Your Guide to the 13 Most Common Digestive Disorders
Having a hard time pinpointing your digestive problems to a particular digestive disorder?
You’re Not Alone.
That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to the most common ailments, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3 Common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.................................................................4
What is Constipation?................................................................................................................6
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?..............................................................................9
What is Heartburn/Acid Reflux/GERD?.............................................................................. 11
What is Functional Dyspepsia?............................................................................................ 13
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?............................................................................................. 15
Common Structural Digestive Disorders.............................................................................. 16
What is Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?..................................................................... 17
What is Crohn’s Disease........................................................................................................ 18
What is Ulcerative Colitis?..................................................................................................... 19
What are Hemorrhoids?........................................................................................................ 20
What is Diverticulitis?.............................................................................................................. 22
What are Gallstones?............................................................................................................. 24
What are Colon Polyps, and Colon Cancer?..................................................................... 25
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Introduction: “Go with Your Gut.” We hear that all the time when it comes to making key decisions. But when it comes to relating symptoms to digestive disorders, it’s often difficult to go with your gut. These disorders fall into two chief categories – functional and structural – and in those categories are several distinct conditions, which have similar symptoms. The process of pinpointing the source of or reaching a diagnosis for digestive disorders is often a frustrating one. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you identify the different types. We’ll look at the differences between functional and structural disorders, and explain some of the more common digestive ailments. Once you’ve begun to understand these disorders, you’ll have an easier time talking to your health care practitioner about a treatment plan for managing your symptoms.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Functional gastrointestinal disorders are ones in which the GI tract appears normal, but doesn’t work properly. These are the most common disorders, affecting about 25 percent of the population at one time or another, and accounting for roughly 40 percent of GI-related doctor’s visits, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Although FGIDs account for a sizable percentage of digestive-related doctor’s visits, most people with FGID symptoms do not consult a doctor, although they may treat their illnesses with medication. Conditions like IBS are the second most common cause – following colds – of missed work due to illness.
There are three key features of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) 1. Motility – The muscular activity in the GI tract. When you have an FGID, this muscle activity functions abnormally, and can cause painful muscle spasms. 2. Sensation – For people with FGIDs, the nerves in the digestive tract are often so sensitive that even regular contractions can cause discomfort and pain. 3. Brain-gut dysfunction – A disconnect in communication between the brain and the digestive system, disrupting the way the brain regulates gut function.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
There are several factors that can contribute to these disorders, including: • A low-fiber diet • Too much dairy • Stress • Lack of exercise • Changes in routine (including travel)
According to the University of North Carolina Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, doctors have identified more than 20 functional GI ailments. Some common functional digestive disorders include: Constipation Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Heartburn/Acid Reflux/GERD Functional Dyspepsia Leaky Gut Syndrome
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Let’s take a closer look at each disorder, its symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is Constipation? onstipation is a condition in which your bowel movements are difficult, or happen less C frequently than usual. It’s something most people experience at some point, and is typically not serious. Although everyone’s bowel movement schedule is different, going more than three days without one is typically too long.
Symptoms of constipation may include: • Reduced bowel movements • Straining to go • Vomiting • Swollen belly • Belly pain • Small or harder stool • A sense that everything didn’t come out
What causes constipation? Here are many things that can cause constipation, including some of the GI disorders we’ll touch on in this guide: • Changes in your diet
•S ome medications, including pain meds, anti-depressants, iron pills and antacids that contain aluminum or calcium
• Eating disorders • IBS
• Inactivity
• Stress
•N ot drinking enough water
• Colon cancer • Overuse of laxatives
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
