Gastrointestinal Disorders (GI disorders) are very common diseases. They can cause discomfort or can be a symptom of a more severe illness.

So it is very important to monitor your gastrointestinal health.

Want to know more about Gastrointestinal disorders?

In this blog, Karetrip will discuss all you need to know about GI disorders.

What are Gastrointestinal Disorders?

Gastrointestinal disorders are diseases that can range from anything from your mouth to anus. It can be classified into

• Functional (normal appearance, abnormal function) or Structural (visible abnormalities)

Common Gastrointestinal Disorders

1. Pancreatitis:

• Inflammation in the pancreas.

2. Hepatitis:

• Inflammation in the liver.

• Usually caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A,B & C)

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

• Movement of the stomach back into the esophagus.

4. Hemorrhoids:

• Swollen veins in the rectum or anus.

5. Anal fissures:

• Tears in the lining of the anus.

6. Gastrointestinal cancer:

• Cancer affecting the GI tract.

• Examples are stomach, colon, rectal, and pancreatic cancer.

7. Constipation:

• Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

8. Diarrhea:

• Frequent or loose bowel movements.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders : Know the Symptoms

Gastrointestinal Disorders can affect anyone, causing discomfort, pain, & disrupting daily life. It is really important to be able to realize the symptoms for early diagnosis and an effective response.

Common Symptoms of GI Disorders:

• Abdominal Pain or Cramping

• Bloating & Gas

• Diarrhea or Constipation

• Nausea & Vomiting

• Heartburn & Acid Reflux

• Indigestion & Discomfort

• Unexplained Weight Loss

• Blood in Stool or Black Tarry Stools

• Fatigue & Weakness

• Loss of Appetite

• Difficulty Swallowing

• Abdominal Tenderness or Guarding (muscle tension)

• Changes in Bowel Movements or Habits

• Rectal Pain or Discomfort

• Fever (in some cases)

Diagnosing Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: Common Tests

Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Disorders can be quite challenging & time consuming because the majority share similar symptoms.

A combination of tests & procedures are required to identify the underlying cause of symptoms & develop an effective treatment plan. Here are some common diagnostic tests for GI disorders:

• Imaging Tests

1. X-rays

2. CT scans

3. Ultrasounds

4. MRIs

5. Barium swallow (with X-ray)

6. Barium enema (with X-ray)

7. Colorectal transit study

8. Defecography

• Endoscopic Tests

1. Upper GI endoscopy

2. Sigmoidoscopy

3. Colonoscopy

4.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

• Blood Tests

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check for signs of GI bleeds, such as anemia

• Stool Tests

1. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) to check for occult (blood) in stool

2. Stool culture to check for abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract

3. Other stool tests

• Breath Tests

1. Hydrogen breath test to diagnose conditions like lactose intolerance or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

2. Methane breath test to diagnose conditions like SIBO or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Treating Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders

Management of GI disorders includes medications, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, alternative therapies, & other treatments. Some common GI disorders include

• Medications

1. Antacids

2. Acid reducers

3. Antibiotics

4. Anti-diarrheal meds

5. Laxatives

1.Take over-the-counter medications for constipation

• Lifestyle Changes

• Diet changes:

1. Following BRAT (Banana, Rice, Applesauce & Toast) diet
2. Avoid dairy products, grease, & spice

• More fiber & water

1. Adding more fiber & water in your diet can help you with constipation

• Avoid trigger foods

1. Monitoring & avoiding trigger foods can help

2. Triggers can include fried & processed foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine etc..

• Stress management

1. It is very common

2. Long term anxiety & chronic stress can be fatal

• Exercise

1. Exercise helps in better digestion

2. Changes composition of gut microbiome

3. Stimulate gastric motility

Surgical Procedures

There are many gastrointestinal related surgeries which remove a part of your gastrointestinal system. These include

And other gastric surgeries including; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery, Hernia repair, Pancreatic surgery and many more.

• Alternative Therapies

1. Acupuncture

2. Probiotics

3. Tai Chi

4. Herbal supplements

5. Mind-body therapies

• Other Treatments

1. Endoscopic procedures

• Upper GI endoscopy

• Enteroscopy

• Esophageal stenting

• Wireless capsule endoscopy etc…

2. Radiation therapy

• These are used to treat various GI cancers including anal cancer, rectal cancer, esophageal cancer etc…

• It can cause clinical symptoms like nausea, bleeding, abdominal pain and gi bleeding.

3. Immunomodulator therapy

4. Bowel retraining

• Help with chronic constipation, incomplete emptying or fecal incontinence.

• Improved symptoms within weeks or months from starting bowel retraining.

Monitoring your GI health is very crucial. There are many conditions and many of them share similar symptoms among GI disorders which make it difficult to identify and treat them effectively.

Vomiting blood or black tarry stools indicate that you must immediately consult a doctor. Or if you experience any severe symptoms or if unsure about your symptoms it is best to consult a doctor.

Remember, proper diagnosis & treatment can help manage or cure GI disorders.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.