Digestive diseases are more than uncomfortable; some of them can affect how your body absorbs nutrients. Revive Medical Center treats digestive conditions to help our patients stay healthy and happy no matter what their ailments. There are five common digestive disorders from which most Americans suffer. Here are what they are and their associated symptoms.
Celiac
About 2 million people suffer from celiac disease in the United States. What causes celiac disease remains unknown, but this condition damages the small intestine. As such, those who suffer from celiac are often malnourished, as the small intestine helps the body absorb and process nutrients. Celiac disease causes a person to be intolerant of or sensitive to gluten. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, stomach bloating and pain, weight loss, and fatigue among other ailments.
IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Roughly 10 to 15 percent of American adults suffer from IBS. For some reason, irritable bowel syndrome affects more women than men. This painful condition can manifest in many ways. Some sufferers have diarrhea and/or vomiting; others suffer from chronic constipation that can sometimes turn into diarrhea. Abdominal pain, cramps, discomfort, and irregular bowel habits are all IBS symptoms.
GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is chronic heartburn. Those who suffer from GERD do so with great discomfort. The cause of GERD is simple. There is a valve between your esophagus and stomach and if it weakens and relaxes, your stomach acid and contents move up into your esophagus, i.e. heartburn. Aside from heartburn, GERD symptoms also include dry coughing, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and chest or upper abdomen pains.
IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Different from IBS, inflammatory bowel disease is a catch-all name for serious conditions of the digestive system including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Those who suffer from IBD may do so because of their genetics, an over or underactive immune system, and their environments. Symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, unpredictable and/or bleeding bowels, rectal bleeding, constipation, and unstoppable diarrhea. About 1.4 million Americans suffer from IBD.
Gastroparesis
Finally, another digestive disorder found in more women than men is gastroparesis. This disease prevents the stomach from emptying its contents completely into the small intestine. The food is slowed down or even stopped prior to release. What causes gastroparesis is not known, but people who suffer from diabetes and nervous-system disease often have it. Symptoms include acid reflux, stomach pain, bloating, and loss of appetite.
If you believe you are suffering from any of these digestive diseases, call Revive Medical Center in Lawrenceville, GA, to discuss your digestive concerns. Our number is 678-701-6397.
