Types of Digestive Disorders, Causes, and How to Treat Them

Some mistakes when eating or drinking can risk causing indigestion. These include heartburn, stomach pain, pain and acid reflux.

Indigestion is a common health problem that can affect a person's quality of life. A compromised digestive system can cause various symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. This article will discuss the different types of indigestion, their causes and how to deal with them.

1. Ulcer (Gastritis)
Definition
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can be acute or chronic. This condition often causes pain or burning in the upper abdomen.

Causes
Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria

Overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Alcohol consumption

Stress and irregular diet

Symptoms
Pain in the solar plexus

Nausea or vomiting

Bloating

Loss of appetite

How to Treat
Taking antacid medications, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or H2 receptor antagonists

Avoiding spicy, acidic, or fatty foods

Maintaining a regular diet

Antibiotics for H. pylori infection

2. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Definition
GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid rises up the esophagus, causing irritation to the esophageal wall.

Causes
Weak valve between the stomach and esophagus (LES)

Obesity

Pregnancy

High-fat diet

Symptoms
Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)

Regurgitation of food or acid

Difficulty swallowing

Chronic cough or hoarseness

How to treat
Lifestyle changes: losing weight, avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller, more frequent meals

Medications such as PPIs or antacids

Surgery (if the condition is severe)

3. Dyspepsia
Definition
Dyspepsia is a common digestive disorder characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.

Causes
Stress

Irregular diet

Gastric infection

Other diseases such as GERD or gastritis

Symptoms
Feeling full after eating

Bloating

Nausea

Burning sensation in the upper abdomen

How to Treat
Manage stress

Eat light, easily digestible food

Antacid medications or PPIs

Treatments to address specific causes, such as bacterial infections

4. Diarrhea
Definition
Diarrhea is a condition where a person passes stools more frequently than usual with a liquid stool consistency.

Causes
Bacterial (E. coli, Salmonella), viral, or parasitic infections

Food poisoning

Lactose intolerance

Intestinal diseases such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis

Symptoms
Liquid bowel movements more than three times a day

Abdominal pain or cramping

Fever

Dehydration

How to Treat
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

Antidiarrheal medication such as loperamide (only if needed)

Antibiotics for diarrhea caused by bacterial infection

Avoid oily or spicy food

5. Constipation
Definition
Constipation is difficulty in passing stools with infrequent frequency or hard stools.

Causes
Lack of fiber and water intake

Lack of physical activity

Side effects of medications

Diseases such as hypothyroidism or intestinal disorders

Symptoms
Hard or dry stools

Pain during bowel movements

Stomach fullness or bloating

How to Treat
Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Drinking plenty of water

Exercising regularly

Laxatives if needed

6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Definition
IBS is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the function of the colon without any structural abnormalities.

Causes
Psychological factors such as stress or anxiety

Gut sensitivity to certain foods

Changes in gut microflora

Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramps

Diarrhea or constipation

Bloating

Excess gas

How to Treat
Manage stress through meditation or psychological therapy

Low FODMAP diet to avoid trigger foods

Medication to manage symptoms such as antispasmodics or probiotics

7. Celiac Disease
Definition
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Causes
Genetic

Exposure to gluten in the diet

Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea

Weight loss

Anemia

Fatigue

How to Treat
Avoidance of all gluten-containing foods

Vitamin and mineral supplements if needed

Manage symptoms with the help of a doctor
 

8. Ulcerative Colitis
Definition
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum.

Causes
Autoimmune disease

Genetic factors

Environment

Symptoms
Diarrhea mixed with blood

Abdominal pain

Fatigue

Weight loss

How to treat
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as 5-ASA or corticosteroids

Immunosuppressant drugs

Surgery for severe cases

9. Crohn's disease
Definition
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the entire digestive tract.

Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but is linked to genetic and autoimmune

Environmental factors such as smoking

Symptoms
Abdominal pain

Chronic diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Fever

How to treat
Medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants

Special diet

Surgery for certain complications

10. Gallstones
Definition
Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder due to an imbalance in the composition of bile.

Causes
High cholesterol levels

Obesity

Family history

Symptoms
Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen

Nausea or vomiting

Fever if there is an infection

How to treat
Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)

Gallstone dissolving medication

Low-fat diet

Conclusion
Indigestion can vary from mild conditions like ulcers to chronic diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Knowing the causes and symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you experience ongoing or severe symptoms of indigestion, consult a doctor immediately.

Reference:

Mayo Clinic - Digestive Diseases

WebMD - Digestive System Disorders

Healthline - Causes and Treatment of Digestive Disorders

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - Digestive Diseases