What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorders

 

Any disease or illness occurring within the vicinity of the gastrointestinal tract are known as gastrointestinal disorders. The gastrointestinal tract is a series of hollow organs forging a passage from mouth to anus. The organs in the GI tract include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the anus. All these organs along with the liver, pancreas and the gallbladder together constitute the digestive system. The entire digestive system is held together in a sac known as the peritoneum.

The gastrointestinal disorders fundamentally consist of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal infections, colitis, colon polyps, cancer, etc. Fortunately, most of these disorders can be prevented or diminished by following healthy lifestyle habits taking care of the bowel system. There are two types of gastrointestinal disorders,

• Functional bowel disorders

• Structural disorders

 

What are functional bowel disorders?

 

Functional disorders are those in which the tract of the gastrointestinal (GI) appears normal but does not function correctly. They are the most prevalent issues (including the colon and rectum) influencing the GI tract. The most common examples being constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Factors that trigger GI tract upset and its motility are listed below:

• Frequent travel

• High intake of dairy products

• Stress

• Low-fiber diet

• No or lesser exercise

• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement

• Excessive use of laxatives or stool softeners

• Intake of antacids that contain calcium or aluminum. 

• Pregnancy.

 

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

 

It is a condition in which there is an abnormal contraction of the colon muscles. Triggering agents may be certain types of foods, medications or mental & emotional stress. 

Signs and symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramps

• Bloating

• Constipation and diarrhea

• Change in bowel habits

 

Treatment

• Avoid foods that trigger IBS symptoms

• High fiber intake

• Avoid caffeine intake

• Stress management

• Medications (if recommended by the doctor)

 

On the other hand, constipation refers to having a hard and infrequent bowel movement. It is mostly caused by an inadequate amount of fiber in diet or changes in the everyday routine. Constipation can be treated by :

• Increasing fiber intake

• Regular exercise

• Avoid resisting the urge to have a bowel movement

• Laxatives or stool softeners

 

What are structural gastrointestinal disorders?

 

These are the ones in which the bowel looks abnormal and also functions abnormally. Sometimes, these types of structural defects have to be treated surgically. For example, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, colon polyps, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

 

Anal Fissures

These are the splits or the cracks within the lining of the anal opening. The most common cause of anal fissure is hard stools. The crack creates exposure to the underlying muscles controlling the passage of stools through the anus and out of the body. This is the most painful ailments as there is an irritation to the muscles by coming in contact with the stools or air making way to burning sensation, bleeding or spasm after bowel movements. Treatment includes pain-relief medications, high-fiber intake, sitz bath, etc. Surgery is the final ultimate treatment.

 

Hemorrhoids

This is a condition in which the blood vessels in the anal lining get swollen. The prime reason may be chronic excess pressure, persistent diarrhea or pregnancy. The internal hemorrhoids occur on the blood vessels on the inside of the anal opening. The external hemorrhoids occur on the veins that lie just under the skin on the outside of the anus. 

 

Perianal abscesses

The perianal abscesses can occur where there are tiny anal glands that open on the inside surface of anus thus blocking them. This further causes infection in these glands. Whenever there is pus, it causes an abscess. The treatment will include incision and drainage technique under local anesthesia in a daycare procedure. 

 

How to prevent these gastrointestinal disorders?

 

 

The best gastroenterologists in India have suggested that maintenance of a good and a healthy lifestyle, and practicing good bowel habits is the key to prevent such type of disorders. In addition to this, colonoscopy is recommended to those above the age of 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, then you are supposed to get a colonoscopy done at 10 years younger than the affected family member. One must consult a gastroenterologist if any of the following signs are noticed:

• Dark-colored stools or hematuria

• Narrow stools

• Unusual abdominal gas

• Any change in normal bowel habits

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or tiredness