Understanding Common Digestive Disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and inflammatory bowel disease are common digestive disorders that can cause uncomfortable or painful symptoms. Each has its unique symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Key takeaways:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting the large intestine. Cutting back on trigger foods and managing anxiety can help with symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. Weak muscles in the esophagus are the cause of this uncomfortable disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders affecting the digestive tract. The causes of IBD include a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder affecting the digestive system. It is characterized by a group of symptoms that can vary depending on the person. Although IBS can be debilitating, it is considered a syndrome, not a disease, because there are no scientifically measurable signs of abnormalities in the colon.
IBS symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes can also trigger symptoms. Typical symptoms include the following:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in bowel movement patterns
Bloating or abdominal distention
Excessive gas or flatulence
Feelings of incomplete bowel movement
Loss of appetite
Causes of IBS
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its development.
Sensitivities to certain foods, such as dairy, spicy foods, or foods high in saturated fats, and changes in the gut bacteria can trigger symptoms of IBS and cause increased symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating.
Women are more likely to develop IBS, and it’s also linked to specific hormonal changes during menstruation. Additionally, researchers have evidence that genetics may play a factor. Therefore, those with a family history of IBS are more likely to suffer symptoms.
One of the most significant contributing factors to IBS is the psychological effect. Mental health plays a big part in the development and severity of IBS symptoms, and multiple studies found that those with IBS had significantly higher anxiety and depression.
Available treatment options
The treatment for IBS generally focuses on managing the symptoms and improving the overall quality of life.
Dietary changes. It's recommended to avoid trigger foods like fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Eating small, frequent meals and increasing fiber intake can also help.
Probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for digestive health. They can help improve the balance of bacteria in the gut and reduce IBS symptoms.
Stress management. Stress can trigger IBS symptoms, so stress management techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help reduce symptoms.
Alternative therapies. Some find relief from IBS symptoms with alternative therapies like acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and herbal remedies; however, there is little evidence to support these methods in the treatment and management of IBS symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. Unfortunately, GERD is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
GERD Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes various symptoms and can be uncomfortable and painful. People living with GERD may have one or more of the following symptoms:
Sore throat
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Asthma-like symptoms
Causes of GERD
The causes of GERD can vary but, in most cases, result from weak gastroesophageal sphincter muscles. When these muscles are weak, stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, and this causes irritation and inflammation; therefore resulting in symptoms of GERD.
Some common triggers of GERD include eating spicy foods or dairy, consuming large meals, being overweight, and smoking.
Similar to IBS, GERD can also be triggered by stress and anxiety. Increased stress in everyday life and work can increase the symptoms of GERD.
Available treatment options
There are a number of available treatment options that can help manage symptoms and help to soothe the symptoms of GERD.
Adjusting one's diet. Reducing trigger foods, such as dairy and spicy foods, is important to help prevent reflux symptoms.
Losing weight. Several studies show that losing weight can significantly decrease the symptoms of GERD.
Staying hydrated. Drinking lots of water can help flush or dilute the acids in the stomach and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Eating smaller meals. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help reduce stomach acid and prevent reflux.
Drinking less alcohol. Or quitting drinking altogether, can help relieve symptoms of GERD.
Quitting smoking. Smoking is a main contributing factor to acid reflux. One study found that the risk of GERD was greatly increased in those who smoke.
Managing stress. Finding ways to manage stress can help reduce symptoms of GERD. For example, incorporating techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, prioritizing exercise, and getting enough sleep can reduce GERD flare-ups.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders known to affect the digestive tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnosing IBD normally involves a combination of medical history, physical exam, and many different diagnostic tests.
IBD symptoms
The symptoms of IBD can vary depending on the severity and location of the inflammation. However, most people will experience at least one of the following symptoms.
Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Urgent need to have a bowel movement
Weight loss
Fatigue
Causes of IBD
The causes of inflammatory bowel disease are unknown, but it is believed that it is a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.
The immune system is thought to play a significant role in IBD, as it attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing chronic inflammation and damage.
Available treatment options
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment for IBD may include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Medications may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, and biologics. Lifestyle changes may include dietary modifications, stress management, and regular exercise. In addition, surgery may be necessary to help repair complications.
Because IBD is a complex medical condition, people with IBD need to work closely with a healthcare professional to manage their condition and prevent complications.
Irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and inflammatory bowel disease are all common digestive disorders affecting men and women worldwide. However, IBS and GERD symptoms can be reduced by modifying the diet, reducing stress, and stopping smoking. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of IBD and the fact that there are immunological and genetic factors, this disease is more difficult to treat or reduce symptoms without proper medical treatments.
If you are experiencing digestive concerns, speaking with a medical professional is essential.
Resources:
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. Anxiety and depression comorbidities in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology. Epidemiology of esophageal cancer: update in global trends, etiology and risk factors.
ROME Foundation. Esophageal Disorders.
Springer Link. Adiposity, diabetes, lifestyle factors and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a Mendelian randomization study.
