5 Common Types of Digestive System Disorders

5 Common Types of Digestive System Disorders

There are various types of digestive system disorders that are common. Of the many digestive diseases, there are five types that are often found and we will discuss in the following article.

The human digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. In addition, the organs of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are also included in the Digestive System.

The function of the digestive system is to receive and digest various foods that we eat. After being digested, these nutrients are absorbed and distributed throughout our body through the bloodstream. The Digestive System also functions to separate and dispose of leftover food that cannot be digested by the human body.

Various Kinds of Digestive System Disorders

Digestive System Disorders are problems that occur in the ducts or organs involved in the human digestive system. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, from infection to acid reflux. Symptoms of digestive system disorders also vary, ranging from mild to severe disorders.

The following types of digestive system disorders that are commonly encountered :

• Diarrhea

Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of pooping more than 3 times a day accompanied by changes in the consistency of pooping to be more fluid. This condition can be caused by changes in diet, rotavirus infection, or bacteria. Diarrhea can last for several days to weeks.

In addition to causing changes in the frequency and consistency of pooping, diarrhea can also cause sufferers to experience stomach cramps, fever, bloating, and nausea.

• Constipated

Constipated or constipation is a change in the frequency of pooping becomes less frequent and is accompanied by difficulty pooping. This can be caused by decreased bowel movements. Generally a person can be considered constipated when the frequency of bowel movements is less than 3 times a week.

In addition to decreased bowel movements, constipation symptoms also include :

1. Hard stool.
2. Must push when defecating.
3. Feeling there is a blockage in the rectum, making stool difficult to remove.
4. Feeling incomplete after defecation.
5. Need help to remove the stool, for example pressing on the abdominal area or using your fingers to remove stool from the anus.

• Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when veins that are located outside or inside the anal canal (rectum) are swollen. This disease can occur to anyone, but about 50% of sufferers aged over 50 years. Hemorrhoids can cause pain and itching in the anus, there are lumps in the anus, and bleeding when pooping. Sometimes hemorrhoids can also make it difficult for sufferers to sit.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or stomach acid disease occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. This condition is caused by a weakening of the valve (sphincter) which is located in the lower esophagus.

In a Healthy body condition, the valve will contract and close the esophagus after food drops into the stomach. But in patients with GERD, a weak valve causes the esophagus to remain open, so that stomach acid can rise to the esophagus.

Some of the symptoms of acid reflux disease are :

1. Pain and a burning sensation in the chest, which gets worse after eating or when lying down.
2. Sour taste in the back of the mouth.
3. Pain when swallowing.
4. There is a lump in the esophagus.
5. Cough without phlegm.
6. Sore throat, if stomach acid irritates the throat.

• Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer is a wound found in the stomach lining and the upper small intestine. These erosion and injury are generally caused by bacterial Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of long-term pain medication.

Generally, stomach ulcers cause pain in the gut. Other symptoms that can appear on an ulcer are :

1. A sense of fullness and bloating.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Dark-colored feces
4. Changes in appetite
5. Weight loss with no known why

Various types of Digestive System Disorders found above can cause mild to severe complaints and disrupt daily activities. If you experience a complaint in the digestive system, consult your doctor to find out the cause and given further treatment.

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