairy-rich foods. 

5. Inactive Lifestyle 

Exercise increases the blood flow to your stomach and intestines, thereby boosting digestive health. Having a sedentary lifestyle makes you prone to indigestion, heartburn, gas and bloating. 

6. Ageing 

Ageing is an unavoidable part of life - and that would play out in the digestive system as well. As you near the age of 65, you can expect digestive issues like indigestion, decreased acidity, bloating and diarrhoea. 

7. Genetic Factors 

Yes! Genes can affect your digestive system as we discussed above. Some of the common ones are ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and some liver conditions.

Prevention of Gastrointestinal Diseases 

Gastrointestinal diseases can be easily prevented by having foods that are beneficial to digestion. Some are,  

• Eat a Variety Of Foods

Having a variety of foods widens the microbiome of the guts. The gut microorganisms play an important role in enhancing and improving digestive health. 

• Add More Fermented Foods 

Foods that are fermented have loads of healthy bacteria. They can help in increasing the count of gut microorganisms. Some of the fermented foods for good gut health are yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, pickles, fermented vegetables, etc.

• Eat Whole Grains 

Whole grains are high in fibre and complex carbohydrates. These serve as a medium for the multiplication of gut organisms. In addition to this, fibres also increase bowel movements and prevent continuation. 

• Consume More Polyphenols

Considering polyphenols (plant-based substances) like green tea, onions, almonds, blueberries, broccoli, cocoa and dark chocolate, etc. can help in lowering inflammation in the digestive tract. 

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Though the specific treatments may differ based on the diagnosis, the common treatment for gastrointestinal diseases include, 

• Take a long bed rest and drink plenty of fluids. 

• Having over-the-counter medicines to ease the symptoms 

• Following the BRAT diet - eating food that would be easy on your digestive system like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. 

• Avoiding foods that aggravate your symptoms like fatty foods, dairy, grease and spices. 

Take-Home Points

• Gastrointestinal diseases are due to disorders of the stomach, intestine and various accessory digestive glands. 

• Some of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are constipation, heartburn, incontinence, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, problems in swallowing, weight gain/loss, dyspepsia or indigestion, diarrhoea, bleeding in stool and bloating.

• Following a proper diet plan along with medications can only help you in treating gastrointestinal issues.