How can I treat constipation? Start by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and drinking warm liquids in the morning. You can eat prunes and bran cereal at breakfast, and try to drink more water. If you need to, try to a mild over-the-counter stool softener, or a laxative, although you shouldn’t use a laxative for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. You can prevent constipation by drinking between a quart or two of water and other fluids each day (unless your doctor has you on a diet that restricts fluids), avoiding caffeine, lessening your dairy intake and getting regular exercise.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Should I see a doctor if I’m constipated? As we said early, constipation is something most people will have to deal with at some point. But there are some situations where constipation will require you to contact your doctor: • You’re experiencing very sudden constipation with pain or cramping, and are unable to pass any gas or stool. • You have blood in your stool, pencil-thin stools or have severe pain during bowel movements. • You’ve lost weight without dieting. Your doctor may order tests to determine the source of your constipation. These tests include barium studies and colonoscopies – to check for blockages in the colon – as well as blood tests that look at your hormone levels.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive disorder that involves abdominal pain and a host of other symptoms. It’s something of a mystery for medical professionals, although there are some things doctors agree on: • It’s a medical condition, even if the causes are unclear. • It does not cause other GI illnesses. • It is not related to cancer. • Other illnesses, such as bacterial overgrowth, can trigger IBS
In addition to cramping and discomfort, other symptoms of IBS include: • Bloating • Constipation • Gas • Diarrhea • Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation • Clear or white mucus in the stool
If you have IBS, you may also have bowel movements that feel urgent, difficult to pass or incomplete. Your doctor may suggest further tests to rule out more serious conditions if your symptoms include: • Weight loss • Rectal bleeding • Anemia due to low iron • Recurrent vomiting • Nausea • Abdominal pain, especially pain that isn’t relieved by a bowel movement
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
How do I treat IBS? Most people can manage IBS by making diet and lifestyle changes, although it may take time to figure out which foods trigger symptoms. These changes include: • Eliminating foods that cause gas, such as broccoli, raw fruits and carbonated drinks. • Eliminating processed foods, which are often filled with unhealthy additives and stripped of their nutritional value. • Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages can make gas and diarrhea worse. • Eating on a regular schedule. • Making sure you’re sleeping enough and getting regular exercise.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is Heartburn/Acid Reflux/ GERD? Although heartburn announces itself as a pain in your chest – some people mistake it for a heart attack – it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn happens when acid in your esophagus causes a burning sensation in your chest. In some cases, it moves into the neck or causes soreness behind the breastbone. Of all the ailments we discuss in this guide, heartburn is the most common. About one fifth of all Americans experience it at least once a month.
How do I treat heartburn? You can treat heartburn by taking antacids, and help prevent it by: • Cutting back on fatty foods • Avoiding foods that are spicy or acidic • Quitting smoking • Losing weight If you find yourself taking antacids several times a week, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Your heartburn might be a sign of a more serious condition, such as acid reflux or GERD.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is acid reflux? Acid reflux occurs when a muscle known as your lower esophageal sphincter – or LES – fails to tighten properly and allows stomach acid to move into your esophagus. It can cause heartburn, coughing, a sore throat, a sour/bitter taste and a burning in the chest. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, snacking near your bedtime or laying down right after eating a heavy meal. In addition, acid reflux can be triggered by alcohol, caffeine, soda, chocolate, mint, garlic, tomatoes, citrus fruit and onions, as well as certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants.
What is GERD? GERD – or gastroesophageal reflux disease – is a chronic version of acid reflux, diagnosed when you experience acid reflux more than twice a week, or when it causes inflammation in the esophagus.
Symptoms may include heartburn and chest pain, along with: • Regurgitation • Bad breath • Damage to tooth enamel • Asthma • Persistent, dry cough • Trouble swallowing
GERD may not be treatable with over-the-counter medication. Some people require surgery to strengthen the LES muscle. But as with acid reflux, symptoms may be controlled through changes to your diet and by avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is Functional Dyspepsia? Dyspepsia is a pain or uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle stomach. Like heartburn or constipation, it’s something many people will experience during their lifetimes.
Symptoms include: • A burning/gnawing stomach pain • Heartburn • Bloating • Nausea and vomiting
Dyspepsia is often caused by acid reflux or stomach ulcers, but it can also be triggered by some medications, including anti-inflammatories, as well as anxiety and depression.
How is dyspepsia treated? Treatment for dyspepsia will depend on its source. If your doctor can’t find what’s causing your dyspepsia, they can prescribe a medication to relieve the symptoms.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
You can also make some lifestyle changes: • Eat several small meals instead of two or three bigger ones. • Avoid late night snacking. • Wait at least two hours to lie down after eating. • Avoid consuming alcohol, mint or chocolate as they can worsen your condition, as can spicy or acidic foods. • Use blocks to raise the head of your bed by six to eight inches to combat nighttime dyspepsia attacks.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome? Leaky gut syndrome is a condition resulting from damage to the intestinal lining and breakdowns in the junctions between your intestines designed to keep toxins out of your blood stream. The toxins that “leak” out are believed to cause inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to a variety of diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Leaky gut syndrome is somewhat of a medical mystery in the healthcare community. It may not be generally recognized by conventional physicians, or given an as official diagnosis, but it has gained a lot of attention in recent years. This is due to growing evidence and research that links leaky gut to a variety of unrelated health concerns and chronic diseases. Experts in the alternative medicine community say people with leaky gut have symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, food sensitivities, and aches and pains.
