Gastrointestinal diseases
What are gastrointestinal diseases ?
Gastrointestinal diseases (abbrev. GI diseases or GI
illnesses) refer to diseases involving the gastrointestinal
tract, namely the esophagus, stomach, small
intestine, large intestine and rectum, and the accessory
organs of digestion, the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases, somewhere between
60 million and 70 million Americans suffer from
gastrointestinal problems, leading to nearly 250,000
deaths each year. These conditions are responsible for
close to 50 million hospital visits and 21.7 million hospital
admissions annually,
■There are two types: functional and structural.
What are functional gastrointestinal diseases?
Functional diseases are those in which the GI tract looks
normal when examined, but doesn't move properly. They
are the most common problems affecting the GI tract
(including the colon and rectum). Constipation, irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, food poisoning, gas,
bloating, GERD and diarrhea are common examples.
What are structural gastrointestinal diseases?
Structural gastrointestinal diseases are those where your
bowel looks abnormal upon examination and also doesn't
work properly. Sometimes, the structural abnormality
needs to be removed surgically. Common examples of
structural GI diseases include strictures, stenosis,
hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, colon polyps, colon
cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Causes and risk factors :
● Drinking less water
● Stress
● A low fiber diet
● Dairy foods
● Inactive lifestyle
● Aging
● Unhealthy lifestyle
● Obesity
● Smoking
● Excess alcohol consumption
● Genetic factors
● Taking certain drugs
●Change in the normal routine
The first sign of problems in the digestive tract
often includes one or more of the following
symptoms:
● Blood on or in the stool that is either bright or dark
● Bloating
● constipation
● Diarrhea
● Heartburn
● Incontinence
● Nausea and vomiting
● Pain in the belly
● Swallowing problems
● Weight gain or loss
Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Illnesses:
Because there are a multitude of diagnoses that fall under
GI illnesses, your medical team may ask you about your
symptoms and recent activities, among other things, to
help them make their diagnosis.
Patients may be referred to a gastroenterologist for
chronic disorders. Specialists may be able to help the
patient determine how to adjust their lifestyle, diet,
medications, or manage their ongoing symptoms. In cases
where serious underlying disorders are suspected by your
health care provider, immediate referral to the emergency
department may be necessary.
Treating a Gastrointestinal Disorder :
Though specific treatments vary depending on the
diagnosis, general care of stomach or digestive trouble
may include:
Resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
Following the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce
and toast – all of which are easy on the stomach and
beneficial in their own way. At the same time, avoid things
like dairy, grease and spices, as they can aggravate your
digestive system.
Taking over-the-counter medications to ease
symptoms (for example, laxatives for constipation).
Upon being examined by a medical provider, medications
could be prescribed to control symptoms such as nausea
to provide comfort and aid in the ability to rehydrate. When
appropriate,
anti-nausea medications and/or IV rehydration may be
administered.
Can gastrointestinal diseases be prevented?
Many diseases of the colon and rectum can be prevented
or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing
good bowel habits and getting screened for cancer.
A colonoscopy is recommended for average-risk patients
at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer
or polyps, a colonoscopy may be recommended at a
younger age. Typically, a colonoscopy is recommended
10 years younger than the affected family member. (For
example, if your brother was diagnosed with colorectal
cancer or polyps at age 45, you should begin screening at
age 35.)
Do’s
Don’ts
Drink plenty of liquids
Drink alcohol or smoke
Take rest
Be irregular with your
meal time
Take GI medications on
time
Eat spicy foods
Eat slowly and chew your Go to bed right after you
food properly
eat
Eat fiber-rich food
Consume the same type
of food every day
References:
‫‪Made by :‬‬
‫▪ أميرة محمود فهمي السباعي ‪١٠٠١٩٦‬‬
‫▪ خلود خالد مصطفي حامد ‪١٠٠٣٢٢‬‬
‫▪ دميانه مشمش شاكر أسطاورو ‪١٠٠٣٣٢‬‬
‫▪ إيمان محمد عاطف ابراهيم علي ‪١٠٠٢١٨‬‬
‫▪ أميرة هيثم شحات نصير ‪١٠٠١٩٨‬‬
‫▪ دعاء عادل عبد السيد السقا ‪١٠٠٣٣٠‬‬
‫▪ حنين محمد محمد السروي ‪١٠٠٣١٤‬‬
‫▪ دنيا امير عبد القادر محمد ‪١٠٠٣٣٣‬‬
‫▪ داليا محمد أنور محمد ‪١٠٠٣٢٧‬‬
‫▪ إيمان ايمن السيد احمد ساري ‪١٠٠٢٠٩‬‬