Despite the critical role our gastrointestinal systems play in our well-being, many Americans underestimate their importance. The statistics say as much, with millions of people in the U.S. living with chronic digestive conditions. Many of these will go undiagnosed, many will be knowingly ignored; a sad fact when you consider the potential stakes and the resources available to treat and manage these conditions.
But what are some of the common digestive conditions, and what should you look out for? Read on, as this article unpacks these questions in more detail.
Digestive conditions: a broad definition
In a broad sense, a digestive condition is any adverse state that affects your digestive tract. In a more specific sense, this means any condition that affects your stomach, rectum, oesophagus, intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. In other words, a lot.
Like any other health issue, the spectrum of severity is as broad as the definition. Some conditions strike mildly, others fiercely. Some appear every time you eat a certain type of food, while others appear only when you overindulge in that food.
Now, let’s zoom in and examine a few of the common digestive conditions, including their symptoms and possible effects.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If digestive conditions were a betting matter, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, would be your favourite. In the U.S. alone, it affects around 10-15% of the adult population. A cluster of symptoms rather than a single cause is a dead giveaway for IBS. It manifests in the following ways:
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Excess gas and bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea (often switching between the two)
IBS is a funny one. While it won’t significantly damage your intestines, the same can’t be promised for your quality of life. Debilitating is the word that comes to mind, especially if you let IBS go untreated. Also, there’s no cure. That said, many manage IBS successfully through dietary adjustments, prescribed medications, and stress management.
Celiac Disease
No doubt you’re aware of this condition. If not, forgive us for wanting to know which rock you’ve been living under. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. Celiacs (the shortened name for someone with celiac disease) must avoid gluten as much as possible, as its ingestion gradually damages their small intestines. Right now, the rough estimate for celiac cases in the U.S. is 1 in every 100 people.
Like IBS, the symptoms can swing from mild to severe. Again, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea are common symptoms, but so are weight loss, fatigue, and skin rashes (known as dermatitis herpetiformis).
Celiac disease can delay puberty in children, so get a diagnosis early if you suspect this condition is at the heart of your troubles. Left untreated, malnutrition and infertility can thrive, along with an increased risk of other autoimmune disorders. Sadly, the only effective treatment is a gluten-free diet, for life, though the growing availability of gluten-free foods and drinks makes this treatment a less lonely sentence.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). At first glance, you might be mistaken for thinking IBD and IBS are interchangeable. They are not. Despite sharing similar symptoms, Crohn’s disease inflames your gastrointestinal tract and small intestine, causing physical damage over time.
Again, the symptoms present in similar ways to other conditions on this list. Anemia and nutritional deficiencies are also possible issues that can develop if Crohn’s is left undisturbed. Typically, it appears in people between 15 and 35 years old (this window isn’t fixed). No cure exists. Anti-inflammatory medication, immune system suppressors, and even surgical interventions are used to manage Crohn’s.
It’s progressive, too, so get professional advice the moment you suspect its presence.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Heartburn. Indigestion’s partner in crime. Everyone has experienced this feeling at some stage. Remember the last time you conquered an enormous meal, only to sit on the couch with your fist resting on your chest. Well, if this is a common episode rather than a rare case of overeating, then it may be Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD).
GERD is what happens when stomach acid regularly flows back up your esophagus, like a wave retreating, and irritates its lining. Along with frequent heartburn (and general chest discomfort), GERD presents the following symptoms:
- Food regurgitation
- A chronic cough (also, hoarseness or throat irritation)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Like Crohn’s, you can’t leave GERD untreated. Over time, it can cause ulcers, esophagitis, and, unfortunately, esophageal cancer. Like most of these conditions, managing GERD through diet and weight often yields success, along with medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Seeking medical help: What to do
If you’re thinking these conditions all seem the same, you’re both right and wrong. While their symptoms are similar, similar is not a steady hook to hang your hat on. Self-diagnosis will only create problems down the track. Consult with an expert, such as your local GP or someone trained through one of the accredited direct entry MSN programs, as they will be able to identify the root cause of your issues.
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Eating is an essential, often joyful, activity in life; anything that makes this activity a painful task is something best avoided. While the strategies to deal with digestive conditions are often simple, they take time and discipline. A good diet, plenty of water, and an ultra-awareness of possible triggers will set you on a path to gut-issue-free living.