You can improve leaky gut by: • Avoiding sugar and processed foods, and eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids (grass-fed beef or lamb, wild caught fish). • Adding gut-friendly foods to your diet, including flax, hemp and chia seeds. • Getting tested for food allergies. • Getting more exercise. Walking can help the nerves that maintain gut motility.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
Structural Gastrointestinal Disorders Unlike functional GI disorders, structural disorders are those in which the GI tract both appears abnormal and does not function properly.
In some cases, patients may need surgery to correct structural abnormalities. Some common structural digestive disorders include: • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • Crohn’s disease • Ulcerative colitis • Hemorrhoids • Diverticular disease • Gallstones • Colon polyps • Colon cancer As we did with the functional GI disorders, we’re going to take a closer look at the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention for each of these structural disorders.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
What is IBD? Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term that covers a group of disorders in which the intestines become inflamed and swollen. Two of the most common disorders are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). The term IBD can also cover some lesser known conditions, such as Behçet’s disease, microscopic colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Both Crohn’s and UC share some symptoms, and are both marked by an abnormal immune system response. With these illnesses, the immune system mistakes food and bacteria in the digestive system for foreign bodies and sends white blood cells into the bowels to protect the body. This leads to chronic inflammation in the bowels. Still, there are some important distinctions between UC and Crohn’s disease.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
What is Crohn’s Disease? Although Crohn’s disease can affect any section of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, it’s typically found at the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. It can cause intestinal blockages due to swelling and scarring, sores in the intestinal tracts, and increase the risk of colon cancer. (Because of this, Crohn’s patients need regular colonoscopies.) But Crohn’s reach goes beyond the GI tract, affecting the skin, eyes, liver and joints. It may lead to weight loss, as patients may want to avoid food.
Symptoms include: • Painful abdominal cramps • Persistent diarrhea • Fever • Fatigue • Occasional rectal bleeding Crohn’s is not curable, but can be treated with steroids, antibiotics, biologic therapy and other drugs. Some patients may require surgery.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
What is Ulcerative Colitis? While Crohn’s may affect the entire GI tract, UC is confined only to the colon. Although not as serious as Crohn’s, UC can have severe complications when left untreated, and can lead to holes in the large bowel, colon cancer, liver disease, blood clots and osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis Include: • Loose or bloody stools • Urgent bowel movements • Fatigue • Abdominal pains/cramps • Loss of appetite • In severe cases, anemia UC can be treated the same way as Crohn’s – aside from biologic therapy. Most UC patients will not require surgery for their condition.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
What are Hemorrhoids? Also known as “piles,” hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They have numerous causes, from straining during bowel movements to chronic diarrhea or constipation to obesity and pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids? Symptoms of hemorrhoids include: • Pain or discomfort • Bleeding during bowel movements • Anal itching or irritation • Swelling In some cases, people with hemorrhoids may feel painful or sensitive lump near the anus, which could be a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is a blood clot.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
How can I prevent hemorrhoids? Your best bet is to keep your stools soft, by following these tips: • Eat high fiber foods, which means more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You may want to take fiber supplements, but be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation. • Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. • Don’t strain or hold your breath during bowel movements. • When you feel the urge to use the bathroom, head to the bathroom. Letting the urge pass can cause your stool to become dry and more difficult to pass. • Stay active, and avoid sitting for too long. If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids, you can treat them by soaking in warm baths, applying an ice pack, or by using over-the counter creams.
When should I see a doctor? The most common sign of a hemorrhoid is bleeding during a bowel movement, but that doesn’t mean you should assume rectal bleeding means you have a hemorrhoid. This can be the sign of a more serious condition, and that you should visit your doctor.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing excessive rectal bleeding, dizziness or faintness.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
What is Diverticulitis? To get diverticulitis, your body must first be experiencing something called diverticulosis, which happens when pouches called diverticula form on the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is the painful condition that happens when these pouches become infected or inflamed. Doctors aren’t sure why the pouches form in the first place, but it may have to do with a low fiber diet. When you aren’t getting enough fiber, your colon needs to work harder to move stool forward. This may cause the pouches to form along weak spots in the colon. When bacteria grow in those pouches, it can lead to an infection. Symptoms may last from just a few hours to more than week. The most common symptom is belly pain on your lower left side that increases when you move (it may also occur on the right).
