Gastrointestinal diseases encompass a range of problems that affect your digestive system. Many of these problems are characterized by symptoms like constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating. Here are a few conditions that a gastroenterologist can treat:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder that causes gastric acid to flow back into the esophagus, which is the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. This occurs when the muscle that acts as a barrier between the stomach and esophagus weakens. Obesity, pregnancy, and smoking are some of the factors that cause that muscle to weaken.
The backward flow of acid irritates the esophagus lining, causing heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. With this condition, you can also experience regurgitation of food or liquids. Your gastroenterologist may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve the symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to lower acid production, and for severe cases, they may recommend surgery to correct esophageal issues.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome affects the long intestine and results in symptoms like constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Factors such as discomfort in the digestive system, the gut-brain connection, abnormal gut mobility, and gastrointestinal infections increase the likelihood of IBS. A gastrointestinal specialist may assess factors like stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods that trigger or worsen the symptoms to develop an effective treatment plan.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that is often common in older people due to weaker intestinal walls. It occurs when small pouches in the walls of the colon become infected or inflamed. The infections and inflammation cause fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Individuals who consume a diet low in fiber are at a higher risk of developing diverticulitis. This is because low-fiber diets are linked with constipation, causing straining during bowel movements that increases pressure on the large intestine. Excess pressure leads to the formation of diverticula. A gastroenterologist may suggest a temporary shift to a liquid diet to allow the colon to heal.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the bladder and may vary in size from tiny grains to larger lumps. These stones develop when there are imbalances in the components that make up bile, making them crystallize. One of the most common symptoms of gallstones is sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdominal region. The pain may spread to the back and can last for several minutes or hours. Other symptoms include fever, indigestion, and changes in urine and stool color. If left untreated, gallstones can cause severe complications such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or even jaundice.
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric or stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the stomach lining. They occur when the mucus layer that protects the stomach from digestive acids gets damaged, allowing acid to erode the stomach lining. This condition is mainly caused by Pylori bacteria infections, which weaken the stomach’s protective lining.
People with gastric ulcers experience burning stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. Others may experience indigestion, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Regularly eating spicy foods may worsen the symptoms and cause more pain. An experienced gastroenterologist may prescribe medications such as antacids to neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain.
Schedule an Appointment With a Gastroenterologist
Gastrointestinal disorders occur in the digestive tract, which includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. These disorders include stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, gallstones, IBS, and diverticulitis. A consultation with a gastrointestinal specialist may involve a review of your health history and a physical examination. Contact a reputable gastroenterologist today to schedule an appointment and learn more about their services.
