Dr.Anand Patel

9 Common Digestive Issues Causes and Treatments

 gastro doctor in Ahmedabad

During our lifetime, most people experience digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, or heartburn, which can affect people of any age. While these symptoms often resolve quickly, digestive disorders can sometimes develop from mild discomfort to serious health concerns that disrupt daily life. Continuous or severe symptoms may indicate a need to consult a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad. Understanding the causes and available treatments is necessary for effectively managing these conditions. Diagnosing digestive issues includes a physical examination, diagnostic evaluations, lab tests, and imaging studies. Here, we explore nine common digestive issues, their causes, and treatment options by a gastrology doctor in Ahmedabad. Let’s take a look in depth!

9 Common Digestive Issues, Causes, and Treatment:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD):

When stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation in the centre of your chest, usually after meals or at night. While occasional acid reflux and heartburn are common, experiencing symptoms that interrupt your daily life or happen at least twice a week could indicate GERD, a chronic digestive condition. If you have continuous heartburn, bad breath, unexplained tooth erosion, nausea, chest or upper abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, you must consult a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad.

Most people find relief by avoiding foods and beverages that trigger these symptoms or using over-the-counter antacids or other medications. Lifestyle changes can be helpful, such as elevating the head of the bed, avoiding lying down after meals, and quitting smoking. However, in some cases, GERD may require stronger treatments like prescription acid-blocking medications or even surgery to manage symptoms effectively.

Gallstones:

Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder, a tiny pear-shaped organ that collects and passes bile to facilitate digestion. These stones occur when chemicals in bile, usually cholesterol or a waste product called bilirubin, become too concentrated and harden. If gallstones block the ducts that connect the gallbladder to the intestines, they can cause significant pain in the upper right abdomen. In such cases, a cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery is commonly advised by a gastrologist doctor in Ahmedabad.

Celiac Disease:

Celiac disease is a severe autoimmune syndrome caused by gluten, wheat, rye, and barley protein. When a person with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, harming the villi—small finger-like points required for food absorption. Symptoms in children can include stomach pain and bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and weight loss. In adults, symptoms may include anaemia, weariness, bone loss, depression, and even disruptions. However, some people may not show any visible symptoms. The only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. Brown rice, quinoa, lentils, soy flour, corn flour and amaranth are popular gluten-free options.

Crohn’s Disease:

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the digestive issues. However, it most commonly affects the terminal ileum, which links the end of the small intestine to the beginning of the colon. As per a gastrologist doctor in Ahmedabad, the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but it is believed that genetics and family history may contribute to its development. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever. Treatment for Crohn’s disease varies based on the severity of symptoms and may include medication, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery.

Ulcerative colitis:

Ulcerative colitis has many of the same symptoms as Crohn’s disease, but it only affects the large intestine or colon. When the immune system mistakenly attacks food or other substances as dangerous, it can cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon’s lining. Symptoms include frequent and urgent bowel movements, pain accompanied by diarrhoea, blood in the stool, and abdominal cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad. Treatment  includes medications to reduce inflammation and dietary changes to avoid foods that trigger discomfort. In severe cases, surgery to remove the colon may be necessary to manage the condition effectively.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Is your digestive tract causing you regular discomfort? If you experience stomach pain or discomfort at least three times a month for several months, it could be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), common digestive issues. Symptoms can vary widely, including constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between hard, dry stools one day and loose, watery stools the next. Bloating is another common symptom.

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but symptom management usually focuses on dietary changes, such as eating low-fat, high-fibre meals and avoiding trigger foods like dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and gas-producing foods. Probiotics like those found in live yogurt may help relieve symptoms. Stress can also worsen IBS, so some people find relief through cognitive-behavioural therapy or low-dose antidepressants.

Haemorrhoids:

Bright red blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement may show haemorrhoids, a common condition indicated by inflamed blood vessels at the end of the digestive issues. Haemorrhoids can be painful and itchy, usually caused by factors such as chronic constipation, diarrhoea, straining during bowel movements, and a low-fibre diet. To manage haemorrhoids, increase your intake of fibre, drink plenty of water, and engage in regular physical activity. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories can provide temporary relief from symptoms. If these home treatments are ineffective, it’s advisable to consult a gastrologist doctor in Ahmedabad for further evaluation and treatment choices.

Diverticulitis:

Small pouches, known as diverticula, can develop in the lining of your digestive system, most commonly in the colon. When diverticula are present without symptoms, the condition is called diverticulosis. This is quite common among older adults and usually doesn’t cause any issues. However, if these pouches become inflamed, it leads to diverticulitis, which can be exemplified by symptoms such as fever and abdominal pain. Obesity is an effective risk factor for developing diverticulitis.

Mild cases of diverticulitis are generally treated with antibiotics and a clear liquid diet to allow the colon to heal. Since a low-fibre diet may contribute to diverticulitis, a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad may recommend increasing fibre intake through whole grains, legumes, and vegetables as part of your treatment plan. In cases of extreme or recurrent diverticulitis, surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon may be necessary.

Anal fissures:

Anal fissures are tiny, oval-shaped tears in the lining of the very end of your digestive tract called your anus. The symptoms are like those of haemorrhoids, such as bleeding and pain after moving the bowels. Pushing and hard bowel movements can cause fissures, as can soft stools and diarrhoea. A high-fibre diet that makes your stool well-formed and bulky is the best treatment for these common digestive issues. Medications to relax the anal sphincter muscles, as well as topical anaesthetics, can relieve pain; however, chronic fissures may require surgery.

Wrapping Up:

In summary, digestive issues such as gallstones, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, haemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and anal fissures can significantly impact daily life. Identifying symptoms and understanding possible treatments is required for effective management. Various strategies can help relieve discomfort and promote digestive health, from dietary changes and medications to surgical options. If you experience continued issues, consulting a gastro doctor in Ahmedabad is essential for proper diagnosis and personalised treatment. Prioritising gut health can lead to a better quality of life.

Dr. Anand Patel

Dr. Anand Patel

Dr. Anand Patel, holding an MS and DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology, as well as an FMBS in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, authors this article on the website. He ensures all information is sourced from reliable research conducted by himself and fellow specialists, providing authentic insights and expertise.