From eating a meal that doesn’t sit right in our stomachs to being diagnosed with a specific condition that requires a lifestyle and diet change, GI issues are more common than you may think. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience gastrointestinal issues at some point during their lives. Understanding the commonality of these issues allows you to better treat them while realizing that you are far from alone if you have, or currently, experience these issues.
There are numerous GI issues that affect millions of people per year, but these are the top 5 most common issues along with ways to treat them effectively.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic, long-term condition in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food tube lining due to the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly. The most common indicator of GERD is experiencing acid reflux or heartburn several times a week. Symptoms include trouble swallowing, heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food or liquids, and in some cases, chronic cough or asthma can be a symptom or result of GERD. To diminish the effects of GERD a diet and lifestyle change may be in order. Other treatments include antacid tablets or H2 receptor blockers.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Up to 20% of Americans have experienced IBS affecting more women than men in the United States. IBS, also known as spastic colitis or spastic colon, is a grouping of symptoms that affect the intestines together. The number and harshness of symptoms will vary from person to person, but they are clinically categorized as lasting at least three months for three or more days per month. Symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain and cramping. Symptoms tend to come in waves, coming and going frequently. Sometimes dietary changes will lessen overall severity and symptoms in an individual, which may be suggested as the first course of treatment. There is no specific cure for IBS, rather, treatment is focused on symptom relief which may include adding an exercise regime to your daily schedule, eating smaller meals, consuming prebiotics and probiotics, avoiding unhealthy foods, and caffeine.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the anus or lower rectum. They are extremely common and affect over 3 million people a year, and about 50% of people before the age of 50. Hemorrhoids can be located either inside or outside, while outside is the most common occurrence. They are caused in a variety of ways such as obesity, genetics, pregnancy, or chronic constipation. Symptoms include irritation, pain or itching around the anus, blood after a bowel movement, itchy painful lumps on the outside of your anus, pain during a bowel movement, and fecal discharge. Treatment includes fiber supplements to assist with chronic constipation to reduce strain, OTC topical treatments that are specifically made for hemorrhoid relief, and warm baths to relieve pain or itching. In severe cases, medical treatment, such as sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation, may be required.
Celiac Disease
Approximately 1 in 40 Americans lives with Celiac Disease. Categorized as a digestive disorder, celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in foods that contain wheat, barley, or rye. Aside from food, gluten can be found in some medications, cosmetics, health and beauty products, and OTC vitamins. With celiac disease, when gluten is consumed, the body responds by creating toxins that destroy the villi of the small intestines. When this happens, the body cannot absorb nutrients properly. Celiac disease has a wide array of symptoms and can vary from children to adults. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, chronic diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, and skin disorders. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder that especially affects those who experience other autoimmune disorders. The only way to treat celiac disease is to live on a gluten-free diet while maintaining healthy and balanced nutrition. Intestinal healing can take months to years depending on your unique situation. Once fully healed, the body will be able to absorb nutrients properly again.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, with no known cure at this time, most commonly occurring in the small intestine and colon. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract with symptoms ranging in severity from minor to severe. Experts are not certain what causes Crohn’s disease directly, but have determined that your genetics, environment, and immune system may play a role in whether or not you are likely to experience it. Symptoms of Crohn’s include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, blood in your stool, weight loss, fatigue, and the feeling of an impending bowel movement frequently. Treatment, based on symptom severity, may include a diet change, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery to treat specific damaged areas of your GI tract.
Gastrointestinal issues and diseases are far more common than one may realize. Understanding the symptoms associated with the 5 most common issues may help you move forward with getting the diagnosis you need to live a healthier and more comfortable life. To learn more about the way GI issues can affect your lifestyle, schedule a consultation today.