Adigestive diseasedisrupts digestion in one way or another, causing health problems that range from mild to serious.
This may include something as common as acid reflux to celiac disease or cancer.
This article discusses common diseases of the GI tract and when they might be considered serious.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
It reviews the risks of an untreated digestive condition and what to eat if you have a digestive problem.
Symptoms may vary from day to day or come and go.
Gastroenteritis sparked by a virus is called viral gastroenteritis.
Many viruses can be spread from person to person and cause infections.
Some common viruses that can cause gastroenteritis includenorovirus,rotavirus,adenovirus, andastrovirus.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually include:
Viral gastroenteritis tends to be acute, usually lasting less than a week.
Most people get better on their own without medical treatment.
However, more serious cases can lead to dehydration and may require medical treatment.
Norovirus can cause infections in people of all ages.
In this condition, the immune system reacts toglutenconsumed in foods or beverages.
Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye.
The main treatment for celiac disease is following agluten-free diet.
Celiac disease is more common in females than in males.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Constipation and diarrhea are common GI issues.
Both are often symptoms of other digestive system problems and can greatly impact quality of life.
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are reduced, and you have fewer than three a week.
Constipation in Children
Constipation is common in children.
Stools may be loose and watery.
In the United States, its estimated that about 12% of people have IBS.
However, symptoms can still greatly impact quality of life.
Researchers think there is overlap because the causes of these diseases and conditions are similar.
The two main conditions in IBD areCrohns diseaseandulcerative colitis (UC).
Both can cause damage to the lining of the digestive tract.
Symptoms of IBD include:
Colitis
Colitisis the inflammation of the colon.
Symptoms of colitis include:
Diverticular Disease
Diverticular diseaseincludes two conditionsdiverticulosis anddiverticulitis.
Diverticulosis is when small pouches, called diverticula, form in weak spots along the wall of the colon.
Usually, the diverticula do not cause symptoms.
Diverticula can bleed in some people and cause hematochezia (bright red blood passing through the rectum).
And sometimes, the diverticula can become inflamed/infected (diverticulitis).
Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
Diverticulosis is a fairly common condition in the United States.
However, less than 5% of people with diverticulosis go on to develop the more complicated diverticulitis.
Acid Reflux
Acid refluxis a common term forgastroesophagealreflux (GER).
GER is sometimes called heartburn, reflux, acid indigestion, and acid regurgitation.
GER happens when the stomach contents come back up into your esophagus (food pipe).
Many people experience GER now and then.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)is when GER symptoms become more chronic and severe.
In the United States, about 20% of people have GERD.
It is sometimes called peptic ulcer disease.
In the United States, its estimated that 1% to 6% of people have peptic ulcers.
Most polyps are not harmful or cancerous, but some may develop into cancer over time.
This is whycolonoscopiesare so important.
Removing polyps can help preventcolorectal cancer.
Most often, there are no symptoms of colon polyps.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitisis inflammation of the pancreas.
The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
It also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon that regulate sugar metabolism.
Common causes of acute pancreatitis includegallstonesand chronic alcohol consumption.
Other causes include medications, infections, trauma, tumors, and more.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis commonly include upper abdominal pain, which can be sudden and severe.
They are likely to need emergency medical attention.
Other symptoms can include:
When Is a Digestive System Disease Serious?
These conditions often improve on their own or with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
This will help you receive appropriate treatment, which is crucial to managing your symptoms and preventing complications.
Untreated digestive issues may worsen symptoms, which can greatly impact your quality of life.
Healthcare costs can also increase with more complicated conditions.
If you suspect you have a digestive disease, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
A healthcare provider can create a care plan best suited to treat your symptoms.
What you eat and what you avoid eating depend on which condition you have.
Discuss any modifications with a healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for your condition.
Dietary modifications can vary greatly depending on the condition that is being treated.
Knowing what to eat with a digestive condition will depend on the condition you have.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of celiac disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for celiac disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for constipation in children.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Overlapping conditions with IBS.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS in women.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of microscopic colitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What causes IBD.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Colitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for diverticular disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for GER & GERD.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Anal fissure.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Anal fistula.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for proctitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of proctitis.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Rectal prolapse.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for colon polyps.
