Diseases That Impact The Digestive System
Know about the diseases that impact the digestive system, what they are, their causes, symptoms and how to manage them.
Introduction
The digestive system plays a crucial role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. When this system isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and serious health issues. Many digestive disorders are common, and while some are mild, others may require medical attention.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common digestive diseases, their symptoms, causes, and ways to manage them effectively.
Consult a Gastroenterologist for Personalised Advice
Common Digestive System Diseases
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
What is it?
• GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach), irritating.
Symptoms:
• Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic cough or sore throat
Causes:
• Weak lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Certain foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)
Management Tips:
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoid trigger foods (coffee, chocolate, citrus).
• Elevate your head while sleeping.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for medications or further evaluation.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is it?
• IBS is a chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or both).
Symptoms:
• Cramping and bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Mucus in stool
Causes:
• Stress and anxiety
• Food intolerances
• Abnormal gut muscle contractions
Management Tips:
• Identify and avoid trigger foods (dairy, gluten, beans).
• Increase fibre intake gradually.
• Stay hydrated.
• Practice stress-reducing techniques (yoga, meditation).
If symptoms are severe, a doctor may recommend medications or probiotics.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
What is it?
IBD includes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.
• Ulcerative Colitis affects only the colon and rectum.
Symptoms:
• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in stool
• Fatigue and weight loss
Causes:
• Immune system malfunction
• Genetic factors
• Environmental triggers (diet, smoking)
Management Tips:
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet (low-fat, high-fibre).
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Take prescribed medications (steroids, immune suppressants).
Regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist are essential.
4. Peptic Ulcers
What is it?
Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus due to stomach acid erosion.
Symptoms:
• Burning stomach pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Dark or bloody stools
Causes:
• H. pylori bacterial infection
• Long-term use of NSAIDs (painkillers like ibuprofen)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
Management Tips:
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
• Reduce stress.
• Take prescribed antibiotics (if H. pylori is present).
If left untreated, ulcers can lead to serious complications.
5. Gallstones
What is it?
Hardened deposits in the gallbladder can block bile flow, causing pain and digestive issues.
Symptoms:
• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Causes:
• High cholesterol in the bile
• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
Management Tips:
• Eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet.
• Stay hydrated.
• Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
6. Celiac Disease
What is it?
• An autoimmune disorder where gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye) damages the small intestine.
Symptoms:
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
Management Tips:
• Follow a strict gluten-free diet.
• Check food labels carefully.
• Consult a dietitian for meal planning.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical help if you experience:
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Severe diarrhoea or constipation
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Final Thoughts
Digestive diseases can significantly impact daily life, but with the right knowledge and care, many can be managed effectively. Pay attention to your body, make healthy lifestyle choices, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice when needed.
Consult a Gastroenterologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Gastroenterologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD General medicine (Gold medalist), DrNB (Gastroenterology), MNAMS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Ankit Vijay Agarwal
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
14 Years • MBBS(Osmania), DNB(Internal Medicine ), DM ( Osmania) Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Consult a Gastroenterologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD General medicine (Gold medalist), DrNB (Gastroenterology), MNAMS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Ankit Vijay Agarwal
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
14 Years • MBBS(Osmania), DNB(Internal Medicine ), DM ( Osmania) Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad