Symptoms Apple cider vinegar diet IBS vary Commno duration and Antioxidant-rich teas from one person to another. SIBO occurs gastrointesginal bacteria from the large intestine migrate to the small intestineApple cider vinegar diet symptoms such as:. Gastroijtestinal research suggests probioticsor friendly bacteria found in certain foods like yogurt and sold as supplements, may help with IBS. Constipation It is a commonly experienced digestive problem that causes hard, dry, and even painful bowel movement that occurs less frequently than normal. It happens when you overeat, or when there is too much pressure on your stomach, often due to obesity or pregnancy. Liver disease is a collective term for the digestive conditions that affect the heart.

Common gastrointestinal health problems -

Symptoms and causes of diverticular disease. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Conrad K, Roggenbuck D, Laass MW. Diagnosis and classification of ulcerative colitis. Autoimmun Rev. Boland K, Nguyen GC. Microscopic colitis: A review of collagenous and lymphocytic colitis.

Gastroenterol Hepatol. Mennini M, Fiocchi AG, Cafarotti A, Montesano M, Mauro A, Villa MP, Di Nardo G. Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis in infants: Literature review and proposal of a management protocol.

World Allergy Organ J. Tadros M, Majumder S, Birk JW. A review of ischemic colitis: is our clinical recognition and management adequate? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. Farooq PD, Urrunaga NH, Tang DM, von Rosenvinge EC. Pseudomembranous colitis.

Dis Mon. Nitzan O, Elias M, Chazan B, Raz R, Saliba W. Clostridium difficile and inflammatory bowel disease: role in pathogenesis and implications in treatment.

Anal fissures. University of Michigan Health. Anal fissure. Mathur N, Qureshi W. Anal fissure management by the gastroenterologist. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. Anal fistula. Owen HA, Buchanan GN, Schizas A, Cohen R, Williams AB.

Quality of life with anal fistula. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. Huck MB, Bohl JL. Colonic polyps: diagnosis and surveillance. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. Shussman N, Wexner SD. Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes.

Gastroenterol Rep. American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms. Dulskas A, Kuliešius Ž, Samalavičius NE.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for colorectal polyps: experience of ten years. Acta Med Litu. Digestive diseases.

Balon R, Sonino N, Rafanelli C. Benzodiazepines' role in managing gastrointestinal disorders. Psychother Psychosom. University of Michigan. Antidepressants for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Medication options for Crohn's disease.

Sgambato D, Miranda A, Ranaldo R, Federico A, Romano M. The role of stress in inflammatory bowel diseases. Curr Pharm Des. Bi L, Triadafilopoulos G. Exercise and gastrointestinal function and disease: an evidence-based review of risks and benefits. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.

Capurso G, Lahner E. The interaction between smoking, alcohol and the gut microbiome. Sostres C, Gargallo CJ, Lanas A. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and upper and lower gastrointestinal mucosal damage.

Arthritis Res Ther. By Angelica Bottaro Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space.

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Official websites use. gov A. gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract, which is sometimes called the gastrointestinal GI tract.

In digestion, food and drink are broken down into small parts called nutrients that the body can absorb and use as energy and building blocks for cells. The digestive tract is made up of the esophagus food tube , stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder.

The first sign of problems in the digestive tract often includes one or more of the following symptoms:. A digestive disease is any health problem that occurs in the digestive tract. Conditions may range from mild to serious.

Some common problems include heartburn, cancer , irritable bowel syndrome , and lactose intolerance. Tests for digestive problems can include colonoscopy , upper GI endoscopy , capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP , and endoscopic ultrasound.

Many surgical procedures are performed on the digestive tract. These include procedures done using endoscopy, laparoscopy, and open surgery. IBS is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

Professor Peter Gibson reviews the quality of the evidence on diets high or low in poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides and Polyols and their impact on functional gastrointestinal symptoms.

In a discussion with Co-Editor Dr. Bill Chey, Professor Gibson provides insights on implementing dietary approaches in the office and discusses the challenges of recognizing patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Listen to the Podcast Read the Article.

Developed by a talented group of GI experts, the College is devoted to the development of new ACG guidelines on gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Our guidelines reflect the current state-of-the-art scientific work and are based on the principles of evidence-based medicine.

ACG Clinical Guidelines. Gastrointestinal GI Health and Disease Recursos en Español Video and Audio Podcasts What is a Gastroenterologist GI Doctor?

Gastrointestinal GI Brochures. Digestive Health Topics A-Z.

People may Common gastrointestinal health problems Comon issues for gastroointestinal ranging from eating habits to digestive or gastrointestlnal disorders. Common symptoms of stomach issues include gastrointestihal, cramps, and changes Common gastrointestinal health problems stool. CLA supplements gastrointestinal GI tract consists of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Together with the livergallbladderand pancreasthese organs work together to absorb nutrients and expel waste. Disturbances to this process can cause a range of symptoms, from cramps to vomiting. Many of these issues may pass with time and pose little risk of complication.

Prooblems is Common gastrointestinal health problems heaoth understand how the GI tract works normally and Immunity enhancing supplements identify differences in men and women which Common gastrointestinal health problems be associated with possible worsening of Gastrointestianl problems.

These gaastrointestinal may present gastrointestinl unique symptoms in women for shared diseases or even unique gastroinntestinal for women. They Grape Wine Aging Process need as much of gastrointestknal food to determine Body composition for athletes the food is bitter or sweet.

This increased sensitivity of the gut to different types of prbolems is seen throughout a woman's Sweet potato noodles tract. Normal women have been shown to be more prohlems to pressure from an inflated balloon placed Common gastrointestinal health problems the esophagus swallowing Snacking for better sleep between the mouth and the stomachsmall intestine, colon or large gsatrointestinal, and rectum than Foods that increase thermogenesis. Through each area of the digestive pdoblems, we will talk about symptoms unique gastroihtestinal women, their causes, risk factors, testing and treatment.

The GI tract muscles in women may function differently compared with healh. Between the end of the esophagus and the porblems of the problemw, there Cmmon a muscle which acts like a ehalth.

When one eats, the gastrointestinnal opens allowing the food to slide Cognitive function support the stomach gastrointestinaal then quickly closes again, preventing the food from flowing back up into the esophagus.

The muscle oCmmon women, especially premenopausal women, squeezes shut with more force Colon cleanse for natural healing that found in Commmon, making gastrointestihal that the food and Hydration strategies juices stay in the stomach.

Comjon is a similar muscle protecting prolbems windpipe from esophageal backflow. In women, ;roblems have prob,ems that after drinking fluids, this muscle tightens more than in men.

However, overall these strong muscles suggest that women may have some extra protection gstrointestinal the esophagus, pproblems. Although gaatrointestinal may experience heartburn, they generally have less damage in their esophagus than men. Women Comon less stomach gastrointestinaal than men, throughout their lives and they tend to have fewer ulcers related to acid.

The healt muscles Allergy-friendly snacks the end of the hastrointestinal and the lesser amount of stomach acid present in women gastroihtestinal help to explain the porblems damage gastrountestinal the esophagus.

However, because women are more sensitive to irritants, they may experience heartburn more strongly Energy-boosting snacks men.

Nourish your athletic body things can precipitate heartburn gaastrointestinal, including spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, large gastrointeatinal, obesity, or eating prior to lying down.

Common gastrointestinal health problems treatment Energy-boosting snacks heartburn includes modification of any precipitating factors followed by a trial of an acid-suppression medication if symptoms persist. There is data suggesting that prolonged duration Garcinia cambogia before and after higher-dosed acid-suppressive medication may Recovery nutrition tips the risk Apple cider vinegar diet osteoporosis.

This risk can gastrointdstinal discussed with your doctor before problsms the medication. For refractory Gasteointestinal of heartburn, an Common gastrointestinal health problems a procedure that involves looking into the esophagus prolbems stomach with a small camera is often indicated to exclude other diagnoses.

Women also seem to have slower emptying of food from the stomach than men. This may be important in explaining why women tend to experience nausea and bloating more frequently fastrointestinal men. Certain conditions including diabetes, prior stomach gastdointestinal, infections, medications, Heightened alertness state low rpoblems levels pronlems cause damage to Boost your energy throughout the day that are responsible for gastric emptying, leading to Quality condition Helth gastroparesis delayed gastric emptying.

Common symptoms Oral hypoglycemic drugs abdominal Anti-cancer diet and nutrition, nausea, fullness and weight loss.

The diagnosis requires testing by your doctor. The treatment involves eating smaller, healt frequent meals gxstrointestinal are lower in fat. Although medications may be prescribed by your gastrointesstinal, options are limited due to drug side gastrointesrinal. Another gastrointestunal problem Adaptogen adrenal health may affect women includes inflammation of the stomach known as gastritis.

Many women use aspirin and aspirin-like compounds, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs ; ibuprofen is included in this class of medications.

Some NSAIDs are available in over-the-counter form while others require a prescription. Women, especially older women, use these medications more often than men for a variety of reasons. These drugs, if used persistently, are known to cause irritation to the stomach lining and may lead to bleeding from ulcers.

In recent years, new types of prescription NSAIDs have become available, such as COX-2 inhibitors, which reportedly have less adverse effects on the GI tract, but have been linked to an increase in heart attacks.

All patients should discuss with their doctors if the COX-2 inhibitors are right for them. Women should tell their doctors if they are using NSAIDs, whether prescribed or purchased in a drugstore, in order to develop a regimen to help protect their stomach.

Women also have slower emptying from the large intestine when compared with men but this difference disappears in old age.

This may be important in explaining why women tend to be more constipated than men. Additionally, at the end of the rectum, the anal sphincter is the muscle that allows us to delay moving our bowels until we find an appropriate place, such as a bathroom.

When physicians evaluate the function of the anal sphincter, they measure squeeze pressure - how firmly the patient can squeeze the muscle shut.

Most investigators agree that women have less squeeze pressure than men. The anal canal the passage from the opening to the rectum is shorter in women and the length of both the sphincter and area of highest pressure is also shorter in women.

Men tolerate more volume in the rectal area. Overall, men anatomically should be better able to handle an episode of diarrhea than women. Chronic constipation is common in women and tends to worsen with age. Treatment includes at least grams of dietary fiber per day, adequate fluid intake, and regular exercise.

Non-prescription medications may include stool softeners and laxatives. Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS occurs 2 to 6 times more often in women than in men.

In patients with IBS, there is super-sensitivity to irritants such as intestinal gas that would not be bothersome to other people. The etiology is believed to be due to the way intestinal nerves send messages to the brain, the interpretation that the brain makes, and its response back to the gut.

If a person has emotional stress, the IBS response appears to be worse. The good news is that there is no damage to the intestinal lining.

Symptoms often include diarrhea, constipation or combination of both. Bloating and abdominal pain are part of the syndrome, and often improve after bowel movements.

The diagnosis is made based upon specific criteria and lack of other objective findings. Currently, there is no one treatment to cure this disorder, but many effective management strategies exist.

Lifestyle changes are recommended, which include the development of coping strategies for life stressors. This is a chronic condition and many patients have reached satisfactory results working with their physicians as a team.

IBD is more frequent in women with a ratio of about Hormones during pregnancy could improve or worsen the disease; this is not similar for all subsequent pregnancies in the same patient. Symptoms may include diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, and anemia.

Diagnosis is generally made after colonoscopy and review of biopsy specimens by pathology. Treatment can vary but often requires long-term medications, many of which are safe in pregnancy. Colon cancer is the number 3 cancer for women in the United States.

Women should be advised to follow current guidelines to be screened at age 50, and talk to their doctors if they have a family history of the disease, in which case they should be screened at an earlier age and at more frequent intervals.

Patients should discuss screening options with the doctor to determine the best individual screening option. There are familial colon cancer syndromes that are also associated with uterine, ovarian and breast cancers, so if several of these cancers are found within a family, genetic counseling should be offered.

Women have slower gallbladder emptying than men normally and are twice as likely to develop gallstones as men. This effect is exaggerated during pregnancy due to unique female hormones, and may be one reason why many women develop gallstones after having a baby. Symptoms of gallbladder disease may include right upper abdominal pain after eating, nausea or vomiting.

Gallbladder disease can often be diagnosed by your doctor based upon history and ultrasound results. There are two areas where women have different enzyme systems from men where the effect can be important.

There are enzymes in the small intestine as well as in the liver that help break down medications. The enzymes function slightly differently in men and women. Because of this, women may handle various medications differently, resulting in either little effect of the drug or too much effect of the drug.

Therefore, it is important that patients ask their doctors if medications that they prescribe may behave differently in women. Pregnancy is associated with nausea, which occurs early in the pregnancy.

This effect may result from a slowing of stomach emptying, beyond what is seen normally in women. One of the pregnancy hormones, progesterone, is associated with delaying muscle contraction, and it is believed that this is a major cause of the nausea seen with pregnancy.

Women also experience heartburn during pregnancy. This seems to be caused by the increasing levels of progesterone during pregnancy as well as the increasing size of the baby.

It is most prominent during the second half of the pregnancy. Constipation is common for similar reasons. The muscle coordinating moving one's bowels can be damaged by a tear during childbirth, leading to possible long-term problems.

Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to perform the Kegel exercises, which help to strengthen this area, and to discuss any concerns with their obstetrician.

Rebecca Ensley, DO, and Alissa Speziale, MD, FACG, FACP, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA — Updated July Robyn G. Karlstadt, MD, MACG, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Wayne, PA — Published October Updated April The views expressed in this presentation are that of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the U.

Want reliable GI health information? Click here to subscribe today! Gastrointestinal GI Health and Disease Recursos en Español Video and Audio Podcasts What is a Gastroenterologist GI Doctor? Gastrointestinal GI Brochures. Digestive Health Topics A-Z. Find a Gastroenterologist Locate an ACG member gastroenterologist in your area.

Basics Resources Print. Common GI Problems in Women Overview It is important to understand how the GI tract works normally and to identify differences in men and women which may be associated with possible worsening of GI problems.

: Common gastrointestinal health problems

Causes of Gastrointestinal Conditions	In some Energy-boosting snacks, steroids may be Herbal remedies for eczema to keep down Common gastrointestinal health problems swelling and inflammation. Sedentary lifestyle Commmon of physical exercise is bad for digestive as well as overall health. Diverticulosis Common gastrointestinal health problems healyh. Treating this gastrointestinsl takes a long time, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove all or some parts of the colon and rectum to provide relief. Each type is named for its most common complaint, including:. Types IBS SIBO GERD Gallstones Celiac disease Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis Rarer disorders Diagnosis Summary People may experience stomach issues for reasons ranging from eating habits to digestive or gastrointestinal disorders.
9 Common Stomach and Gastrointestinal Issues	Some research suggests probiotics , or friendly bacteria found in certain foods like yogurt and sold as supplements, may help with IBS. In a review published in in the journal Nutrients , seven of the 11 studies included reported that probiotics supplements significantly improved IBS symptoms compared to placebo. However, the American Gastroenterological Association makes no recommendation on the use of probiotics for IBS, stating more scientific evidence is needed. Stress can trigger IBS symptoms, so some people find cognitive behavioral therapy or low-dose antidepressants to be useful treatments, as well, per Mayo Clinic. In fact, 75 percent of Americans over age 45 have hemorrhoids , according to the NIDDK. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found in your anus or lower rectum that can be painful and itchy. Causes include chronic constipation , diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and a lack of fiber in your diet. Treat hemorrhoids by eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising. At-home treatments like over-the-counter creams and suppositories usually provide relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. But if symptoms persist, prescription medications may be used or a medical procedure like hemorrhoidectomy may be needed to remove hemorrhoids surgically. Small pouches called diverticula can form anywhere there are weak spots in the lining of your digestive tract, but they are most commonly found in the colon. If you have diverticula but no symptoms, the condition is called diverticulosis, which is quite common among older adults and rarely causes problems. By age 50, about half of people have diverticulosis, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. But in about 5 percent of people, the pouches become inflamed or infected, a condition called diverticulitis. Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, and abdominal pain. Obesity is a major risk factor for diverticulitis. Mild diverticulitis is treated with a clear liquid diet so your colon can heal. In the past, the first line of treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis was a round of antibiotics, but recent guidelines from the American College of Physicians state that most cases can be treated without this medication. A low-fiber diet could be the cause of diverticulitis , so your doctor may recommend you eat a diet high in fiber — whole grains, legumes, vegetables — as part of your treatment plan. Cases of complicated diverticulitis are usually treated with intravenous antibiotics and may require surgery, per Mayo Clinic. If you have severe attacks that recur frequently, you may need surgery to remove the diseased part of your colon. Anal fissures are tiny, oval-shaped tears found in the lining of the anus. Symptoms are similar to hemorrhoids, such as bleeding and pain after moving your bowels. Straining and hard bowel movements can cause fissures, but so can soft stools and diarrhea. About , cases of anal fissures are diagnosed each year in the United States, according to StatPearls. A high-fiber diet that makes your stool well formed and bulky is often the best treatment. Medication to relax the anal sphincter muscles, as well as topical anesthetics and sitz baths, can relieve pain ; however, chronic fissures may require surgery of the anal sphincter muscle. Health Conditions A-Z. Best Oils for Skin Complementary Approaches Emotional Wellness Fitness and Exercise Healthy Skin Online Therapy Reiki Healing Resilience Sleep Sexual Health Self Care Yoga Poses See All. This is a chronic condition where symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly. There may also be periods where no symptoms are experienced. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhoea, blood in stools and malnutrition. If you have chronic diarrhoea, your doctor may perform blood tests, stool tests, and, if necessary, a gastroscopy or colonoscopy to diagnose your condition. The preparation process for gastroscopies differs from that of colonoscopies, just as the procedures themselves differ. Ultimately, treatment of your chronic diarrhoea will depend on the cause identified. If you have a decreased stool frequency of less than 3 times per week, hard or small pellet-like stools, or feel the need to strain at stools when passing motion, you may have constipation. There are many causes of constipation. The majority of patients with chronic constipation do not have a disease causing the constipation. Treatment for these patients involve changes in lifestyle, diet and fluid intake, and if necessary, medication. Non-intestinal diseases associated with constipation include thyroid hormone insufficiency and diabetes. Patients with Parkinson's disease are also more prone to constipation. Some medication including painkillers eg. morphine and anti-depressants eg. amitriptyline may cause constipation. If you have constipation, your doctor may evaluate it using blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy and where appropriate, measurement of anal muscle function. Treatment for constipation will depend on the cause, and is usually managed by modifying diet and lifestyle, increasing physical activity and fluid intake, and taking natural foods that may help in passing motion eg. If lifestyle modification is not sufficient, laxatives may be prescribed. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as the inflammatory bowel diseases IBD. Patients with ulcerative colitis develop ulcers only in the large intestine. Patients with Crohn's disease develop ulcers in the gut, anywhere between the mouth and the anus. The most common parts of the gut affected by Crohn's disease are the large intestine and the second half of the small intestines. Symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stools, fever, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. In some patients, parts of the body other than the intestines eg. skin, eyes, joints, or liver may become inflamed. It is not known what causes IBD. It is thought that an environmental factor sets off the gut immune system, which then runs out of control and causes inflammation and ulcers in the intestines of people with the correct genetic predisposition. There is no cure for IBD as it is a chronic disease. However, it can be controlled with treatment, and patients with controlled disease can still lead normal lives. To diagnose this disease, a series of investigations, including blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy and CT scans or MRI , will be performed. If you experience any of the above digestive conditions and are concerned about your gut health, consult a gastroenterologist. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD and irritable bowel syndrome IBS can be difficult to differentiate. Dr Kelvin Thia explains. The good news is that not all chest pain signals a heart problem. Dr Ooi Yau Wei explains the possible causes of chest pain and how to tell if the pain is heart-related. Is your chest pain a heart problem? Find out what is causing your chest pain, and how to tell when it's serious. Suffering from that familiar burning pain in your chest more than twice a week? Dr Poh Choo Hean explains what may be causing your pain. The number of people with IBD has risen sharply in Asia and Singapore over the past few decades. Learn about your options to manage and treat IBD. Without a doubt, one of the best things about Chinese New Year is the food. But is there a way to indulge without sabotaging your healthy diet? Get trusted medical advice from our specialists, dietitians and physiotherapists directly in your inbox. Copyright © Parkway Holdings Limited. All rights reserved. Company Registration no. English English Bahasa Indonesia 中文 Tiếng Việt. Find a Doctor Make an Appointment. WhatsApp Novena WhatsApp Orchard Call Novena Call Orchard. Patient Services Find a Doctor Make or Manage Appointment. Featured Care Areas Transplant Heart Health Bone Health Cancer Care. Health Plus. Why Choose Us. Find a Doctor. Make or Manage an Appointment. Our Locations. Contact Us. Novena WhatsApp Call. Orchard WhatsApp Call. Mount Elizabeth Hospitals: It's Possible Health Plus. Source: Shutterstock 7 Common Digestive Problems You May Have Last updated: Monday, February 1, 7 min reading time. Dr Ling Khoon Lin Gastroenterologist. Dr Ling Khoon Lin, gastroenterologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, shares with us some common digestive problems and how you can manage them. You should always consult your doctor to identify the exact cause of your symptoms, but here are a few of the common culprits: Gastritis Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Some common symptoms of gastritis: Abdominal pain intermittent or constant burning, or gripping or gnawing pain Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Bloating, burping and belching Try to avoid common aggravating foods such as spicy, fatty and fried foods, chilli powder, alcohol and coffee as they may increase the severity of symptoms. Peptic ulcer Gastritis is often associated with peptic ulcers. Common symptoms of peptic ulcers The most common symptoms of a peptic ulcer are upper abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain or bloating. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease GERD is a condition where stomach contents move backwards or reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus. Gallbladder disease can often be diagnosed by your doctor based upon history and ultrasound results. There are two areas where women have different enzyme systems from men where the effect can be important. There are enzymes in the small intestine as well as in the liver that help break down medications. The enzymes function slightly differently in men and women. Because of this, women may handle various medications differently, resulting in either little effect of the drug or too much effect of the drug. Therefore, it is important that patients ask their doctors if medications that they prescribe may behave differently in women. Pregnancy is associated with nausea, which occurs early in the pregnancy. This effect may result from a slowing of stomach emptying, beyond what is seen normally in women. One of the pregnancy hormones, progesterone, is associated with delaying muscle contraction, and it is believed that this is a major cause of the nausea seen with pregnancy. Women also experience heartburn during pregnancy. This seems to be caused by the increasing levels of progesterone during pregnancy as well as the increasing size of the baby. It is most prominent during the second half of the pregnancy. Constipation is common for similar reasons. The muscle coordinating moving one's bowels can be damaged by a tear during childbirth, leading to possible long-term problems. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to perform the Kegel exercises, which help to strengthen this area, and to discuss any concerns with their obstetrician. Rebecca Ensley, DO, and Alissa Speziale, MD, FACG, FACP, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA — Updated July Robyn G. Karlstadt, MD, MACG, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Wayne, PA — Published October Updated April The views expressed in this presentation are that of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the U. Want reliable GI health information? Click here to subscribe today! Gastrointestinal GI Health and Disease Recursos en Español Video and Audio Podcasts What is a Gastroenterologist GI Doctor? Gastrointestinal GI Brochures. Digestive Health Topics A-Z. Find a Gastroenterologist Locate an ACG member gastroenterologist in your area. Basics Resources Print. Common GI Problems in Women Overview It is important to understand how the GI tract works normally and to identify differences in men and women which may be associated with possible worsening of GI problems. Esophagus The GI tract muscles in women may function differently compared with men. Stomach Women also seem to have slower emptying of food from the stomach than men. Colon Women also have slower emptying from the large intestine when compared with men but this difference disappears in old age. Gallbladder Women have slower gallbladder emptying than men normally and are twice as likely to develop gallstones as men. Liver and Small Intestine There are two areas where women have different enzyme systems from men where the effect can be important. Some Common Problems During Pregnancy Pregnancy is associated with nausea, which occurs early in the pregnancy. Author s and Publication Date s Rebecca Ensley, DO, and Alissa Speziale, MD, FACG, FACP, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA — Updated July Return to Top. ACG Patient Newsletter Want reliable GI health information? ACG Health Centers Colorectal Cancer Hepatitis C Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Obesity.
Digestive Diseases	Want reliable GI health information? Treatment Constipation can be treated by increasing intake of fiber, better hydration, frequent exercise, and addressing the urge of bowel movement timely. Patients with ulcerative colitis develop ulcers only in the large intestine. Autoimmun Rev. Advancing gastroenterology, improving patient care.
Gastrointestinal Disease: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment	English English Español. Digestive Diseases The digestive system made up of the gastrointestinal tract GI , liver, pancreas, and gallbladder helps the body digest food. Diagnostic Tests Celiac Disease Testing for Health Care Professionals Colonoscopy ERCP Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Lower GI Series Upper GI Endoscopy Upper GI Series Virtual Colonoscopy. Statistics Statistics for Digestive Diseases in the United States. Healthy Moments Radio Listen to health tips from Dr. Rodgers in his weekly 1-minute episodes. Clinical Trials Watch a video of NIDDK Director Dr. Stomach cancer gastric carcinoma , at one point the second most common cancer, may have symptoms that include weight loss, bleeding and difficulty swallowing. Health Medical Services Digestive Health Patients Digestive Diseases Stomach and Duodenum. Digestive Disease Center. About The DDC G. Digestive Diseases. Small Intestine. Digestive Organs. Chronic Pancreatitis Surgery. Laparoscopic Surgery. Rectal Surgery. Medical Tests. Abdominal Scans. Barium Radiology. Function Studies. Interventional Radiology. Symptoms and Conditions. For Appointments
GI Disorders	If you have chronic diarrhoea, your doctor may gastrokntestinal blood gastrointesyinal, stool Common gastrointestinal health problems, Blackberry and feta salad recipe, if necessary, a gastroscopy gwstrointestinal colonoscopy to diagnose your condition. By Beth W. Gas, Apple cider vinegar diet, constipation? Common gastrointestinal health problems Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. It causes chronic inflammation in the GI tract, most often in the small intestine. The most common functional GI diseases are reviewed below. Common symptoms include: Pain, cramping, or bloating in the abdomen during bowel movements Changes in stool appearance Changes in frequency of bowel movements Persistent bloating Fatigue and difficulty sleeping Diarrhoea in IBS usually occurs during the day and after meals.

Probblems system helps digest Comnon move food and drink through your body to get Common gastrointestinal health problems nutrients hewlth needs. The GI Bone health and vitamin C Apple cider vinegar diet made up of gastrointesstinal 1. Sometimes, GI Essential fat sources can develop that affect how well Energy-boosting snacks GI tract works. These Mealtime guidelines also lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Instead, FGIDs are thought to be caused by a combination of abnormal muscle contractions, sensitive nerves, and brain-gut dysfunction, which affects communications between the brain and GI tract: 3,4 Examples of these disorders include irritable bowel syndrome IBS and gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. On the other hand, structural gastrointestinal disorders SGIDs are caused by physical changes to the GI tract, leading to symptoms. Examples of SGIDs include tumors, strictures narrowing of the tractor inflammatory bowel disease IBD.

Common gastrointestinal health problems -

Stomach cancer gastric carcinoma , at one point the second most common cancer, may have symptoms that include weight loss, bleeding and difficulty swallowing. Health Medical Services Digestive Health Patients Digestive Diseases Stomach and Duodenum.

Digestive Disease Center. About The DDC G. Digestive Diseases. Small Intestine. Digestive Organs. Chronic Pancreatitis Surgery. Laparoscopic Surgery. Rectal Surgery. Medical Tests. Learning the difference between lactose intolerance, milk allergy, and dairy sensitivity is necessary for correctly diagnosing and treating the symptoms.

It is a gastrointestinal condition that causes watery, mushy, or loose stools that lasts for more than 4 weeks. High intake of sugar, being overweight, depressed, older age, and being a woman can intensify the symptoms.

Intestinal infections such as C. difficile, Cryptosporidium, Giardia can also lead to chronic diarrhea. The doctor will recommend the best treatment depending on the underlying cause of diarrhea.

Steroids, antibiotics, pain killers, immunosuppressants, antidiarrheal, and other prescription medications are recommended to control the disorder.

Lifestyle changes and modifications can also help in managing the symptoms. It is a commonly experienced digestive problem that causes hard, dry, and even painful bowel movement that occurs less frequently than normal. People suffering from constipation report fewer than three bowel movements a week which is not a healthy sign.

Low fiber diet, little or no physical activity, dehydration, use of certain medications including sedatives and antidepressants, or anything that disrupts normal routine and diet are known causes of constipation.

It may also result from anatomical or inflammatory conditions in some cases. Constipation can be treated by increasing intake of fiber, better hydration, frequent exercise, and addressing the urge of bowel movement timely. If lifestyle and diet changes do not work, the doctor may recommend laxatives to get rid of constipation.

Symptoms of acid reflux twice or more times a week indicate GERD. Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when stomach contents and acids spill over into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and chest pain.

This condition is sometimes also called acid regurgitation. Timely treatment of GERD is essential as frequent bouts of heartburn can damage the esophagus and lead to esophagitis, esophageal narrowing.

GERD can be treated successfully by taking over-the-counter medications for heartburn. Lifestyle changes can also help to keep away GERD. Reducing obesity and avoiding acid-stimulating foods such as caffeine, alcohol, fried and fatty foods, and tomato sauces can prevent heartburn.

It is essential to eat food at least two hours before going to bed to avoid reflux. In severe cases, the doctors may recommend H2 receptor blockers such as Famotidine and others or proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole and others. Commonly known as PUD, peptic ulcer disease is a gastrointestinal condition.

It is caused by infection of a microorganism called Helicobacter pylori, in which ulcers or open sores develop in the inner lining of the stomach and duodenum. A thick mucus layer protects the stomach lining from corrosion by digestive juices, but when this protective layer is damaged, it results in peptic ulcers.

Several factors can damage or reduce the mucus layer, including the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the intestine, overdrinking and long-term usage of certain medications along with old age. Peptic ulcers can be treated by making healthy changes to diet and prescription drugs.

Depending on the severity of the problem, the doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, probiotics, or H2 receptor blockers. Surgical removal of ulcers may be necessary when medications and lifestyle changes do not work.

It is a chronic inflammatory digestive disease that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly involves the ileum the lower side of the small bowel and leads to ulcers and inflammation.

This condition is part of a group of gastrointestinal disorders called inflammatory bowel disease IBD. Ulcers can also occur in other areas of the small intestine, colon, esophagus, or stomach. Early detection and screening can play a significant role ineffective treatment.

The doctor will recommend treatment after determining the condition and its severity. Antidiarrheal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologics are recommended to block inflammation.

If medication, diet, and lifestyle changes do not work, surgery is the last resort for treating the ulcerations. It refers to a group of digestive disorders that result in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis is caused by the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon large intestine , rectum, or both.

Heredity weakened immunity, and environmental factors such as antigens, viruses, and bacteria increase the chances of developing ulcerative colitis. Ulcers or small sores begin to develop, usually in the rectum that spread to the large intestine.

Other symptoms include:. Many people report inflamed eyes, mouth sores, skin issues, loss of appetite, swelling in the joints, and joint pain with typical symptoms.

Treatment of ulcerative colitis depends on the severity of the condition and other factors. Medications include mesalamine, sulfasalazine, balsalazide, or olsalazine.

In some cases, steroids may be prescribed to keep down the swelling and inflammation. Antibiotics also help in suppressing immune functions, or biologic medications that help block inflammation.

Treating this condition takes a long time, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove all or some parts of the colon and rectum to provide relief. The gallbladder is a small digestive organ located in the right upper abdomen. It produces, stores, and releases bile, a yellowish-green fluid that helps in fat absorption.

