The Most Common Digestive Disorders Diseases

How Digestion Works: Basic Principles

The digestive process begins the moment food enters the mouth. Enzymes in saliva break down carbohydrates, and as food moves through the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines, additional enzymes and acids contribute to digestion. In the stomach, proteins are broken down by gastric acids, while bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas assist in breaking down fats and digesting proteins and carbohydrates.

Our intestines absorb nutrients — the small intestine absorbs most nutrients, while the large intestine reabsorbs water and electrolytes, ensuring waste is compacted before being excreted. The health of our digestive system is dependent on the balance created by acids, enzymes, bile, and gut bacteria.

Common Digestive Disorders

A few major disorders that may cause problems digesting food are—

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): 

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, irritating its lining. Heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing are some GERD symptoms. Left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, and even oesophageal cancer. Changes in lifestyle (such as cutting down on fatty food intake, quitting smoking, and weight management) can help manage the problems associated with GERD.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

IBS is a functional disorder and one of the most common digestive system diseases characterised by symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. While the exact cause is unknown, stress, diet, and gut sensitivity are believed to play a role. IBS is typically managed through dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques, and sometimes medications like antispasmodics or fibre supplements.

3. Celiac Disease:

In celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten (one of the proteins of wheat, barley, and rye) creates a type of inflammation in the small intestine that severely impairs its ability to absorb nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies commonly occurring because of impaired absorption are free concentrated water, simple sugars, fatty acids, monoglycerides, glycerol, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and some vitamins, especially thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folate, and vitamin B12. Diarrhoea, weakness, and considerable weight loss are some symptoms of this disease. The only known effective treatment is to stay on a gluten-free diet throughout life.

4. Crohn's Disease:

This chronic inflammatory bowel disease may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, though it most commonly affects the small intestine. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and malnutrition. There is no cure, but medication to reduce inflammation, immune system suppressors, and sometimes surgery allow the management of Crohn's disease.

5. Ulcerative Colitis:

Another form of IBD, ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum, causing ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, and urgent bowel movements are some symptoms of this disease. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics. In severe cases, surgery to remove the colon may be required.

6. Diverticulitis:

This ailment occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form in the walls of the colon become inflamed or infected. Abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a change in bowel habits are some symptoms of this disease. Mild cases are treated with rest, diet modifications, and antibiotics, while severe cases may require surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon.

7. Gallstones:

These are hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder. These stones block the bile ducts, leading to inflammation and pain in the upper right abdomen. Some people may require surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), while others may be able to manage gallstones with medication or dietary changes.

8. Lactose Intolerance:

This occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Bloating, diarrhoea, and gas after consuming dairy are some symptoms of lactose intolerance. While lactose intolerance cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed by reducing or eliminating dairy intake or taking lactase supplements.