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11 Most Common Digestive Disorders

Most people, at one point or another, suffer from digestive disorders. It could be something as common as constipation and diarrhea, which cause just a minor inconvenience. Or, it could be a complex digestive or gastrointestinal issue that affects one’s quality of life. Sometimes, problems like constipation and bloating appear as signs of another underlying health condition. Regardless, it is crucial to be aware of the common digestive conditions and their symptoms.

Food intolerance
This is one of the most common digestive disorders today. Food intolerance is a health condition where the digestive system does not react well to certain foods. A few common symptoms one may experience during an episode of food tolerance include bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, vomiting, and irritability. Food intolerance should not be confused with food allergies, which can also cause hives and respiratory issues.

Constipation
Chronic constipation indicates the body’s inability to get rid of waste matter. It occurs when the colon cannot move the bowels through the digestive tract. Around 63 million people in our country alone deal with this problem on a daily basis. Some causes of constipation include low physical activity, dehydration, low fiber intake, and specific treatments. When suffering from constipation, a person may experience decreased bowel movements, slow transit and passing of stools, and hard stools. Having to strain during passing stools is one of the most common complaints and symptoms of constipation.

GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a primary cause of heartburn. The burning sensation is generally experienced in the upper part of the stomach and chest, usually after meals. It is called “reflux disease” because the food and acid from the stomach are pushed back into the esophagus when the stomach’s muscles and esophagus do not work properly. This action of food traveling back up the digestive system is known as “reflux.” Some common signs of GERD include dry cough, wheezing, vomiting, nausea, and pain when swallowing. Patients also experience hoarseness or soreness of the throat and may be diagnosed with laryngitis as a result. In rare cases, one might face dental erosion.

Celiac disease
People diagnosed with celiac disease have a severe intolerance to gluten, a type of protein found in foods like wheat, rye, and barley. When ingested, gluten damages the patient’s small intestinal lining. It can lead to signs like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, stomach pain, foul-smelling stools, vomiting, and skin rashes. Interestingly, celiac disease is often first misdiagnosed as other gastrointestinal disorders, making it hard to detect.

Irritable bowel disease
Irritable bowel disease, or IBD, is an umbrella term used to denote the existence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that must be monitored and treated lifelong. According to statistics provided by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, IBD affects 1.4 million in our country. Although its exact cause remains undetermined, factors like genetics, environmental factors, and a faulty immune system can make patients more prone to these digestive disorders. Persistent diarrhea, urgent need to pass stools, rectal bleeding, constipation, and abdominal pain are common symptoms associated with an IBD diagnosis.

Crohn’s disease
A part of IBD, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition that impacts approximately half a million of our population. It most commonly affects the small intestine but may also affect the health of the rest of the digestive tract. The commonly noted symptoms of this disorder include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a drop in fitness levels.

Ulcerative colitis
Another part of Irritable bowel disease is ulcerative colitis. It is identified as an inflammatory condition that affects the large intestine (colon), leading to the development of sores or ulcers. Ulcerative colitis commonly occurs with symptoms like nausea, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, anemia, and urgent need to move bowels.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Commonly known as IBS, this is a functional gastrointestinal disorder caused by a malfunctioning digestive tract. Although its causative factor remains unknown, the condition more commonly arises with changes in the functioning of the digestive system. IBS gives rise to various symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, intolerance to some foods, fatigue, anxiety, depression, blood or mucus in stools, and sleep disturbance. It should be noted that twice as many women are diagnosed with IBS as men.

Peptic ulcers
Peptic ulcers develop when digestive enzymes and acids eat up the inner lining of the duodenum or the stomach. One of the most common microbes that cause peptic ulcers in children and adults is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Infections caused by this microbe can be challenging to deal with and may take longer to heal. Some notable symptoms of peptic ulcers include blockages in the digestive system, pain, and bleeding. In rare cases, peptic ulcers might cause tears in the gastrointestinal tract, which could be fatal.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are among the country’s most common digestive health conditions, with more than half the population over 45 years dealing with it. They occur when the blood vessels of the rectum, at the end of the digestive tract, swell. Hemorrhoids are often associated with low-fiber eating habits and constipation. They can be itchy and painful, interfering with routine activities. The presence of bright red blood after a bowel movement is another common symptom.

Gastroparesis
In this digestive condition, the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine slows down. In other words, the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is affected. Gastroparesis is found to be more prevalent in women than men. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, specific nervous system disorders, and internal surgeries can increase a person’s risk. Common symptoms include lack of appetite, abdominal bloating, pain in the general region of the stomach, and acid reflux.

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