Stomach and intestine: common problems and diseases

Stomach and Intestine - Symptoms and Treatment | Recetas Medicas

The stomach and intestines form a central part of the digestive system and play an important role in our health. It is very common to experience various types of ailments related to the stomach and intestines. Symptoms can range from temporary and mild to long-lasting and more severe. Here you can read about some of the most common symptoms, complaints and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, what causes them and what you can do to feel better.

The gastrointestinal tract is important for health

The gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the anus and consists of several important parts, including the stomach and intestines. Along with other organs, such as the gallbladder and pancreas, they help break down the food we eat into nutrients that the body can absorb. A large part of our immune system also resides in the intestines, where it protects us against harmful microorganisms and helps maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria. The gastrointestinal tract also produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects our mood and well-being. Our gut health thus has a very big impact on both our physical and mental well-being.

Common stomach and intestinal problems

Many people experience some form of stomach upset during their lifetime. The complaints can vary from mild conditions such as a swollen stomach and gas to more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Here are some of the most common complaints:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Swollen stomach
• Cramps in the stomach
• Gases
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux

Most people experience these symptoms at some point in their lives. They are usually not signs of something serious and often go away on their own, or can be alleviated with small changes in everyday life or over-the-counter medications. If you have long-term symptoms or if your everyday life is negatively affected by the symptoms, you should contact your doctor to rule out underlying diseases.

Stomach and intestinal diseases

Gastrointestinal diseases include everything from common ailments that affect many people each year to more rare diagnoses that may require specialist care. Here are examples of diseases that can affect the stomach and intestines:

• Food poisoning: If you eat food or drink water that has been contaminated by harmful microorganisms, you can get food poisoning. Common symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and in some cases fever. You often get sick within a few hours of ingesting something bad.
• Stomach illness: Stomach illness, or stomach flu, is usually caused by a virus and causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache and sometimes fever and headache. Stomach disease is highly contagious.
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): IBS is a chronic condition that affects the function of the large intestine. You may have symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating and changes in stool consistency and frequency. The problems with IBS can often be alleviated with the help of dietary changes, stress management and in some cases medication.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause long-term inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can vary but usually include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. To manage these diseases, treatment may be needed in the form of medication, dietary adjustments and sometimes even surgical interventions.
• Gastric catarrh: Gastric catarrh is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach. You may experience symptoms such as heartburn, stomach ache, nausea and bloating. It can be caused by many different things such as stress, alcohol, smoking or certain medications. Treatment focuses mainly on lifestyle changes and sometimes medications that reduce stomach acid.
• Peptic ulcer: Peptic ulcer means that ulcers form on the lining of the stomach or duodenum and cause symptoms such as a burning pain in the stomach. The pain may come and go. Stomach ulcers are most often caused by a bacterium, but sometimes also by frequent use of certain medicines. Peptic ulcers can develop into a serious condition and should therefore always be treated.
• Food allergy: It is common to have problems related to intolerance or allergy to certain foods, where common allergens are lactose (milk sugar) and gluten (a protein in wheat, barley and rye). Symptoms can vary from stomach upset to skin rashes and breathing difficulties. Treatment usually involves completely avoiding the foods that cause the reaction.

Prevention and management of various stomach ailments

To prevent and manage various stomach problems, there are several things you can do yourself that contribute to better stomach health. Here are some general tips:

• Avoid foods that may cause irritation or gas formation, such as fatty, fried or strongly spiced foods.
• Increase fiber intake to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. However, certain types of fiber, such as legumes, can worsen symptoms in some people.
• Eat regularly to reduce the strain on the digestive system. Spread the food over at least three meals a day.
• Adjust the diet if necessary. If you notice that you react to certain foods, you can try excluding them for a period to see if it helps with your stomach upset.
• Make sure to drink enough water. It helps keep the digestive system running and prevents constipation.
• Regular exercise can help reduce stomach problems such as constipation, gas and bloating.

When should I seek care?

If you experience long-term problems with your stomach and self-care does not help, or if your problems affect your everyday life, you should contact the healthcare system. It is also important to be alert for signs that may indicate a more serious condition. Early detection and treatment can often prevent the condition from worsening. Seek emergency care if you or someone close to you shows signs of severe dehydration, has blood in the stool or very severe abdominal pain.