Other symptoms of Diverticulitis can include: • Bloating • Gas • Diarrhea • Constipation • Fever and chills • Lack of appetite • Nausea and occasional vomiting
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Structural Digestive Disorders
How is Diverticulitis Treated? Treatment for diverticulitis can depend on the extent of the symptoms. It may be that you need to stop solid foods for a time. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers, as well as antibiotics, which you should take as directed. If you’re dealing with cramps and mild stomach pain, try using a heating pad, and practice meditation or other relaxation tips. Surgery may be necessary if other treatments aren’t effective, or if you have long-lasting pain, a bowel obstruction or an abscess. As with some of the other conditions we’ve discussed, you might be able to prevent diverticulitis by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high fiber diet and getting exercise.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
What are Gallstones? Sitting next to your liver is the gallbladder, a small sac that stores bile. After you eat, the gallbladder releases bile into your GI tract to help you digest. Gallstones are what happens when the substances in your bile – cholesterol and a waste product known as bilirubin – become too concentrated and form a stone. Sometimes these stones just stay in the gallbladder without any problems. Other times, they block the exit from the gallbladder, causing it to become inflamed. This can progress to a more serious bacterial infection in the gallbladder. Risk factors for gallstones include a family history of gallstones, high cholesterol, diabetes, pregnancy, obesity and a high-fat, low-fiber diet.
What are the Symptoms of Gallstones?
Like we said earlier, it’s common to have a gallstone without any painful symptoms. In other cases, symptoms can include: • Pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades • Pain beneath the right shoulder blade • Fever with chills • Vomiting and nausea • Indigestion, gas or bloating • Pain after a heavy meal • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) • Dark urine or clay-colored stool
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Right Upper Abdomen
Structural Digestive Disorders
How are Gallstones Treated? As with diverticulitis, treatment for gallstones depends on their severity. In severe cases, you may need your gallbladder removed. But your doctor may recommend you switch to a healthier diet, prescribe medications, and take painkillers.
What are Colon Polyps? And What do they Have to do With Colon Cancer? Colon polyps are growths that form in your large intestine. They are commonly found in adults, and have no known cause, and often exhibit no symptoms, although you may experience diarrhea, constipation or other changes in bowel habits if the polyps get big enough. They are usually found during screenings for colon cancer, and can in fact turn into cancer over the course of several years. You are more likely to develop them after age 50, or if you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer.
How are Colon Polyps Treated? Because these polyps can turn into cancers, doctors tend to remove them during a colonoscopy, or during surgery. Once you’ve had polyps, you have a greater likelihood of developing them again, which means follow-up testing is important. Your doctor can tell you how often you should get tested. Remember that most colon cancer cases begin as polyps.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
Signs of colon cancer can include: • A change in bowel habits – diarrhea, constipation or a change in stool consistency – that lasts more than a month. • Rectal bleeding • Long-term abdominal pain, cramps or gas • A feeling that your bowel hasn’t fully emptied • Unexplained weight loss • Weakness or fatigue
If you’re seeing these symptoms, contact a doctor.
How is Colon Cancer Treated? In initial stages, doctors can remove polyps during a colonoscopy or through minimally invasive surgery. In more advanced stages, you may need to have part of your colon removed, or a temporary or permanent colostomy, which involves creating an opening in your abdomen for the elimination of waste into a special bag. Colon cancer, like other cancers, is also treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Both therapies are often combined with surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can prevent colon polyps – and lessen your risk for colorectal cancer – by having regular screenings and adopting healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle habits. The clinic notes that studies have shown a connection between a typical Western diet – high in fat, low in fiber – and an increased risk of colon cancer.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
Knowledge is Power “Scientia potentia est” That’s a Latin phrase commonly attributed to the British philosopher Sir Francis Bacon. Translated into English, it means “knowledge is power.” It’s only when we understand what our symptoms mean that can begin to make the changes in our lives necessary to manage them. We hope our guide has given you the power to do just that.
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Structural Digestive Disorders
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