World Digestive Health Day 2024: Abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn are symptoms of digestive disorders

Abdominal pain and cramping are common symptoms experienced by many individuals with food allergies shortly after consuming trigger foods. (Image: Canva)

World Digestive Health Day 2024: The term digestive disorders refer to a broad spectrum of illnesses that impact the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is made up of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. These conditions can have a serious negative effect on a person's quality of life by causing pain, discomfort, and other health issues. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastric reflux disease (GERD), and celiac disease are common digestive illnesses. It is essential to comprehend the signs of these conditions in order to diagnose patients early and provide appropriate care.

Abdominal pain and discomfort: These are common symptom 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. 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.

Changes in bowel habits: 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 diarrhea can be a symptom of celiac disease due to gluten intolerance, chronic diarrhea is a hallmark of illnesses such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, says Kapoor.

Bloating and gas: 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.

Heartburn and acid reflux: The two main signs of gastric reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid often runs back into the esophagus 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 esophagus and esophagitis are two consequences of chronic GERD that emphasise the significance of identifying and treating these symptoms.

Nausea and vomiting: 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: This 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 celiac disease that obstruct the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms like weakness, exhaustion, anaemia, and bone problems may arise from this, says Kapoor.