Many digestive disorders can be excruciatingly painful and annoyingly disturbing. About 20 million people in the country suffer from some digestive disease, and statistics prove that the numbers are increasing. Most of us are leading a sedentary lifestyle and consuming unhealthy foods. However, if these issues are not addressed in time, various illnesses will cripple the nation. Read this article to learn about 7 critical digestive conditions and their symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent digestive condition affecting the large intestine. It usually causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in bowel habits. The primary symptoms of IBS are a pain in the abdominal region and changes in bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, or both. People with IBS may also experience stool bloating, gas, and mucus. Some other symptoms of IBS could be fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, etc.

The symptoms can differ from person to person and may come and go. Sometimes, symptoms may worsen during stress or when consuming certain foods. Therefore, visiting a doctor to understand the intensity of irritable bowel syndrome is advisable. Once the diagnosis is positive, the treatment plan may include modifications in the meal plan and supplements as prescribed by the doctor.

Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the intestinal tract. To be very specific, it is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CGBD) that causes colon, rectum, and anus inflammation. Because this inflammation progresses slowly and cannot be completely controlled with prescription treatments, patients often spend months or years with no improvement. Other treatments may include modifications in the meal plan and lifestyle changes. With simple lifestyle changes, one can get fast relief from Crohn’s disease symptoms and even lead a normal life again. Some common symptoms of Crohn’s disease could be fever, diarrhea, pain and cramps in the abdomen, fatigue, mouth sores, blood in the stool, etc.

Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a different inflammatory bowel disease that distresses the large intestine or colon. This happens when the immune system in an isolated region, such as the large intestine, becomes sensitive. This chronic inflammatory condition occurs only in the large intestine or colon, unlike Crohn’s disease, which affects the entire gastrointestinal tract. The five different types of ulcerative colitis include ulcerative proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, left-sided colitis, pancolitis, and acute severe ulcerative colitis. All these types vary in intensity and specific location within the large intestine. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, sensitive bowels, etc. 

Treatment options may include supplements, modifications in the meal plan, and combined therapy. However, checking with a doctor to get the best results is crucial.

Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine. In most people, celiac disease occurs when gluten products such as wheat, rye, and barley are consumed. Since celiac disease is hereditary, when people with celiac disease consume gluten, the immune system in the small intestine causes damage within the small intestine. Thus the impairment makes it impossible for the body to nourish properly through the ingested food. Common symptoms of celiac disease include bloating, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Treatment may consist of a gluten-free meal plan and supplements. However, it is necessary to get it checked by a doctor.

Gastrointestinal reflux disease
Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that affects the digestive system. Gastrointestinal reflux happens when the digestive acids in the stomach flow into the esophagus, causing irritation, burning sensation, and discomfort. Over-eating, eating spicy foods, and lying down or running soon after a heavy meal can cause gastrointestinal reflux. However, when this occurs too often, it becomes a disease to be addressed. The common symptoms of GERD could be heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and inflammation of the vocal cords.

Treatment may include diet modifications and lifestyle changes. However, it is highly imperative to get this diagnosed by a doctor. However, surgery may be recommended if the ulcer is severe. 

Gallstones
A vital digesting fluid found in the gallbladder is bile. Nevertheless, in the gallbladder, tiny fluid accumulations termed cholelithiasis harden and form stones. These deposits can range in size from sand grains to golf balls, and some people may have several gallstones at once. Gallstones frequently may not exhibit any symptoms, therefore a person may be unaware that they have them. Nonetheless, individuals may feel pain if gallstones form before the gallbladder opening. Other symptoms include jaundice and chronic discomfort under the ribs on the right side of the body. Other symptoms to look for include perspiration, a raised temperature, nausea, and vomiting.

Surgical removal (cholecystectomy) of the gallstone is a procedure that an expert can undertake to remove the gallstones from the bile duct and is one of the common treatments for gallstones.

Peptic ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a sore or lesion in the stomach or small intestinal lining brought on by a bacterial infection or repeated use of a certain prescription. Significant bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and dark or bloody feces can all be symptoms of this illness. Moreover, it may result in excruciating stomach pain, which worsens when the stomach is empty. If one experiences these symptoms, one should see a doctor as soon as possible. Peptic ulcers can cause internal bleeding and possibly stomach cancer if left untreated.

Peptic ulcers can be treated with prescription treatments recommended by the doctor and by making certain lifestyle changes. Doctors recommend that people with peptic ulcers eat frequent smaller meals a day instead of a few large ones.

Tips for managing digestive conditions
Living with digestive conditions can be difficult, but simple habits can be practiced to help manage digestive conditions.

Eat nutritious and balanced meals and avoid processed foods
Exercise regularly
Managing stress
Get plenty of rest
Track the symptoms: Tracking the symptoms can help a person identify triggers and find the best treatment.