People with digestive issues often complain of excessive bloating and gas. ( Image: Canva)
Digestive disorders can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and a variety of health issues. From irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these conditions affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Early signs are crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, improving quality of life. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and heartburn may signal underlying issues. In this article, we explore six common symptoms of digestive disorders, highlighting when to seek medical attention for better management.
Here are a few symptoms of digestive disorders.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
Abdominal pain and discomfort are common symptoms of digestive diseases. This might be intermittent or continuous, ranging from minor cramps to excruciating pain, says Dr Harsh Kapoor, Chairman (Pan Metro), Institute of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, GI Surgery & Liver Transplant, Metro Hospital Noida.
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Bowel motions provide relief from chronic stomach pain, which is typically caused by conditions such as IBS. On the other hand, because of GI tract inflammation, IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can result in more severe and long-lasting pain.
Another major sign of digestive issues is changes in stool habits. These alterations may show up as constipation, diarrhoea, or a mix of the two. For example, irregular bowel movements, such as diarrhoea interspersed with constipation, are frequently the result of IBS. While diarrhoea can be a symptom of coeliac disease due to gluten intolerance, chronic diarrhoea is a hallmark of illnesses such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, says Dr Kapoor.
People with digestive issues often complain of excessive bloating and gas. Numerous conditions, such as dietary intolerances, bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, or loss of nutrients, can cause these symptoms. Bloating and gas are frequent symptoms of conditions including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing in social situations.
Also see | Bond with your gut: 7 ways to improve your digestive system, boost mental health
- Heartburn and acid reflux
The two main signs of gastric reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid often runs back into the oesophagus and irritates it, are heartburn and acid reflux. GERD patients may have trouble swallowing, regurgitate food or sour liquids, and feel like they have a burning sensation in their chest. Barrett's oesophagus and oesophagitis are two consequences of chronic GERD that emphasise the significance of identifying and treating these symptoms.
Vomiting and nausea can be signs of several digestive diseases, such as gallbladder disease and gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach empties too slowly. Since these symptoms frequently result in decreased appetite and
weight loss, they can have a substantial influence on daily life and nutritional status. To identify the underlying reason and the best course of action, persistent nausea and vomiting should be evaluated by a physician.
- Fatigue and nutritional deficiencies
Fatigue and nutritional deficits can result from digestive issues because they limit the absorption of vital nutrients. Vitamin and mineral deficits can arise from conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and coeliac disease that obstruct the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms like
weakness, exhaustion, anaemia, and bone problems may arise from this, says Dr Kapoor.
For an early diagnosis and successful treatment, it is essential to comprehend the symptoms of digestive diseases.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
