Common Symptoms and Triggers of Digestive Diseases
Digestive diseases come in different forms ranging from mild to severe. Each digestive disorder has unique issues while also sharing common symptoms and triggers. Here are some of the most common digestive diseases, their symptoms, and the triggers to avoid:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when the acids in the stomach or food and fluids go up from the stomach and into the esophagus. Once the lower esophageal sphincter no longer closes properly, the acids irritate the lining, causing heartburn.
Symptoms and triggers: Heartburns or acid reflux is one of the main symptoms of GERD. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food or sour liquid. Making lifestyle changes from what you eat and portioning can help treat GERD. Another option is to take antacids and other acid blockers.
Peptic Ulcer Disease and Gastritis is an open sore inflammation on the upper part of the small intestines or lining of your stomach. That lining is usually protected by a thick layer of mucus that protects the stomach from the digestive juices. Once damaged, sores occur. This disease affects millions of Americans, and some have a family history of ulcers, regularly drink alcohol, and are smokers. Symptoms and triggers: Stomach pains, nausea, intolerance to fatty foods, heartburn, weight loss, change in appetite, and a bacterial infection called H. Pylori is one of the most common causes of peptic ulcer disease and chronic gastritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can also trigger the disease.
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestines. Those with the condition have stools that are loose, pale, more frequent, and have a foul odor. Probiotic, digestive enzyme supplements, and drinking plenty of water can flush out some toxins in the body that are causing discomfort. One way to determine if you have this disease is through a blood test that checks for the elevated antibody proteins in your blood to indicate an immune reaction to gluten.
Symptoms and triggers: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, constipation, joint pain, headaches, brain fog, and bloating are symptoms of celiac disease. Gluten products such as rye, barley, oats, wheat, farina, flour, and semolina can trigger celiac disease. Symptoms can start shortly after consuming the foods that trigger the disease, for some, the following day.
Diverticulitis is a condition that involves small sacs called diverticula in your intestines to protrude. They develop when the vulnerable parts of your colon give way because of pressure. Once there is a tear, this can cause inflammation, infection, and long-term health problems.
Symptoms and triggers: Diverticular disease can bring a feeling of bloatedness, constipation, and pain in the lower-left side of the abdomen. The symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and less commonly, even diarrhea.
There are no known diverticulitis triggers, but some advice to avoid seeds, nuts, popcorn, beans, cabbages, onions, garlic, beans, dairy foods, and certain fruits such as pear, plums, and apples. Stress is another factor that can trigger the disease, causing a shifting of the oxygen and blood from the digestive tract to the brain and muscles. Usually, treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery to remove the affected section of the intestine.
To learn more about the different digestive diseases, contact Gastro MD in Tampa. We strive to build a community of cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practices and set the standards in digestive health care.
By Gastro MD