by Gastro MD
Digestive disorders are disorders in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which health professionals categorize between functional GI disorders and organic GI disorders. The most common digestive disorders are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and celiac disease. Here is a breakdown of the causes and symptoms of the most common digestive disorders, along with the warning signs of when to seek medical attention.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Causes
There are various causes for IBS, including stress, certain mental disorders, or bacterial infections in your digestive tract.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal swelling
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- Mucus in the stool
- Gas
- The urge to go without being able to have a bowel movement
- Nausea
When to Seek Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Contact a doctor if your IBS symptoms persist or worsen. Chronic and persistent abdominal pain may indicate a more serious problem. Also, chronic diarrhea may lead to dehydration.
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) Causes
IBD is not to be confused with IBS. Unlike IBS, IBD can cause destructive inflammation and permanent damage to the intestines. The exact cause of the disease remains unknown.
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloody stools
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
When to Seek Treatment for Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Call your doctor if you have a high or prolonged fever, which may indicate serious inflammation. You should also seek medical attention if you see a significant amount of blood in your stool, are experiencing a rapid heartbeat, or show signs of dehydration. Severe abdominal pain is also a sign that you should seek treatment.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Causes
The main cause of GERD is frequent acid reflux, which happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes when it is not meant to.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Symptoms
- Heartburn
- A sensation of a lump in your throat
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food
When to Seek Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Seek medical attention when GERD symptoms become too severe or occur too frequently. Symptoms should not continue for more than two weeks. And while heartburn is a common symptom, it should not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Celiac Disease Causes
The main cause of celiac disease is the immune system’s abnormal reaction to gluten.
Celiac Disease Symptoms
- Bloating
- Lactose intolerance
- Chronic diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Greasy and foul-smelling stools
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
When to Seek Treatment for Celiac Disease
The only way to manage celiac disease is never to eat food that contains gluten. If you do accidentally ingest it, you can manage the symptoms with common OTC drugs. However, there are rare cases in which a celiac crisis can occur. Celiac crises can result in severe diarrhea and serious metabolic disturbances.
The truth about common digestive disorders is that they can lead to symptoms that may result in more serious conditions when left untreated.
If you are unsure about the digestive issues that you have been managing and think you may have a digestive disorder visit Gastro-MD.com.
