Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are digestive system disorders (digestive problems)?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of digestive problems?
- Stomach pain and stomach cramps
- Bloating, nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Other accompanying symptoms
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes digestive system disorders?
- Excessive stomach acid
- Infection
- Poor diet
- Abnormalities in the digestive system
- Cause unknown
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for the condition?
- Drugs & Medicines
- What are the usual tests for digestive problems?
- What are the drug options for digestive problems?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat digestive problems?
Definition
What are digestive system disorders (digestive problems)?
Digestive system disorders are various types of problems that occur in the body's digestive system. Although it is often seen as a trivial matter, untreated minor digestive system disorders can lead to more serious and chronic diseases.
The digestive system is a complex and extensive part of the body, starting from the mouth to the anus. This system plays a role in removing waste and helping the body absorb essential nutrients.
The emergence of problems in the digestive system is not only disrupting activities. The bad impact can affect growth because the body experiences interference in obtaining nutrients from food and drink.
How common is this condition?
Digestive system disorders are very common and can affect all ages, from newborns to the elderly. According to Stanford Children's Health, babies most commonly experience digestive problems in the form of vomiting, diarrhea, and acid reflux
Meanwhile, adults tend to experience more frequent digestive disorders in the form of acid reflux, hemorrhoids, and constipation. Fortunately, this digestive system disorder can be treated by reducing the risk factors and treatment from a doctor. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of digestive problems?
Various problems and diseases that attack the digestive system cause various symptoms.
The following are some of the symptoms of digestive system disorders that are tailored to the underlying disease or condition.
Stomach pain and stomach cramps
The disruption of the digestive system generally causes abdominal pain which is described as the sensation of the stomach being pricked by a sharp object. Then, it can also cause stomach cramps, which is the tension and stiffness of the muscles around the stomach.
The appearance of symptoms of digestive system disorders can be in the lower right area of the stomach, just below the chest, or as a whole.
The difference in where the pain occurs can help a doctor diagnose an underlying health problem. For example, digestive problems in the form of gastritis or GERD generally cause a heartburn just below the chest.
Bloating, nausea and vomiting
Diseases that attack the digestive system generally make the stomach bloated or full of gas. This sensation of a full stomach certainly makes you nauseous and wants to get your stomach out to feel relieved.
This condition often makes a person reluctant to eat or drink. Gradually, these symptoms can cause weight loss.
Diarrhea or constipation
Various digestive problems can interfere with the performance of the intestines, causing symptoms of diarrhea or constipation. Diarrhea is a sign that you continue to defecate with liquid feces.
While constipation indicates the opposite condition, it becomes difficult for you to defecate and even allows blood to be excreted during bowel movements.
Other accompanying symptoms
Other symptoms that usually occur when you experience digestive system disorders include headache, body fatigue, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest to throat), fever, or itching or burning sensation in the anus.
When should I see a doctor?
Doctor's care is needed to relieve symptoms of digestive system disorders and prevent complications. Especially if the condition does not improve after you do home treatment or when symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Cause
What causes digestive system disorders?
The causes of digestive system disorders are very diverse, depending on the underlying disease. Generally, various things that can cause digestive system disorders include:
Excessive stomach acid
Stomach acid is needed to digest food and prevent infection. However, if the production is excessive, stomach acid can irritate the stomach and stomach lining which eventually causes digestive problems.
Infection
Common causes of digestive problems can be caused by infections of the intestines and stomach.
Some of the bacteria that often cause infections in the digestive tract include H. pylori, E. coli, and Salmonella. Apart from bacteria, infections can also be caused by viruses, such as rotavirus or parasites.
Poor diet
Constipation and diarrhea are common examples of indigestion. Both can be conditions or symptoms of a certain digestive system health problem related to diet.
These include not consuming enough fibrous foods, too much spicy and high-fat foods, not chewing food properly, or not maintaining food hygiene.
Abnormalities in the digestive system
Apart from factors outside the body, digestive system disorders can also occur due to abnormalities. Whether it's the body that can't produce enzymes that help digest food, organ imperfections, or an immune system that doesn't work properly.
Cause unknown
Until now, many digestive problems have no known cause, for example IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or appendicitis (appendicitis).
However, most health experts think it is likely that various other factors contribute to a person's risk of experiencing digestive problems.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for the condition?
Apart from the causes, there are several things that make a person more susceptible to digestive system disorders, namely:
- Age. The older a person is, the lower the health and function of the digestive organs they have.
- Genetic.Someone with a family who has a similar digestive system disorder.
- Stress and psychiatric problems.Stress and mental health are closely related to the body's hormones that regulate the digestive system.
- Bad lifestyle. Frequent smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, and not maintaining good hygiene increase the risk of inflammation and infection.
- Have certain health problems or conditions. A person who takes NSAID drugs or is pregnant is prone to experiencing digestive system disorders.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the usual tests for digestive problems?
To make a diagnosis of what digestive system disorders you have, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms you are experiencing.
Furthermore, the doctor will observe your and your family's medical history because some digestive problems are genetic or passed down from the family.
To ensure there is injury, inflammation, infection, blockage, or impaired digestive organ performance, the doctor will ask you to carry out further medical tests, such as:
- Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray
- Blood tests to see an increase in the white blood cell count for infection
- Stool test to see the presence of infection-causing bacteria in the stool
- A colonoscopy test to see the condition of your intestines using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a small camera
Some of them may need to undergo other medical tests to help the doctor make a diagnosis and determine the cause.
What are the drug options for digestive problems?
Indigestion that causes disturbing symptoms can be relieved by a variety of drugs available in pharmacies and drug stores. Some of these drugs can be obtained with or without a doctor's prescription.
Some of the drugs commonly used to treat digestive system disorders include:
- Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrheal drugs such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate
- Laxatives such as lactulose, linaclotide, or lubiprostone
- Medicines to neutralize and reduce stomach acid production, such as antacids, famotidine, or omeprazole
- Antibiotics to stop bacterial infections, such as clarithromycin or amoxicillin
- Various supplements, such as calcium supplements, fiber supplements, and multivitamins
Apart from taking medication, some digestive system disorders may require surgery. For example, cases of appendicitis, most of which have to go through surgical removal of the problematic appendix.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat digestive problems?
In addition to doctor's treatment, those of you who have digestive system disorders need to take care at home, including:
- Eat little but often, choose foods that are safe for the stomach, have enough fiber and eat on time.
- Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated during diarrhea and prevent constipation.
- Exercise regularly to keep your digestive system and mental health healthy.
- Do not sleep after eating and keep your head higher while sleeping.
- Eat calmly and don't drink too much water.
- Quit smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
- Choose clothes or activities that don't put pressure on your stomach.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
