Gastrointestinal disease (GID) is a range of disorders that affect the digestive system. The conditions can be standard or rare. Sometimes, the condition requires surgery to remove part or all of the stomach. Patients may consult various types of medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment. If a person has any unusual symptoms, they should immediately see a doctor.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be debilitating for some people, especially if it’s not treated promptly. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. In addition, patients may experience diarrhea, constipation, or an alternation of both. Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome focuses on relieving the predominant symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that overlaps with other gastrointestinal conditions, including constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pelvic floor dyssynergia. While this overlap is often present during remission phases, there is no definitive evidence that they are related.
Crohn’s disease
Surgery is one of the treatments for Crohn’s disease, which can improve the patient’s quality of life and control symptoms. The procedure involves the removal of part of the intestine, usually the colon or the large intestine. Some patients need more than one procedure. Surgery can reduce inflammation, but it is usually associated with an increased risk of recurrence.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disorder affecting the intestine. This disease is an immune reaction to an infection. The inflammation in the intestine can cause the lining to form channels that can spread infection. These channels, called fistulas, can reach the surface of an organ and spread the infection to other parts of the body. A fistula can also lead to a severe condition called peritonitis.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic gastrointestinal disease characterized by rectal bleeding and inflammation of the colon. The condition is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the healthy tissues in the colon. The inflammation results in the deposition of blood and mucus in the stool. The symptoms may also include abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea. Early symptoms include erythema and scattered hemorrhages. In severe cases, the patient may experience large mucosal ulcers. In addition, islands of normal inflammatory mucosa may project over the ulcerated mucosa. In rare cases, the ulceration may spread to other body parts and cause pain and inflammation.
The best way to treat ulcerative colitis is to work closely with your healthcare team. In addition, taking the prescribed medications is extremely important. Skipping medications can cause flare-ups and make the condition harder to manage. Therefore, you should always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and talk with them regularly.
Hereditary hemochromatosis
The symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis can be mild to severe and develop gradually over a lifetime, depending on the severity of the condition. It usually appears during adulthood, after menstruation and pregnancy, but some people may develop symptoms as early as 20. Symptoms can also vary from person to person depending on the organ affected and the severity of the disorder. Some individuals may show only mild symptoms, while others may develop a severe case that is hard to treat. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and consult with a medical team to determine if this disorder is affecting you.
Diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis can be done by performing a blood test to detect the presence of iron in the blood. A liver biopsy may also be required to determine the extent of damage to the organ. Genetic tests may also be recommended for relatives with hemochromatosis history.