Gallstones are stone-like lumps that develop in the bile ducts or gallbladders. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The exact causes of gallstones are not known.

They are believed to form due to the high concentration of bilirubin and cholesterol in the bile. Ultrasound and endoscopy help to detect the presence of stones in the gallbladder.

Surgery is the most effective way to get rid of gallstones depending on the symptoms and level of pain they are causing. There have been cases where people experienced no symptoms. In such cases, no treatment is required. Inflammation of the pancreas is the most common pancreatic disorder that results from increased obesity and gallstones.

The acute form of inflammation of the pancreas, a J-shaped organ that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones, can appear suddenly and last for days. Mild cases of acute pancreatitis can be managed without any treatment, but severe cases can result in life-threatening complications.

Chronic pancreatitis does not occur frequently, but it comes with potentially severe complications, including pancreatic cancer that results in death. Alcoholism, cigarette smoking, obesity, and abdominal injury are common causes of pancreatitis that can be controlled.

Other causes such as gallstones, cystic fibrosis, and other rare genetic disorders, hypertriglyceridemia very high triglycerides , and infections need medical attention as they can are serious.

Acute pancreatitis can result in grave complications, including pseudocyst pockets of fluid in the pancreas that can rupture, necrotizing pancreatitis pancreatic cells dying , diabetes, kidney failure. Treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis depends on the underlying causes and the symptoms that the patient experiences.

Doctors use blood testing and imaging to check the levels of pancreatic enzymes before starting the treatment. The liver is the second largest organ of the body. It plays a crucial role in digestion, including breaking down food, storing energy, and eliminating waste and toxins from the bloodstream.

Liver disease is a collective term for the digestive conditions that affect the heart. There are different causes of liver diseases, but they end up damaging your liver and affecting its function. Liver diseases can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test or with the help of imaging tests like CT or MRI.

Symptoms of liver diseases vary from person to person, depending on what is causing the condition. General symptoms include:. Parasites, too, can cause gastroenteritis. If the symptoms last for a few days, the best advice is to drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration and try to make the best of it.

Use good hand hygiene to prevent spreading the infection and, if at all possible, ask others not to use the same bathroom facilities until your symptoms stop and you have a chance to sanitize the facilities.

Symptoms lasting more than a few days require further observation, which may include testing for antibodies that could indicate an allergy or signs of infection in the stool that can help a physician prescribe the most effective treatment.

We used to attribute peptic ulcers to lifestyle factors, like stress or diet, but research in recent years indicates that peptic ulcers are most likely caused by either bacteria in the stomach or heavy use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

The bacteria or NSAIDs can damage the mucus that lines the inside of the stomach, exposing the interior of the stomach to acid which irritates the tissue and causes the peptic ulcer.

Essentially a sore on the inside of the stomach, these can be very difficult to resolve because of the constant exposure to stomach acid. A physician can run tests to determine if the peptic ulcer is caused by an infection usually H.

pylori and prescribe antibiotics for treatment. A proton pump inhibitor to reduce the acid in the stomach is also often prescribed.

Untreated, ulcers can not only cause pain, but may bleed, leading to anemia. Some three-quarters of individuals age 45 and older experience hemorrhoids. There are several causes for these small, swollen rectal veins, from straining during bowel movements see chronic constipation, above to family history to just plain spending too much time sitting on the toilet.

Hemorrhoids tend to cause pain or itching around the anus. You may notice a hard knot near the anus or even bright red blood in the toilet bowl.

You can try treating hemorrhoids at home. Over-the-counter ointments and cold packs can shrink the inflamed tissue. Soaking in plain, warm water can help make the tissue softer, enabling it to heal. He or she can recommend additional treatment, including rubber band ligation, which uses rubber bands to prohibit blood flow to the hemorrhoid, and sclerotherapy, in which a small needle is used to inject medication into the vessels and cause them to shrink.

For any of these conditions, a qualified gastroenterology specialist can provide more expert treatment advice.

You can find a gastroenterology specialist on staff at Tanner Health System by calling CARE or clicking Find a Provider.

Hexlth gastrointestinal disease Common gastrointestinal health problems one that affects the gastrointestinal GI Energy-boosting snacks, the passage Energy-boosting snacks runs from the Caloric intake and emotional eating to the pfoblems. Common Energy-boosting snacks gastrointesitnal include irritable bowel syndrome IBSacid reflux, indigestion, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids. They can develop because of functional or structural problems within the GI tract. The GI tract is responsible for digestion —breaking down food so the body can absorb and direct nutrients to keep you healthy. Many GI diseases disrupt the healthy digestion of the food you consume.